U.S. patent application number 14/175757 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for yoga towel and mat.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wendell Morris. Invention is credited to Wendell Morris.
Application Number | 20140242357 14/175757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51388446 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140242357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris; Wendell |
August 28, 2014 |
YOGA TOWEL AND MAT
Abstract
A yoga mat and towel exercising combination comprises a towel
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface
having a textured weave over at least a part thereof. A yoga mat is
provided and has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper
surface having a textured pattern thereon over at least a part
thereof. The textured weave on the lower surface of the towel and
the textured pattern on the upper surface of the yoga mat engage
with each other in a manner such that slippage or movement of the
towel relative to the yoga mat is reduced.
Inventors: |
Morris; Wendell; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Morris; Wendell |
Santa Monica |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51388446 |
Appl. No.: |
14/175757 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61769730 |
Feb 26, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/196 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
A63B 21/4037 20151001; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; Y10T 428/2481
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/196 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A yoga mat and towel exercising combination comprising: a towel
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface
having a textured weave over at least a part thereof; a yoga mat
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface
having a textured pattern thereon over at least a part thereof; and
the textured weave on the lower surface of the towel and the
textured pattern on the upper surface of the yoga mat engaging with
each other in a manner such that slippage or movement of the towel
relative to the yoga mat is reduced.
2. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the upper and lower surfaces of the towel have a textured
weave.
3. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein
the textured weave on the lower surface is configured so as to
reduce slippage with the yoga mat on which it is mounted, and the
textured weave of the upper surface is configured to reduce
slippage with the user on the towel.
4. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the textured weave on the lower surface of the towel comprises a
plurality of shaped areas, each shaped area having a series of
substantially parallel stitches extending across the shaped
area.
5. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 4 wherein
the shaped areas are generally diamond shaped areas.
6. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 5 wherein
the parallel stitches extend across the diamond shaped areas with
the longest stitches being approximately in the middle of the
diamond shaped area and increasingly shorter stitches laterally
thereof as the edge of the diamond shaped area is approached.
7. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 5 wherein
the parallel stitches comprise a series of stitches in the diamond
shaped area approximately the same length arranged into end with
each other along the length of the diamond shaped area.
8. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein
different diamond shaped areas or patches of diamond shaped areas
have parallel stitches extending in different orientations.
9. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 8 wherein
selected diamond shaped areas have stitches extending in a first
direction, while other selected diamond shaped areas stitches
extending in a second direction which is approximately normal to
the first direction.
10. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the textured pattern on the yoga mat comprises a plurality of
interlocking designs.
11. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein
the interlocking designs each define a recessed portion and a
protruding portion to impart to the surface a slightly roughened
textured configuration.
12. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein
the interlocking designs are of a honeycomb configuration each
being a six sided figure.
13. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 12 wherein
interlocking designs may be of larger and smaller honeycomb
configuration.
14. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein
the textured weave on the towel frictionally engages the textured
pattern on the mat to reduce slippage therebetween, the frictional
engagement being increased by a weight such as the body of a
user.
15. A yoga mat and towel combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the textured weave on the towel comprises substantially parallel
threads which have some flexibility to move relative to each other
to thereby engage with the textured pattern on the yoga mat.
16. A yoga towel for use on a yoga mat, the yoga towel comprising
an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface having a
textured weave over at least a part thereof, the textured weave
comprising small repeating areas of substantially parallel threads
which are able to frictionally engage with a surface on the yoga
mat.
17. A method for reducing relative movement between a yoga mat and
towel exercising combination, the method comprising: mounting on a
surface a yoga mat having an upper surface and a lower surface, the
upper surface having formed thereon a textured pattern thereon over
at least a part thereof; placing a towel on the yoga mat, the towel
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface
having formed thereon a textured weave over at least a part
thereof; and allowing the textured weave on the lower surface of
the towel and the textured pattern on the upper surface of the yoga
mat to engage with each other in a manner such that slippage or
movement of the towel relative to the yoga mat is reduced.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/769,730 filed Feb. 26, 2013, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a yoga towel and a yoga mat.
Further, the invention is for a yoga towel and yoga mat when used
in combination, providing a surface for the user thereof having a
certain benefits and advantages.
[0003] While the towel and mat in accordance with the invention are
particularly useful in so far as they relate to the practice of
yoga, the towel and mat, whether used independently of each other
or in combination, as will be described in more detail below, may
be appropriately used in the course of many other forms of
exercises or workouts. It is thus to be understood that the
invention is not limited to a towel and mat which apply only in the
context of yoga practice and exercises, but is much more
broad-based.
[0004] Yoga is an exercise and work out discipline which is common
in many parts of the world, and has many different forms, versions
and movements. In most instances, the yoga practitioner, also known
as the yogi, carries out different yoga forms on a flat surface or
floor. Many yogis may prefer to use some type of mat or cushioning
between the body and the floor surface for the sake of comfort, so
that the effect of hard surfaces will not interfere with, or cause
discomfort during, the yoga workout. Typical exercise mats may be
used and have been developed, and they usually consist of a cushion
or rubber mat having a sufficient thickness to provide the desired
comfort, based on the preferences of the user.
[0005] The present invention provides a yoga towel and a yoga mat,
which may be used individually, but have particular advantage when
used together, to provide not only a cushioning comfort for the
user, but also, due to their structure and configuration, to reduce
or prevent any slippage or sliding of the towel relative to the mat
during use.
[0006] One of the disadvantages of using a towel during exercise or
workout is that it tends to slip or slide on the surface on which
it is located, and it can be a nuisance to constantly move the
towel to place it back in its desired position. On the other hand,
the use of towels during exercise has significant advantages. One
of these is, of course, to absorb sweat produced by the user during
the exercise. A towel which has been used in this way can easily be
laundered or washed for future use by placing it in a conventional
washer and dryer along with other laundry. This is different to and
more convenient than the use of a mat used alone, which would
typically need to be wiped down with a cloth of some sort, which
itself would need to be either washed or discarded if
disposable.
[0007] The use of a towel during exercise, to form a barrier
between the person exercising and the surface, whether a mat or
other type of surface, is of course also beneficial in exercise or
yoga classes. Providing towels to users in gymnasiums holding
exercise or yoga classes helps to ensure that body sweat is
absorbed by the towel and is much less likely to contact the mat or
floor surfaces, which would then need to be cleaned on an ongoing
basis. With a towel, the user can simply remove the towel after the
exercise session and take it home for cleaning, if self owned, or
place it in a laundry bin where the yoga or exercise class is held
for laundering, rotation and reuse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a yoga mat and towel exercising combination comprising: a towel
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface
having a textured weave over at least a part thereof; a yoga mat
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface
having a textured pattern thereon over at least a part thereof; and
the textured weave on the lower surface of the towel and the
textured pattern on the upper surface of the yoga mat engaging with
each other in a manner such that slippage or movement of the towel
relative to the yoga mat is reduced.
[0009] In one embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the towel
have a textured weave. Preferably, the textured weave on the lower
surface is configured so as to reduce slippage with the yoga mat on
which it is mounted, and the textured weave of the upper surface is
configured to reduce slippage with the user on the towel. The
textured weave on the lower surface of the towel may comprise a
plurality of shaped areas, each shaped area having a series of
substantially parallel stitches extending across the shaped
area.
[0010] In one form of the invention, the shaped areas are generally
diamond shaped areas. Further, the parallel stitches may extend
across the diamond shaped areas with the longest stitches being
approximately in the middle of the diamond shaped area and
increasingly shorter stitches laterally thereof as the edge of the
diamond shaped area is approached. In yet another option, the
parallel stitches comprise a series of stitches in the diamond
shaped area approximately the same length arranged into end with
each other along the length of the diamond shaped area. Further,
different diamond shaped areas or patches of diamond shaped areas
may have parallel stitches extending in different orientations. In
yet a further embodiment, selected diamond shaped areas may have
stitches extending in a first direction, while other selected
diamond shaped areas stitches extending in a second direction which
is approximately normal to the first direction.
[0011] Preferably, the textured pattern on the yoga mat comprises a
plurality of interlocking designs. Further, the interlocking
designs may each define a recessed portion and a protruding portion
to impart to the surface a slightly roughened textured
configuration. In one form of the invention, the interlocking
designs are of a honeycomb configuration each being a six sided
figure. Interlocking designs may be of larger and smaller honeycomb
configuration.
[0012] Preferably, the textured weave on the towel frictionally
engages the textured pattern on the mat to reduce slippage
therebetween, the frictional engagement being increased by a weight
such as the body of a user.
[0013] Preferably, the textured weave on the towel comprises
substantially parallel threads which have some flexibility to move
relative to each other to thereby engage with the textured pattern
on the yoga mat.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a yoga towel for use on a yoga mat, the yoga towel
comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface
having a textured weave over at least a part thereof, the textured
weave comprising small repeating areas of substantially parallel
threads which are able to frictionally engage with a surface on the
yoga mat.
[0015] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for reducing relative movement between a yoga mat
and towel exercising combination, the method comprising: mounting
on a surface a yoga mat having an upper surface and a lower
surface, the upper surface having formed thereon a textured pattern
thereon over at least a part thereof; placing a towel on the yoga
mat, the towel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the
lower surface having formed thereon a textured weave over at least
a part thereof; and allowing the textured weave on the lower
surface of the towel and the textured pattern on the upper surface
of the yoga mat to engage with each other in a manner such that
slippage or movement of the towel relative to the yoga mat is
reduced.
[0016] The present invention, in one aspect thereof, therefore
provides a mechanism whereby a towel can be used on a surface, such
as a mat, in a manner which will reduce or eliminate the amount of
slippage or movement therebetween, so as to take advantage of the
benefits of a towel as outlined above, while at the same time
address the downside of towel usage by making it more secure and
stable on the mat to control relative movement between them.
[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a towel for use in an exercising context, the towel having a thread
or weave at least a portion of which comprises a plurality of
substantially parallel threads configured so as to provide enhanced
frictional contact with a textured surface upon which it may be
located.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an exercise mat having upper and lower surfaces, wherein
at least the upper surface has a textured configuration designed to
enhance frictional engagement with an object such as a towel which
may be placed upon the upper surface of the mat.
[0019] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an exercise mat and towel combination, the exercise mat
having upper and lower surfaces wherein the upper surface has a
textured configuration, the towel having a thread or weave
comprising at least in part a plurality of substantially parallel
threads, wherein the textured configuration of the mat and the
parallel threads formed on the towel together engage one another
and provide an interface to reduce or eliminate any sliding or
slippage between the towel and the mat.
[0020] A towel and mat combination in accordance with the
invention, wherein there is increased frictional contact between
the two, is also advantageous in that the sliding or slippage is
likely to be reduced even more when the weight of a person is on
the towel, since the textured surface of the mat and the weave of
the towel will be forced into closer contact with each other,
enhancing their ability to reduce or eliminate relative slippage to
a greater extent due to the effect of the weight of the person.
[0021] In one form of the invention, the device or method comprises
a mat and the use thereof which is of rubberized or cushioned
material having an upper surface and a lower surface with side
edges. At least one surface, preferably the upper surface, is not
smooth, but is textured and, in one embodiment, comprises a
plurality of interlocking designs. These designs may be, for
example, six sided figures so as to provide a honeycomb type
effect. The size of these honeycomb designs may comprise anything
between very small six sided figures to a much larger six sided
figures, or combination thereof.
[0022] Preferably, both the upper and lower surfaces of the mat are
textured in some way. In one form of the invention, the texture or
designs giving rise thereto on the upper surface may be different
or vary from that on the lower surface of the mat. Furthermore, it
is also within the scope of the invention that any one surface,
such as the upper or lower surface, may have more than one textured
configuration or design thereon, and the different configurations
may be strategically placed on either of the surfaces of the mat to
enhance the ability of the mat to better engage a towel located
thereon in order to prevent sliding or slippage.
[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the mat is of ovoid
shape. However, the mat may indeed be of any desired shape, and the
shape may be tailored to the type of exercise or yoga movements for
which it is used. Circular, square, rectangular and other shaped
mats should all be considered to fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] The towel of the invention is constructed so as to have, in
one embodiment, a diamond shape weave with a series of parallel
stitches which may be of varying lengths within the diamond shape.
For example, there may be five or more substantially parallel
stitches contained within the diamond ranging from longer stitches
running through the center of the diamond to shorter stitches as
these stitches approach the sides of the diamond. Preferably, the
stitches are formed in a fairly tight weave.
[0025] In one aspect of the invention, portions of the towel may be
woven such that the stitch is in one direction, while other
portions of the towel may be woven such that the stitch is in
another direction. A good combination of such stitches may be an
appropriately placed selection of vertically oriented and
horizontally oriented stitches. Such stitches would, as will be
described in further detail, engage with a surface such as a mat so
that the towel has reduced or eliminated slippage in two planes. In
other words, such stitching would help reduce the movement of the
towel in the forward and backward direction with one oriented
stitch, and in the side to side or lateral direction with the other
oriented stitch.
[0026] It is, however, within the scope of the present invention to
configure a towel with stitches in a plurality of different
orientations including those other than vertical and horizontal.
Furthermore, the first and second surfaces, or opposite surfaces,
of the towel may be differently woven to meet different objectives.
For example, a first or lower surface of the towel may be woven
having stitches as described above so as to provide an enhanced
engagement with a mat on which it is mounted, while a second or
upper surface may be woven with stitches which are designed to
better respond to contact with body parts or clothing which the
user might be wearing, and to reduce or eliminate sliding between
the exerciser or yogi and the towel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a towel in accordance
with one aspect of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a detail showing the weave on the towel in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a detail showing the weave on the towel in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a top view of a mat in accordance with one aspect
of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a mat in accordance with one
aspect of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 is an end view of a mat in accordance with one aspect
of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a mat in accordance with
one aspect of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a mat in accordance
with one aspect of the invention; and
[0036] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation showing a detail of the
surface of the mat engaging the surface of the towel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which
show various aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In
this regard, it should be noted that the invention is for an
exercise or yoga mat having a textured upper surface for improved
gripping properties, a towel having a thread or weave which
facilitates increased frictional engagement with another object in
contact with the towel, as well as a combination of a mat and towel
of the type described above whereby the towel has reduced slippage
over the surface of the mat as a result of their respectively
configured surfaces.
[0038] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which shows
a towel 12 having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a
peripheral edge 18. The towel 12 shown in this embodiment is
generally of rectangular shape, but may be of any shape as best
suited in the circumstances. The upper surface 14 of the towel 12
has a generally diamond shaped weave. A slightly elevated weave
section 22 is bordered by channels or recesses 24, or even raised
thread on the surface, which separate each weave section 22 from
its adjacent weave section 22.
[0039] Each weave section 22 is comprised of a series of
substantially parallel stitches 26 which are right up against each
other. See FIG. 2 which shows a detail of this according to one
embodiment of the invention. As will be seen in this figure, the
stitches are longer in the center of the diamond shape, as they
extend across the entire weave section, and are somewhat shorter as
they approach the side or edge of the diamond shape. In one
embodiment, the stitches are constructed so that they are generally
adjacent each other and abut against each other. However, although
fairly tightly woven, each stitch will have some limited
flexibility in that it may move laterally to a small extent, and
thereby create a small space between adjacent stitches.
[0040] FIG. 3 of the drawings shows a another embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, each weave section will not have a
single stitch that stretches across the entire weave section, but
comprises a series of smaller stitches. Each of the stitches,
however, will be in the same general direction as other stitches
within the weave section so that the overall effect of the
plurality of stitches 26 is more or less the same as that described
above, and wherein the flexibility of the stitch may allow a degree
of lateral movement thereof. The import of this arrangement will be
described in further detail below.
[0041] Even though the embodiments illustrated in this application
show a weave section 22 which is a generally diamond shape, the
invention is not limited thereto. The stitches 26 may be arranged
so as to form weave sections 22 of other shapes, such as square,
circular, hexagonal or rectangular, or they may be generally placed
across the towel 12 without necessarily creating any specific weave
section 22 at all.
[0042] FIGS. 4 to 8 in the drawings show various views of a yoga or
exercise mat 40 in accordance with the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows the upper surface 42 of the mat 40, while FIG.
5 shows the lower surface 44 of the mat 40. FIG. 6 is an end view
(which would of course be substantially similar to a side view) in
which can be seen both the upper 42 and lower 44 surfaces.
[0044] With reference to the upper surface 42 of the mat 40, this
surface is textured so as to provide a non-smooth or somewhat rough
feel. The upper surface 42 comprises a plurality of six sided
projections 46 which extend out just slightly from the surface to
provide a honeycomb type effect. The sides of the projections 46
are surrounded by a small channel or recess 48, so that running the
finger over the surface reveals a somewhat roughened characteristic
imparted by the textured construction of the upper surface 42.
[0045] The lower surface 44 has a slightly different configuration,
but is also generally comprised of a series of interlocking
projections 52, also six sided, surrounded by a channel or recess
54.
[0046] The configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings are
exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. It should be understood that a surface of many different
types of configuration may be provided, as long as there is some
type of texture formed as a result of surface components which are
slightly elevated, and other surface components which are slightly
recessed relative thereto. This creates the overall effect of the
roughened textured surface, suitable in the context of the
invention for providing a mat which is able to reduce or eliminate
slippage, both with respect to a towel which may be placed on the
mat, as well as with a person either directly in contact with the
skin or through the medium of the clothing worn by the person.
[0047] When the towel 12 and mat 40 are used in combination, the
selected woven surface of the towel 12 together with the roughened
textured surface of the mat 14 combine together in a manner which
helps create a nonslip work surface and prevents or reduces
relative movement therebetween. Therefore, the advantage of using a
towel, which can absorb sweat and be easily washed after each
usage, is offered together with the comfort of the mat, which
provides some cushioning and relief for the user against hard floor
surfaces. In addition, it largely obviates the need to routinely
clean the mat surface, and also does not expose the person to the
mat surface which may have become slippery due to wetness from the
sweat of the user. Many users may also feel more comfortable not
directly exercising on a surface which has been used by many
others.
[0048] The woven surface of the towel 12 and the textured surface
of the mat 40 interengage with each other so that the stitches of
the towel tend to gain some traction in the recesses or spaces
between the projections on the upper surface of the mat. In
practice, some of the individual stitches may at least become
partially lodged within a channel or recess 48 on the upper surface
of the mat. Further, some of the projections 46 on the upper
surface of the mat may become at least partially lodged between two
adjacent stitches on the towel, which may be forced slightly apart
under the force and pressure thereof. Although any individual such
connection or engagement between the stitches and the projections
respectively do not necessarily provide much anti-slip effect,
these engagements are occurring in a large number of areas and
points so that the cumulative effect of all of these small
connections is to provide multiple interengaging surfaces which are
less likely to slide or move relative to each other.
[0049] It should also be appreciated that the downward force
provided by the exerciser or person doing the yoga routine may
enhance the connection since the weight of the person will tend to
have the effect of not only increasing the number of connections,
but also strengthen any connections which may be formed or already
exist.
[0050] FIG. 9 of the drawings is a schematic representation which
shows adjacent stitches which may be either parted slightly to
receive at least some of a projection 46, or where the stitches 26
are received within the channel 48 of the upper surface of the
mat.
[0051] Many different variations may be possible within the scope
of the invention. Generally, the towel of the invention has a woven
surface configured so that some resistance to movement of the
surface is increased in certain directions. The woven surface may
be such that these directions of increased resistance vary over the
surface of the towel from one location to another.
[0052] The invention is also for a mat with a textured surface
having slight elevations and recesses therebetween providing a
roughened effect and some resistance.
[0053] The invention is also for the towel and mat combination
whose woven surface and textured surface respectively are
configured so as to interengage with one another when in contact so
as to reduce or substantially eliminate sliding or movement between
them.
[0054] The towel may be made of cotton, synthetic fiber or
microfiber, and the material is preferably chosen so as to have
good absorbent properties. Further, the towel may have pockets
which may be closable for containing small objects, for the
convenience of the user. The towel may also be thicker, harder or
softer at different places, according to the nature of the usage
and in order to provide optimal comfort to the user. The towel may
also have a strap or other mechanism so that it may be rolled up
and closed for easy storage and transportation. A dedicated bag for
containing the towel when not in use may also be provided.
[0055] The mat itself may be comprised of any suitable material,
such as rubber, plastic, foam, to provide some examples only. A mat
may be comprised of more than one material, such as an inner
cushion surrounded by a sleeve enclosure, or it may be a solid
single material mat. The mat may also have straps or other devices
by means of which it can be rolled, folded or otherwise collapsed
in order that it may be conveniently transported and stored.
[0056] Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples
shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on
the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of
the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of
method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those
acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish
the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in
connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from
a similar role in other embodiments.
[0057] As used herein, "plurality" means two or more. As used
herein, a "set" of items may include one or more of such items. As
used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the
terms "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having",
"containing", "involving", and the like are to be understood to be
open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the
transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially
of", respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases
with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as "first",
"second", "third", etc., in the claims to modify a claim element
does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of
one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts
of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to
distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another
element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to
distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, "and/or" means that
the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also
include any combination of the listed items.
* * * * *