U.S. patent application number 14/566339 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for game table system.
The applicant listed for this patent is James S. Miller. Invention is credited to James S. Miller.
Application Number | 20150283453 14/566339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53365611 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150283453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; James S. |
October 8, 2015 |
GAME TABLE SYSTEM
Abstract
A game table system equipped with a means of collecting and
sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin features a table
having a platform located atop a plurality of legs. The system
features a player game surface located on the platform top surface.
The system features a trash opening providing access to trash bins
that extend downwardly toward the ground surface. A discard slot is
positioned at or near each player game surface. The system features
a shredding system having a rotating blade located close to the
discard slot.
Inventors: |
Miller; James S.; (Tucson,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; James S. |
Tucson |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53365611 |
Appl. No.: |
14/566339 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61915318 |
Dec 12, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00261 20130101;
A63F 3/00895 20130101; A63F 3/062 20130101; A63F 2003/00974
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting
and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin, wherein the
system (100) comprises: (a) a platform (110) disposed atop a
plurality of legs (120), wherein the platform (110) comprises a
platform first side (111), a platform second side (112), and a
platform top surface (115); (b) a plurality of player game surfaces
(130) disposed on the platform top surface (115); (c) a raised
platform (140) disposed atop the platform top surface (115),
wherein the raised platform (140) is linearly disposed between the
platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112),
wherein the raised platform has a top face (300), a first side face
(302) and a second side face (304); (d) a trash opening (144)
providing access to a trash bin (160) that extends downwardly
toward the ground surface, wherein the trash opening (144) disposed
on the top face (300) of the raised platform (140); and (e) a
discard slot (132) positioned at or near each player game surface
(130), wherein the discard slot is disposed on the first side face
(302) or second side face (304); wherein a game is played at the
game table system (100), wherein a playing card is used on the
player game surface (130) via a player, wherein trash is discarded
in the trash opening (144) to the trash bin (160) via the player,
wherein upon completion of the game, the playing card is inserted
into the discard slot (132) via the player, wherein the playing
card is disposed in a playing card bag.
2. The system (100) of claim 1 further comprising a shredding
system (170) having a rotating blade (171) disposed proximal to the
discard slot (132) and below the discard slot (132) as to catch and
shred the playing card that is deposited into the discard slot
(132) and fall onto the rotating blade (171), wherein the rotating
blade (171) is operatively connected to a motor which is connected
to a power supply, wherein the rotating blade (171) operates within
a shredding chamber (172), wherein a removable scrap collection bin
(180) is removably disposed at a bottom of the shredding chamber
(172), wherein the shredding system (170) is disposed within the
raised platform (140); wherein the rotating blade (171) rotates
about an axis (400) that is vertical to the top face (300) of the
raised platform (140).
3. The system (100) of claim 1 further comprising a shredding
system (170) disposed proximal to the discard slot (132) and below
the discard slot (132) as to catch and shred the playing card that
is deposited into the discard slot (132) and fall onto the rotating
blade (171), wherein the shredding system (170) is operatively
connected to a power supply, wherein a removable scrap collection
bin (180) is removably disposed at a bottom of the shredding
chamber (172), the shredding system (170) is disposed within the
raised platform (140);
4. The system (100) of claim 2, wherein the scrap collection bin
(180) is slidably disposed on tracks (185), wherein a first sliding
track (185) is disposed on a side of the scrap collection bin
(180), wherein a second sliding track is disposed on an opposing
side of the scrap collection bin (180), wherein the scrap
collection bin (180) is disposed mid-point (113) between the
platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112),
wherein the scrap collection bin (180) slides to the platform first
side (111) or the platform second side (112) for scrap removal,
wherein a first handle (186) is disposed on a bin first side (181)
and a second handle (186) is disposed on an opposing bin second
side (182).
5. The system (100) of claim 1, comprising one trash opening (144)
and one trash bin (160).
6. The system (100) of claim 1, comprising two trash openings (144)
and two trash bins (160).
7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash bins (160) are
removable for emptying as needed.
8. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash openings (144)
are disposed in the platform (110).
9. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash openings (144)
are disposed in the raised platform (140).
10. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a call button
(150) positioned near each player game surface (130), wherein the
call button (150) is operatively connected to and used to activate
an alert mechanism (190).
11. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the alert mechanism (190)
is an indicator light, wherein the indicator light is disposed in
the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).
12. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the call button (150) is
disposed in the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).
13. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a charging port
(192) positioned near each player game surface (130), wherein the
charging port (192) is operatively connected to a power supply.
14. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the discard slot (132) is
disposed in the raised platform (140).
15. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the platform (110)
comprises a platform thickness between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch.
16. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a table frame
supporting the table via structural members.
17. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the system (100) further
comprises a new card storage and dispensing system (194) disposed
on a bottom surface of the platform (110).
18. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the scrap collection bin
(180) is a woven bag, wherein the scrap collection bin (180) allows
air to pass through the weave while capturing shredded playing card
remnants therein.
19. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the system (100) further
comprises an adjustable positioning bracket (196) adapted to fit a
touch screen portable electronic gaming unit disposed thereon.
20. A game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting
and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin, wherein the
system (100) comprises: (a) a platform (110) disposed atop a
plurality of legs (120), wherein the platform (110) comprises a
platform first side (111), a platform second side (112), and a
platform top surface (115); (b) a player game surface (130)
disposed on the platform top surface (115); (c) a trash opening
(144) providing access to a trash bin (160); (d) a discard slot
(132) positioned at or near the player game surface (130); and (e)
a shredding system (170) disposed proximal to the discard slot
(132); wherein a game is played at the game table system (100),
wherein trash is discarded in the trash opening (144) to the trash
bin (160) via the player, wherein upon completion of the game, any
disposable playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) to
the shredding system (170) via the player, wherein the playing card
is shredded and disposed in a shredded playing card bag,
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
No. 61/915,318, filed Dec. 12, 2013, the specification(s) of which
is/are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to game tables and game table
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bingo games often require the use of paper bingo cards and
paper markers for the cards. At the end of the games, the paper
scraps often go into the trash along with other types of liquid and
solid debris. The present invention features a game table system
equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in
a scrap collection bin that can then be recycled.
[0004] Any feature or combination of features described herein are
included within the scope of the present invention provided that
the features included in any such combination are not mutually
inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this
specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the
art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are
apparent in the following detailed description and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention features a game table system equipped
with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap
collection bin. In some embodiments, the system comprises a table
having a platform located atop a plurality of legs. In some
embodiments, the platform comprises a first side, a second side, a
top surface, and a bottom surface.
[0006] In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of
player game surfaces located on the platform top surface.
[0007] In some embodiments, the system comprises a raised platform
located atop the platform top surface. In some embodiments, the
raised platform is linearly located between the platform first side
and the platform second side.
[0008] In some embodiments, the system comprises a trash opening
providing access to trash bins that extend downwardly toward the
ground surface.
[0009] In some embodiments, the system comprises a discard slot
positioned at or near each player game surface. In some
embodiments, the discard slot may be on a surface that is bulged
away inwardly or outwardly from the side face. Alternatively, the
discard slot may be at a surface that is flat with the side face.
The slot is a slit or has a slit opening that allows for a snug
insertion of thin discarded papers.
[0010] In some embodiments, the system comprises a shredding
system. Any standard shredding system may be used in accordance
with the present invention. In some embodiments, the shredding
system comprises a rotating blade located close to the discard
slot. In some embodiments, the rotating blade is operatively
connected to a motor which is connected to a power supply.
[0011] In some embodiments, a game is played at the table. In some
embodiments, a playing card is used on the player game surface via
a player. In some embodiments, trash is discarded in the trash
opening to the trash bin via the player. In some embodiments, upon
completion of the game, the playing card is inserted into the
discard slot to the shredding system via the player. In some
embodiments, the playing card is shredded and located in a shredded
playing card bag via the rotating blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention further
showing the shredding system.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
as noted in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
as noted in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into
the slot and falls directly into the recycling collection bin, and
there is no raised platform, and the slot is on the platform top
surface.
[0020] FIG. 9A shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into the
slot, and the raised platform is intermittent, and the slot is on
the platform top surface.
[0021] FIG. 9B shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into the
slot, and the raised platform is intermittent, and the slot a wide
rectangular aperture on the platform top surface.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Following is a list of elements corresponding to a
particular element referred to herein: [0023] 100 Game table system
[0024] 110 Platform [0025] 111 Platform first side [0026] 112
Platform second side [0027] 113 Mid-point [0028] 115 Platform top
surface [0029] 120 Leg [0030] 130 Player game surface [0031] 132
Discard slot [0032] 140 Raised platform [0033] 144 Trash opening
[0034] 150 Call button [0035] 160 Trash bin [0036] 170 Shredding
system [0037] 171 Rotating blade [0038] 172 Shredding chamber
[0039] 180 Scrap collection bin [0040] 181 Bin first side [0041]
182 Bin second side [0042] 185 Track [0043] 186 Handle [0044] 190
Alert mechanism [0045] 192 Charging port [0046] 194 New card
storage and dispensing system [0047] 196 Adjustable positioning
bracket [0048] 300 Top face [0049] 302 First side face [0050] 304
Second side face [0051] 400 Axis [0052] 500 Flat surface
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1-9B, the present invention features a
game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting and
sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin. In some
embodiments, the system (100) comprises a platform (110) located
atop a plurality of legs (120). In some embodiments, the platform
(110) comprises a platform first side (111), a platform second side
(112), and a platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the
platform (110) atop the plurality of legs (120) resembles a Bingo
table. In some embodiments, the platform (110) atop the plurality
of legs (120) is collapsible. In some embodiments, the platform
(110) atop the plurality of legs (120) folds for storage and
portablility.
[0054] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a plurality
of player game surfaces (130) located on the platform top surface
(115). In some embodiments, the player game surfaces (130) are
planar. In some embodiments, the player game surfaces (130) are
parallel with a ground surface. In some embodiments, the player
game surfaces (130) are at an angle with respect to the platform
(110).
[0055] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a raised
platform (140) located atop the platform top surface (115). In some
embodiments, the raised platform (140) is linearly located between
the platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112).
The raised platform (140) may serve to separate the player game
surfaces (130). The raised platform (140) may serve to prevent
other players across the platform (110) from viewing a particular
player's game items (e.g., card, etc.). In some embodiments, the
raised platform (140) comprises a raised platform first side, a
raised platform second side, a raised platform top surface, and a
raised platform inner cavity.
[0056] In some embodiments, the system (100) does not comprise a
raised platform (140) located atop the platform top surface (115),
rather the platform top surface (115) is flat from the platform
first side (111) to the platform second side (112). In some
embodiments, any or all of the following of the player game surface
(130), the discard slot (132), the trash opening (144), the call
button (150), the alert mechanism (190), the charging port (192)
and the adjustable positioning bracket (196) are located directly
on the platform top surface (115).
[0057] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a trash
opening (144) providing access to a trash bin (160) that extends
downwardly toward the ground surface.
[0058] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a discard
slot (132) positioned at or near each player game surface
(130).
[0059] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a shredding
system (170) having a rotating blade (171) located close to the
discard slot (132). In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171)
is located away from the discard slot (132), for example, below the
platform (110). In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) is
operatively connected to a power supply and an activation sensor.
In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) operates within a
shredding chamber (172) upon a signal from the activation sensor
from insertion of a playing card.
[0060] In some embodiments, a removable scrap collection bin (180)
is removably located at a bottom of the shredding chamber (172). In
some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin (180) is
slidably located on tracks (185). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there
is a sliding track (185) on each side of the collection bin (180).
In some embodiments, the tracks (185) are affixed to a bottom
surface of the platform (110). In some embodiments, the collection
bin (180) is located mid-point (113) between the opposite table
edges where a first player sits on one side of the table and
another player sits on the other side of the table facing the first
player. In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) can
slide to either side of the platform (110), for example, the
platform first side (111) or the platform second side (112).
[0061] In some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin
(180) comprises a handle located thereon. In some embodiments, the
removable scrap collection bin (180) comprises a first handle (186)
located on a first side (181) and a second handle (186) located on
an opposing second side (182) thereon. In some embodiments, the
removable scrap collection bin (180) comprises a disposable bag
located therein. In some embodiments, upon completion of the game,
the playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) to the
shredding system (170) via the player. In some embodiments, the
playing card is shredded and collected in a shredded playing card
bag via the rotating blade (171). In some embodiments, the
shredding system (170) comprises noise insulation disposed there
around.
[0062] In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises a
plurality of blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171)
comprises two blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171)
comprises three blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade
(171) comprises four or more blades. In some embodiments, the
rotating blade (171) comprises a stack of blades.
[0063] In some embodiments, a game is played at the game table
system (100). In some embodiments, the game is Bingo. In some
embodiments, a playing card is used on the player game surface
(130) via a player. In some embodiments, trash is discarded in the
trash opening (144) to the trash bin (160) via the player. In some
embodiments, upon completion of the game, the playing card is
inserted into the discard slot (132) to the shredding system (170)
via the player. In some embodiments, the playing card is shredded
and collected in a shredded playing card bag via the rotating blade
(171).
[0064] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises two player
game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, one next to the
platform first side (111) and the other next to the platform second
side (112).
[0065] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises four player
game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, two next to the
platform first side (111) and the other two next to the platform
second side (112).
[0066] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises six player
game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, three next to
the platform first side (111) and the other three next to the
platform second side (112).
[0067] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises one trash
opening (144) and one trash bin (160).
[0068] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises two trash
openings (144) and two trash bins (160).
[0069] In some embodiments, the trash bins (160) are removable for
emptying as needed.
[0070] In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in
the platform (110). In some embodiments, the trash openings (144)
are located in the platform top surface (115).
[0071] In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in
the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the trash openings
(144) are located in the raised platform top surface.
[0072] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a call
button (150) positioned near each player game surface (130). In
some embodiments, the call button (150) is operatively connected to
and used to activate an alert mechanism (190). In some embodiments,
the call button (150) may be used to alert other individuals that
the player needs attention or has won the game. For example, if the
players are playing Bingo, the winner may use the call button (150)
to alert the others that he/she has Bingo. In some embodiments, the
alert mechanism (190) may be a speaker adapted to emit a sound when
activated by the call button (150).
[0073] In some embodiments, the call button (150) sends a wireless
signal to a remote receiver. In some embodiments, the call button
(150) sends a wireless signal to activate an alert mechanism (190).
In some embodiments, a plurality of call buttons (150) each send a
wireless signal to a single remote receiver from a plurality of
game table systems (100) for notifying a remote person of a
condition.
[0074] In some embodiments, the alert mechanism (190) is an
indicator light. In some embodiments, the indicator light is
located in the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140). In
some embodiments, the indicator light projects upward, out and away
from the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).
[0075] In some embodiments, the call button (150) is located in the
platform (110).
[0076] In some embodiments, the call button (150) is located in the
raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the system (100)
comprises a plurality of call buttons (150) used for a variety of
purposes, for example, to order food, to request assistance, to
indicate a problem, etc.
[0077] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a charging
port (192) positioned near each player game surface (130). In some
embodiments, the charging port (192) is operatively connected to a
power supply. In some embodiments, the charging port (192) is a
universal serial bus port.
[0078] In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is located in
the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the discard slot
(132) is located in the raised platform (140) on the raised
platform first side or the raised platform second side.
[0079] In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform
thickness between 1/4 inch and % inch. In some embodiments, the
platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of 1/4 inch. In some
embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of
1/2 inch. In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a
platform thickness of 3/4 inch. In some embodiments, the platform
(110) comprises a platform thickness of suitable strength for the
use of the platform (110) while having the least amount of
weight.
[0080] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a table
frame supporting the table via structural members. In some
embodiments, the system (100) comprises a table frame supporting
the platform (110). In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises
a table frame supporting the raised platform (140). In some
embodiments, the table frame is constructed from tubing or
angle.
[0081] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a new card
storage and dispensing system (194) located on a bottom surface of
the platform (110). In some embodiments, the new card storage and
dispensing system (194) comprises a storage compartment and a new
card dispensing slot. In some embodiments, the new card storage and
dispensing system (194) comprises a drawer.
[0082] In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) is a
woven bag. In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180)
allows air to pass through the weave while capturing shredded
playing card remnants therein. In some embodiments, the scrap
collection bin (180) is constructed of plastic or metal.
[0083] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises an
adjustable positioning bracket (196) adapted to fit a touch screen
portable electronic gaming unit located thereon. In some
embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is spring
biased to be easily positionable, yet maintain the desired
position. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket
(196) is detachably removable from the platform (110). In some
embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is
positionable in an upward manner, or a side to side manner, or an
in and out manner. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning
bracket (196) comprises a scissor action. In some embodiments, the
adjustable positioning bracket (196) is fully rotational. In some
embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) comprises a
tent, or an a-frame shape. In some embodiments, the adjustable
positioning bracket (196) is affixed to the platform top surface
(115). In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket
(196) is affixed to the raised platform (140). In some embodiments,
the positioning bracket (196) is not adjustable.
[0084] In some embodiments, the system (100) is adapted for use
with a touch screen portable electronic gaming unit, for example,
the PhD.TM.--Portable Handheld Electronic device by Planet
Bingo.
[0085] Alternate Embodiment Featuring a Vacuum System
[0086] In some embodiments, the shredding system (170) comprises a
vacuum system. In some embodiments, a vacuum line may be configured
in various shapes so as to reach all of the discard slots (132). In
some embodiments, the vacuum line branches out from a suction
vacuum and scrap collection bin (180) down two channels to reach
the discard slots of the player game surfaces (130) on both the
platform first side (111) and platform second side (112).
[0087] In some embodiments, paper that is inserted through the
discard slots (132) drops into the vacuum line. In some
embodiments, when the suction vacuum is activated, the suction
vacuum draws the paper from the vacuum line into the scrap
collection bin (180). In some embodiments, the collection bin (180)
can be removed from the vacuum line to be emptied as needed.
[0088] In some embodiments, catch bowls (e.g., dips in the surface
of the vacuum line) are located in the vacuum line directly under
each discard slot (132). In some embodiments, the catch bowl is
designed to collect heavy items that may have inadvertently fallen
through the discard slot (132). In some embodiments, for example,
if a player's wedding band slipped through the discard slot (132),
the band would fall down and into the catch bowl.
[0089] In some embodiments, a trap door is located in the catch
bowl. In some embodiments, the trap door may be pivotally attached
in the catch bowl, e.g., via a hinge, and secured in the closed
position via a tab.
[0090] In some embodiments, when an item opens the trap door and
falls into the catch bowl, the trap door slowly closes from the
open position back to the closed position.
[0091] In some embodiments, the legs (120) are arranged in any
appropriate position.
[0092] In some embodiments, the suction vacuum is well insulated as
to reduce the vacuum noise. In some embodiments, the vacuum line is
well insulated as to reduce the vacuum noise.
[0093] In some embodiments, the game table system is free of the
shredder system.
[0094] In some embodiments, the raised platform (140) is
incrementally located on the platform (110). In some embodiments,
the trash openings (144) are located on the top face of the raised
platform (300) and the discard slots (132) are located on the
platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the discard slot
(132) is curved. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is
straight. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is
rectangular. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is an
aperture. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) may be at a
surface that is flat (500) with the side face. In some embodiments,
the discard slot (132) is on the first side face (302) or the
second side face (304) of the raised platform (140). In some
embodiments, the discard slot (132) is on the top face (300) of the
raised platform (140).
[0095] In some embodiments, the first side face (302) of the raised
platform (140) is a flat surface (500). In some embodiments, the
second side face (304) of the raised platform (140) is a flat
surface (500). In some embodiments, the first side face (302) of
the raised platform (140) is generally planar having curved bulges
at the shredding system. In some embodiments, the second side face
(304) of the raised platform (140) is generally planar having
curved bulges at the shredding system.
[0096] As used herein, the term "about" refers to plus or minus 10%
of the referenced number.
[0097] Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those
described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited
in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0098] Although there has been shown and described the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto
which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore,
the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following
claims. Reference numbers recited in the claims are exemplary and
for ease of review by the patent office only, and are not limiting
in any way. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this
patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios
of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are
representative only and the claims are not limited by the
dimensions of the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the
inventions described herein using the phrase "comprising" includes
embodiments that could be described as "consisting of", and as such
the written description requirement for claiming one or more
embodiments of the present invention using the phrase "consisting
of" is met.
[0099] The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely
for ease of examination of this patent application, and are
exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of
the claims to the particular features having the corresponding
reference numbers in the drawings.
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