U.S. patent application number 16/431611 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for applicator cap with interconnect feature.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'Oreal. The applicant listed for this patent is L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Kyoo Jin Park.
Application Number | 20200383457 16/431611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004127940 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200383457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Kyoo Jin |
December 10, 2020 |
APPLICATOR CAP WITH INTERCONNECT FEATURE
Abstract
A cosmetic formula applicator configured for use with a handle
for improved ergonomics and to aid in application by a user. In
general, examples of the applicators described herein include a cap
for coupling the applicator to a bottle. The cap includes a cavity
configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the handle
therein. The cap includes a retainer associated with the cavity to
interface with the protrusion to create a releasable connection
requiring a larger separation force to release than without the
retainer. The applicator may include a data storage device
configured to communicate information to a sensor positioned in the
handle.
Inventors: |
Park; Kyoo Jin; (Clark,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'Oreal |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'Oreal
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
1000004127940 |
Appl. No.: |
16/431611 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1046 20130101;
A46B 9/021 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101; A46B 5/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 9/02 20060101 A46B009/02; A46B 5/02 20060101
A46B005/02 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic formula, the applicator
comprising: a first end of the applicator configured to retain an
amount of the cosmetic formula for application; a cap positioned at
a second end of the applicator opposite the first end, the cap
having a coupling portion configured to releasably couple the
applicator to a bottle of cosmetic formula, and a cavity extending
at least partially into the cap and configured to receive a
corresponding protrusion therein; and a retainer associated with
the cavity, the retainer configured to interface with the
protrusion to create a releasable connection requiring a larger
separation force to release than without the retainer.
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the retainer includes a
magnet positioned adjacent to the cavity, the magnet configured to
magnetically interface with a magnet positioned in the protrusion
for creating the releasable connection.
3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the retainer is selected from
the group consisting of a magnet, threads, press fit, snap fit,
clearance fit, and combinations thereof, the retainer configured to
cooperatingly interface with the protrusion for creating the
releasable connection.
4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the application end has a
plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of
the cosmetic formula for application.
5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a non-circular
cross section configured to fix the applicator from rotating about
a central axis of the elongate stem with respect to the protrusion
when the applicator is releasably connected to the protrusion.
6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a data
storage device configured to communicate information to a sensor
positioned in the protrusion.
7. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising an elongate stem
positioned between the application end and the cap.
8. An applicator for applying a cosmetic formula using an
articulating handle, the applicator comprising: an elongate stem
having an application end configured to retain an amount of the
cosmetic formula for application; a cap positioned at an end of the
elongate stem opposite the application end; a cavity extending at
least partially into the cap and configured to receive a
corresponding protrusion of the articulating handle therein; and a
retainer associated with the cavity, the retainer configured to
interface with the protrusion to create a releasable connection
requiring a larger separation force to release than without the
retainer.
9. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the retainer includes a
magnet positioned adjacent to the cavity, the magnet configured to
magnetically interface with a magnet positioned in the protrusion
for creating the releasable connection.
10. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the retainer is selected
from the group consisting of a magnet, threads, press fit, snap
fit, clearance fit, and combinations thereof, the retainer
configured to cooperatingly interface with the protrusion for
creating the releasable connection.
11. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the application end has a
plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of
the cosmetic formula for application.
12. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the cavity has a
non-circular cross section configured to fix the applicator from
rotating about a central axis of the elongate stem with respect to
the protrusion when the applicator is releasably connected to the
protrusion.
13. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the cap includes a data
storage device configured to communicate information to a sensor
positioned in the articulating handle.
14. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator between 45.degree. and
90.degree. with respect to an axis of the articulating handle
during application to eyelashes.
15. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator substantially horizontal with
respect to the ground during application to eyelashes.
16. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator between 30.degree. and
80.degree. with respect to an axis of the articulating handle
during application to lips.
17. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator between 45.degree. and
60.degree. from horizontal with respect to the ground during
application to lips.
18. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator between about 0.degree. and
60.degree. with respect to an axis of the articulating handle
during application to nails.
19. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator at about 45.degree. from
horizontal with respect to the ground during application to
nails.
20. The applicator of claim 8, wherein the articulating handle is
configured to orient the applicator between about 0.degree. and
90.degree. with respect to an axis of the articulating handle
during application to a face.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to, among other things,
representative embodiments of an applicator for cosmetic formula
having an interconnect feature. In an embodiment, the applicator
includes an elongate stem having an application end configured to
retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application. In some
embodiments, the applicator further includes a cap positioned at an
end of the elongate stem opposite the application end such that the
applicator can releasably couple to a bottle of cosmetic formula.
In one embodiment, the cap has a cavity extending at least
partially into the cap and configured to receive a corresponding
protrusion therein, for example, a protrusion of an ergonomic
handle. The cap further includes a retainer associated with the
cavity configured to interface with the protrusion to create a
releasable connection requiring a larger separation force to
release than without the retainer.
[0002] The present disclosure is also directed to one or more
embodiments of a cosmetic formula applicator configured for use
with an articulating handle. In an embodiment, the applicator
includes an elongate stem having an application end configured to
retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application. In some
embodiments, the applicator further includes a cap positioned at an
end of the elongate stem opposite the application end, and a cavity
extending at least partially into the cap and configured to receive
a corresponding protrusion of the articulating handle therein. In
embodiments, the cap further includes a retainer associated with
the cavity and configured to interface with the protrusion to
create a releasable connection requiring a larger separation force
to release than without the retainer.
[0003] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the retainer may include a magnet positioned adjacent to the
cavity, the magnet configured to magnetically interface with a
magnet positioned in the protrusion for creating the releasable
connection.
[0004] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the retainer may be selected from the group consisting of a magnet,
threads, press fit, snap fit, clearance fit, and combinations
thereof, the retainer configured to cooperatingly interface with
the protrusion for creating the releasable connection.
[0005] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the application end may have a plurality of application bristles
configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for
application.
[0006] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the cavity may have a non-circular cross section configured to fix
the applicator from rotating about a central axis of the elongate
stem with respect to the protrusion when the applicator is
releasably connected to the protrusion.
[0007] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the cap may include a data storage device configured to communicate
information to a sensor positioned in the protrusion.
[0008] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
between 45.degree. and 90.degree. with respect to an axis of the
articulating handle during application to eyelashes.
[0009] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
substantially horizontal with respect to the ground during
application to eyelashes.
[0010] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
between 30.degree. and 80.degree. with respect to an axis of the
articulating handle during application to lips.
[0011] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
between 45.degree. and 60.degree. from horizontal with respect to
the ground during application to lips.
[0012] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
between about 0.degree. and 60.degree. with respect to an axis of
the articulating handle during application to nails.
[0013] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
at about 45.degree. from horizontal with respect to the ground
during application to nails.
[0014] In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein,
the articulating handle may be configured to orient the applicator
between about 0.degree. and 90.degree. with respect to an axis of
the articulating handle during application to a face.
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily
appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to
the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one representative embodiment
of a cosmetic formula container having an applicator cap with an
interconnect feature in accordance with an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded, cutaway view of the cosmetic formula
container of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an assembled, cutaway view of the cosmetic formula
container of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the applicator cap with an
interconnect feature of FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the applicator cap with an
interconnect feature of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description provides several examples that
relate to cosmetic applicators and containers. Application of a
wide variety of cosmetic formulas to the human body is a common
practice, including eyelashes, eyelids, eyebrows, fingernails,
toenails, lips, and other body parts. Some examples of such
cosmetic formula include mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, nail
polish, shellac, glitter, clearcoat, nail supplements, nail
proteins, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. To apply the cosmetic formula,
an applicator can be used. Generally described, an applicator
includes a brush or a similarly structured portion at one end of
the applicator that retains formula for application to the body
part. The opposite end of the applicator may be integrated into a
cap for the cosmetic container and is grasped during use. For users
who are self-applying the cosmetic formula, improving ergonomics
may, for example, ease the transition from the dominant hand to the
non-dominant hand during application. In this regard, the
ergonomics may be further improved by providing an increased
grasping area for the user.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows one representative embodiment of a cosmetic
formula container having an applicator cap with an interconnect
feature for implementing one or more methodologies or technologies,
such as, for example, providing improved ergonomics for the user.
In an example, the applicator cap may couple to an extension handle
through the interconnect feature. Conventional applicators are
unable to readily couple to such an extension handle without an
adaptor, which typically increases the length of the overall
combination and detrimentally affects ergonomics.
[0024] Accordingly, to address the deficiencies in conventional
applicators, and others, embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to an applicator cap with an interconnect feature to attach
the applicator cap to a handle, such as an articulating handle,
that provides improved ergonomics for use with both a user's left
and right hands. To achieve these benefits and others, embodiments
of the applicator cap disclosed herein include an interconnect
feature.
[0025] The embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES have been
designed for use with cosmetic formulas applied to the user's
eyelashes, eyelids, eyebrows, fingernails, toenails, lips, etc.
(e.g., mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, polish, shellac, glitter,
clearcoat, supplements, protein, lipstick, lip gloss, etc.).
Embodiments of the present disclosure are also suitable for
applying a cosmetic formula to any surface of the user's body.
[0026] Embodiments of the applicator cap disclosed herein are
suitable for use with standard cosmetic formula bottles, among
others. In one embodiment, the cosmetic formula bottle generally
includes a neck and an interior cavity configured to hold a
quantity of cosmetic formula. The neck is configured to interface
with a cap in a removably couplable manner for enclosing the
cosmetic formula within the bottle. In one embodiment, the cap is
adapted to be coupled to the applicator cap. In certain embodiments
disclosed herein, the cosmetic formula bottle is about 15
centimeters or smaller in height, about 7.5 centimeters or smaller
in width or diameter, and contains less than 0.5 liters of cosmetic
formula. In an embodiment, a major dimension of the cosmetic
formula bottle ranges from about 2 centimeters to about 15
centimeters. In an embodiment, a major dimension of the cosmetic
formula bottle ranges from about 2 centimeters to about 7
centimeters. In an embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic formula
bottle ranges from about 0.08 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) to about 20
fl. oz. In an embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic formula bottle
ranges from about 0.08 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) to about 3 fl. oz. In
an embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic formula bottle ranges
from about 0.08 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) to about 1 fl. oz. In an
embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic formula bottle ranges from
about 0.08 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) to about 0.5 fl. oz. In an
embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic formula bottle ranges from
about 2.5 milliliters (ml) to about 600 ml. In an embodiment, the
volume of the cosmetic formula bottle ranges from about 2.5
milliliters (ml) to about 100 ml. In an embodiment, the volume of
the cosmetic formula bottle ranges from about 2.5 milliliters (ml)
to about 50 ml. In an embodiment, the volume of the cosmetic
formula bottle ranges from about 2.5 milliliters (ml) to about 15
ml.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown one embodiment of
a cosmetic formula container, generally designated 100, in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In
the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic formula container 100
includes an applicator cap assembly 102, having a cap portion 110
and an applicator 130, and a cosmetic bottle 160. In some
embodiments, the applicator cap assembly 102 comprises multiple
pieces, such as the cap portion 110 and the applicator 130 having a
coupling portion 132 and an applicator stem 136. When the
applicator cap assembly 102 is assembled, the applicator 130
includes features to removably couple to the cosmetic bottle 160,
and the applicator stem 136 extends into the interior of the
cosmetic bottle 160. In some embodiments, the applicator stem 136
can be directly coupled to the cap portion 110, omitting the
coupling portion 132. In other embodiments, the applicator stem 136
is a separate device, which is not coupled to the cap portion 110.
In further embodiments, the applicator 130 does not include a stem,
for example, when the applicator is a sponge type applicator for
applying a cosmetic formula to a face.
[0028] Still generally referring to FIGS. 1-3, each component of
the container 100 will be described in more detail. The FIGURES
illustrate one or more embodiments of the applicator cap assembly
102 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown
in FIG. 1, the applicator cap assembly 102 includes the applicator
stem 136 having a plurality of bristles 138 fixedly secured to an
end distal to the cap portion 110. To aid in fixedly securing the
plurality of bristles 138 to the applicator stem 136, a bristle
cavity (not shown) may be provided. In other embodiments, the
applicator stem 136 includes a flocked surface (not shown) on the
application end of the applicator stem 136, or any other surface
configured to retain a portion of the cosmetic formula for
application to the body.
[0029] The applicator stem 136 is of suitable length and diameter
for the plurality of bristles 138 to interface the cosmetic formula
within the cosmetic bottle 160. In this regard, in some
embodiments, the applicator stem 136 is of a length such that the
free ends of the plurality of bristles 138 contact an interior
bottom of the cosmetic bottle 160 when the cosmetic formula
container 100 is closed. In other embodiments, the applicator stem
136 is of a length such that the free ends of the plurality of
bristles 138 are between about 1 millimeter and about 25
millimeters away from the interior bottom of the cosmetic bottle
160 when the cosmetic formula container 100 is closed. In further
embodiments, the applicator stem 136 is of a length such that the
free ends of the plurality of bristles 138 are between about 1
millimeter and about 5 millimeters away from the interior bottom of
the cosmetic bottle 160 when the cosmetic formula container 100 is
closed. The applicator stem 136 has a diameter suitable to pass
through a neck 164 of the cosmetic bottle 160 to interface the
cosmetic formula therein.
[0030] As described above, embodiments of the cosmetic container
100 include the applicator cap assembly 102 and a cosmetic bottle
160. The cosmetic bottle 160 includes bottle body 162 that forms an
interior cavity 170 configured to hold a preselected quantity of
cosmetic formula. Non-limiting examples of formulas include
cosmetic formulations, treatment formulations, mascara, eye shadow,
eyeliner, nail care formulation, cosmetic products, care products,
nail polish cosmetic compositions, Ultraviolet (UV) curable
cosmetic nail gel compositions, anti-fungal compositions, color
cosmetic compositions, nail care cosmetic formulations, lip care
cosmetic formulations, eye cosmetic formulations, eye treatment
compositions, and the like. Although one type of cosmetic bottle
160 is illustrated and described herein, any suitable shape, size,
and design of a cosmetic container may be used with the embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0031] Further non-limiting examples of formulas include cuticle
care formulations (e.g., apricot cuticle oil formations, hydrating
formulations, and the like); based coat formulations (e.g.,
strengtheners, rubber adhesives, primers, color adhesives,
anti-break compositions, ridge fillers, and the like); treatment
formulations (e.g., nutra-keratin formulations, bamboo extract
formulations, ridge filler formulations, anti-chip formulations,
and the like); top coat formulations (e.g., GEL SETTER.TM., shine,
polish, matte finisher, anti-chip, color adhesive, primer, quick
drying, and the like); and the like. In one embodiment, the
cosmetic formula includes nail care cosmetic compositions.
[0032] The cosmetic bottle also includes the neck 164 for
interfacing with the cap portion 110 and the applicator 130. In
some embodiments, the neck 164 extends from the bottle body 162
with a smaller cross-section than the bottle body 162. The
applicator cap assembly 102 selectively attaches to the neck 164 of
the cosmetic bottle 160 using a mechanical coupling, such as press
fit, turn to lock, threads, interlock, etc. In the illustrated
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the applicator cap assembly 102
selectively attaches via a coupling portion, e.g., internal
applicator threads 134, that engage the cooperatingly configured
bottle threads 166 disposed on the neck 164. In several
embodiments, the applicator cap assembly 102 is configured to
closely interface with the neck 164 to provide a hermetic seal,
keeping the cosmetic formula from escaping the bottle cavity 170,
evaporating, etc.
[0033] In some embodiments, the cap portion 110 is adapted to be
coupled to the applicator 130 to form the applicator cap assembly
102. In the embodiment shown, the applicator 130 is coupled to the
cap portion 110 via the coupling portion 132. In this regard, the
cap portion 110 and the applicator 130, in some embodiments,
function as a single unit during application of the cosmetic
formula to the user. In other embodiments, the cap portion 110 is
integral to the applicator 130 such that together the components
form a single unit. Still, in other embodiments, the applicator 130
remains a separate component such that the cap portion 110 is
removed from the cosmetic bottle 160 to reveal the applicator 130
prior to application of the cosmetic formula.
[0034] Embodiments of cap portion 110 will now be described with
reference to the FIGURES. Referring initially to FIG. 5, the cap
portion 110 includes a cap 112 having an interconnect cavity 114
configured to interface an ergonomic handle H. In the illustrated
embodiment, the interconnect cavity 114 is configured as a female
cavity adapted to receive a male protrusion of the ergonomic handle
H. As shown in FIG. 4, the interconnect cavity 114 of the cap
portion 110 is shaped irregularly in cross-section to interface the
ergonomic handle H such that the applicator cap assembly 102 does
not turn with respect to the ergonomic handle H during use. In this
regard, the illustrated embodiment of the interconnect cavity 114
is a "kidney" shape. In other embodiments, the interconnect cavity
114 is suitably any shape configured to interface the ergonomic
handle H.
[0035] In some embodiments, the cap portion 110 includes a feature
to releasably couple and retain the applicator cap assembly 102 in
position on the ergonomic handle H. In these embodiments, the
retention feature or retainer is any suitable feature to prevent
inadvertent detachment of the applicator cap assembly 102 from the
ergonomic handle H. In this regard, the retainer creates a
connection between the applicator cap assembly 102 and the
ergonomic handle H that has a higher separation force required to
release the applicator cap assembly 102 from the ergonomic handle H
than the separation force required without the retainer. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cap portion 110 includes a magnetic
retainer having magnets 116. The orientation and polarity of the
magnets 116 is configured to interface one or more magnets in the
ergonomic handle H to provide a readily releasable coupling of the
applicator cap assembly 102 to the ergonomic handle H. In other
embodiments, the cap portion 110 includes a retainer having
threads, press fit, snap fit, clearance fit, etc. In these
embodiments, suitable cooperating features are included on the
ergonomic handle H to create the releasable coupling.
[0036] The ergonomic handle H may be configured to detect the type
of applicator cap assembly upon connection to adjust settings based
on the type of connection. In this regard, the applicator assembly
102 may be configured with an identification feature. In some
embodiments, a data storage device, such as an RFID chip, may be
embedded in the cap portion 110 to communicate with a sensor in the
ergonomic handle H and provide information related to the type of
applicator, the cosmetic formula being applied, environmental data,
user preferences, authenticity of the product, expiration date,
opening date, among other information. In other embodiments, the
polarity of the magnets 116 may provide information to the
ergonomic handle H.
[0037] In some embodiments, the ergonomic handle H is configured to
position the applicator cap assembly 102 at various angles upon
detection of the type of cosmetic formula being applied to the
body. In this regard, for example, during an application to
eyelashes, the applicator cap assembly 102 may be oriented
substantially horizontal with respect to the ground, or between
45.degree. and 90.degree. with respect to the ergonomic handle H.
In another example, during application to lips, the applicator cap
assembly 102 may be oriented between 30.degree. and 80.degree., or
between 45.degree. and 60.degree. from horizontal with respect to
the ground. In a further example, during application to nails, the
applicator cap assembly 102 may be oriented at about 45.degree.
from horizontal with respect to the ground, or between 0.degree.
and 60.degree. with respect to the ergonomic handle H. In another
example, during application to the face, the applicator cap
assembly 102 may be oriented between 0.degree. and 90.degree. with
respect to the ergonomic handle H. As will be appreciated, other
positioning of the applicator cap assembly 102 is also within the
scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the
ergonomic handle H is configured to mechanically remove the
applicator cap assembly 102 from the bottle 160, such as by
motorized unscrewing of the applicator cap assembly 102.
[0038] Returning to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of the coupling
portion 132 will be described in more detail. The coupling portion
132 provides one representative technique for coupling the
applicator 130 to the cap portion 110, although other techniques or
methodologies can be practiced with embodiments of the present
disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the coupling portion 132
configured to interface with the cap portion 110 and retain the
coupling portion 132 therewith. In this regard, the coupling
portion 132 interfaces with the cap portion 110 using a press fit,
threads, glue, or any other suitable mechanical coupling. In some
embodiments, the stem 136 is formed from the coupling portion 132
to form the applicator 130. In other embodiments, the stem 136
forms a separate piece from the coupling portion 132.
[0039] The detailed description set forth above in connection with
the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements,
are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present
disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments.
Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as
an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples
provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps
described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or
combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or
substantially similar result.
[0040] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth
to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art,
however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced
without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances,
well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order
not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present
disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the
present disclosure may employ any combination of features described
herein.
[0041] The present application may include references to
directions, such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back,"
"upward," "downward," "right hand," "left hand," "lateral,"
"medial," "in," "out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted,"
"proximal," "distal," "central," etc. These references, and other
similar references in the present application, are only to assist
in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and
are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these
directions or locations.
[0042] The present application may also reference quantities and
numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers
are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible
quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also
in this regard, the present application may use the term
"plurality" to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the
term "plurality" is meant to be any number that is more than one,
for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term "about,"
"approximately," etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "at least
one of A, B, and C," for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B),
(A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further
possible permutations when greater than three elements are
listed.
[0043] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of
operation of the present disclosure have been described in the
foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure,
which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the
embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and
changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and
equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure as claimed.
* * * * *