U.S. patent application number 16/800512 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for cover for a cooler.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dometic Sweden AB. Invention is credited to Chen Chen, Steven Elliott, Mikael Thelin, Peng Wang, Bin Zou.
Application Number | 20210127808 16/800512 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004702657 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210127808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thelin; Mikael ; et
al. |
May 6, 2021 |
Cover for a Cooler
Abstract
Present embodiments relate to a cooler cover. More specifically,
but without limitation, present embodiments relate to an insulated
cooler cover which may be formed into a self-container to retain
the cooler cover in an enclosed configuration when not being used
with a cooler.
Inventors: |
Thelin; Mikael; (Huddinge,
SE) ; Elliott; Steven; (Varsity Lakes, AU) ;
Wang; Peng; (Zhuhai, CN) ; Zou; Bin; (Zhuhai,
CN) ; Chen; Chen; (Zhuhai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dometic Sweden AB |
Solna |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004702657 |
Appl. No.: |
16/800512 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/20 20130101;
B65D 81/3888 20130101; F25D 2201/10 20130101; A45C 13/002
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; A45C 11/20 20060101 A45C011/20; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2019 |
CN |
201911066985.7 |
Claims
1. A cooler cover, comprising: a front side, a rear side, a top
side, a first enclosure side, and a second enclosure side; the
cooler cover having a first configuration configured to cover a
cooler, and a second configuration configured to form a
self-container for the cooler cover; the first enclosure side and
the second enclosure side each having a fastener to: in said first
configuration, connect to at least one of said other sides to form
said cover; and, in said second configuration, connect to connect
to each other to define said self-container.
2. The cooler cover of claim 1, the top side capable of being
connectable to a cooler door.
3. The cooler cover of claim 2, said top side further comprising
elastic straps and fastener structures.
4. The cooler cover of claim 2, said top side extending over a
front edge and a rear edge of said cooler door.
5. The cooler cover of claim 1, said first enclosure side and said
second enclosure side each having an aperture that allows passage
of a cooler handle.
6. The cooler cover of claim 1, said front side and said rear side
each having an aperture that allows passage of a cooler handle.
7. The cooler cover of claim 1, at least one of said front side,
said rear side, said first enclosure side or said second enclosure
side having a vent aperture for airflow.
8. The cooler cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one
opening for control access.
9. The cooler cover of claim 1, said first enclosure side and said
second enclosure side each having a rigid structure within a cover
material.
10. The cooler cover of claim 1, said first enclosure side and said
second enclosure side each having a lip.
11. The cooler cover of claim 10, said first enclosure side and
said second enclosure side being connectable with each of said
fasteners.
12. The cooler cover of claim 11, further comprising a space
between said first and second enclosure sides in said second
configuration.
13. The cooler cover of claim 12, said front side, said rear side,
and said top side all being capable of folding and positioning in
said space in said second configuration.
14. The cooler cover of claim 1, further comprising a bottom
side.
15. The cooler cover of claim 13, further comprising a bottom side
capable of being folded and positioned in said space.
16. A cooler cover, comprising: a front side, a rear side, a top
side, a first side enclosure, a second side enclosure, and a
bottom; a first fastener on a first one of said sides and a
cooperating second fastener on a second one of said second side;
said cover being configurable to cover a cooler in a first
configuration and configurable to be a self-container in a second
configuration; wherein said first side and said second side define
said self-container and the remainder of said sides are dispersed
within said self-container in said second configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Cross-reference is made to U.S. Design patent application
No. 29/711,905, titled "Cover for a Cooler", filed Nov. 4, 2019,
and U.S. Design patent application No. 29/711,906, titled "Cover
for a Cooler", also filed Nov. 4, 2019, all of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Present embodiments relate to a cooler cover. More
specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments relate to
an insulated cooler cover which may be formed in one configuration
into a self-container to retain the cooler cover in an enclosed
configuration when not being used with a cooler.
[0003] Some coolers are provided with an insulated cover in order
to improve functionality of the cooler and maintain the desired
temperature for a longer period of time, therefore reducing energy
usage. However, when these cooler covers are not in use, they can
be left away from the cooler and if formed in multiple pieces,
pieces may be lost, soiled, or become wrinkled in such a way as to
render the use difficult.
[0004] It would be desirable to overcome these and other
deficiencies in the area of covers for coolers, so as to reduce
associated problems.
[0005] The information included in this Background section of the
specification, including any references cited herein and any
description or discussion thereof, is included for technical
reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by
which the scope of the invention is to be bound.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present embodiments provide one or more of the features
recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which
alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject
matter.
[0007] The present embodiments provide a cooler cover which has two
configurations: one wherein the cooler cover may be formed to
receive or otherwise cover a cooler, and a one wherein the cooler
cover may be stored between two sides or panels of the cooler
cover. In this way, the cooler cover may be stored together to
avoid loss of parts, avoid excessive soiling of the cover, and
stored in a folded fashion so that the cooler cover is easily used
at a later date.
[0008] According to some embodiments, a cooler cover may comprise a
front side, a rear side, a bottom side, a top side, a first
enclosure side, and a second enclosure side. The cooler cover may
have a first configuration configured to cover a cooler, and a
second configuration configured to form a self-container for the
cooler cover. The first enclosure side and the second enclosure
side each may have a fastener to: (a) in the first configuration,
connect to at least one of the other sides to form the cover; and,
in the second configuration, connect to connect to each other to
define the self-container.
[0009] According to some optional embodiments, any of the following
features and options may be used with the cooler individually or
with other features and options. The top side capable of may be
connectable to a cooler door. The top side may further comprise
elastic straps and fastener structures. The top side extending over
a front edge and a rear edge of the cooler door. The first
enclosure side and the second enclosure side each may have an
aperture that allows passage of a cooler handle. Alternatively, the
front side and the rear side each may have an aperture that allows
passage of a cooler handle. At least one of the front side, the
rear side, the first enclosure side or the second enclosure side
may have a vent aperture for airflow. The cooler cover may further
comprise at least one opening for control access. The first
enclosure side and the second enclosure side each may have a rigid
structure within a cover material. The first enclosure side and the
second enclosure side may each further comprise a lip. The first
enclosure side and the second enclosure side may be connectable
with each of the fasteners. The cooler cover may further comprise a
space between the first and second enclosure sides in the second
configuration. The front side, rear side, bottom side, and top side
may all be capable of folding and positioning in the space in said
second configuration.
[0010] 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 or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be
understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives
of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure
herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to
be understood without further reading of the entire specification,
claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive
presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the
present invention is provided in the following written description
of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order that the embodiments may be better understood,
embodiments of a cooler cover will now be described by way of
examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the
claims as other embodiments of a cooler cover will become apparent
to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant
description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are
shown in figures wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of an
insulated cooler cover disposed over an example cooler;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the cooler cover of FIG.
1 laid out;
[0014] FIG. 2A is a detailed view of an exemplary zipper tape of
the cooler cover of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of one side of the cooler cover of
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view of a ventilation aperture of the cooler
cover of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view of an additional ventilation aperture of
the cooler cover of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the cooler cover of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an alternate cooler
cover;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the alternate cooler
cover of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cooler shown in an open
position; and,
[0022] FIGS. 10 and 10A are perspective views of self-containment
configurations of the cooler covers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] It is to be understood that a cooler cover is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms
"connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof
herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect
connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms
"connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted
to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0024] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various
places throughout this specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more
embodiments.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10A, various examples of an
insulated cooler cover are provided. The cooler cover improves
thermal efficiency of the cooler and additionally provides an
improved aesthetic appearance for the cooler. The cooler cover
allows for self-containment of various panels which are utilized to
cover the cooler. The cooler cover includes at least two sides
which may be zipped together to form an enclosure therebetween and
wherein other panels, or sides, of the cooler cover may be stored
in a folded fashion for ease of use, clean maintenance and, in
addition to limiting the possibility of losing portions of the
cooling cover.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an example
cooler cover 10 is provided. The cooler cover 10 includes a top
side 12, a bottom side 14, a front side 16, a rear side 18, a first
enclosure side 20, and a second enclosure side 22. The fabric of
cooler cover 10 may be a coarse material and resistant to tearing.
The sides may also be referred to at times as panels which when
constructed, define an enclosure 24 wherein a cooler 30 (FIG. 9)
may be positioned or alternatively fit snuggly about a cooler 30 to
cover exterior surfaces of the cooler structure. With brief
reference to FIG. 9, an example cooler 30 having a plurality of
walls 33 wherein a storage area 32 provides for storage of fresh or
frozen food or drinks. The storage area 32 may be designed by one
or more walls 33 which may be insulated. The cooler 30 may include
a door or top 34 and one or more cooler handles 36. The cooler 30
may be a passive cooler of the type typically used with ice, for
example the DOMETIC PATROL series of coolers, or may be actively
cooled with a compression refrigeration system, for example the
DOMETIC CFX series of coolers, either of which may be available
from Dometic Corporation of Elkhart, Ind. These examples are
non-limiting.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1, the cooler cover 10 may have a
generally rectangular footprint about the edges of the bottom side,
but may also be various other shapes depending on the cooler shape
associated with the cover 10. In the instant embodiment, the front
panel 16 and the rear panel 18 have a longer linear dimension than
the first and second enclosure sides 20, 22 to define the
rectangular footprint of the cooler cover 10. The cooler cover 10
also has a generally snug fit to the cooler 30 so as not to be
loose and hanging from the cooler 30.
[0028] In this view, the top side, or panel, 12 may also include a
flap 26 which overhangs the front edge of the cooler top or door 34
(FIG. 9) of the cooler 30 to provide a clean look for the cooler
cover 10 and hide front edge of the cooler top 34. The flap 26 may
be a single flap or may be more than one. This may be dependent
upon the length of the top of the cooler 30 and whether the top of
the cooler 30 includes one or more doors. Additionally, the top
side 12 may also include a rear flap 27 to cover the rear upper
edge of the cooler top 34. In the instant embodiment, the cooler 30
has the pivoting top or door 34 with a pivot axis shown generally
by a broken line A-A. Thus the top side 12 may be formed to move
with the pivoting of the cooler door 34. The top side 12 may also
be connected to, or be separate from, the remainder of the cooler
cover 10.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of the
cooler cover 10 is shown in a layout view. In this view, the cooler
cover 10 is laid out so that each side or panel is flat. The sides,
or panels, are labeled to aid in understanding the arrangement of
the cooler cover 10. The figure shows the front side 16, rear side
18, and bottom side 14 attached to one another in linear
arrangement. That is, one edge of one side is connected to an
adjacent edge of an adjacent side. The layout is depicted such that
the front edge 15 and rear edge 17 of bottom panel 14 connect to
the front side 16 and the rear side 18 respectively.
[0030] One or more of the sides, for example the front side 16
and/or the rear side 18 may have one or more ventilation air flow
apertures 40, 42. The location or locations of these apertures 40,
42 may be dependent on the type of cooler used and the location for
such compressor and condenser on an actively cooled system. The
bottom side 14 may also include holes 43 for feet of the cooler to
extend through. The feet (not shown) may be formed of rubber,
plastic, or other skid-resistant material, for non-limiting
example.
[0031] Shown adjacent to the panels 14, 16, 18 is the top panel 12.
The top panel 12, as one skilled in the art can envision, connects
by fastener to the pivoting top 34 (FIG. 9) of the cooler 30 (FIG.
9). The top side 12 also comprises flaps 26, 27 which overhang the
front edges of the cooler top 34 to conceal any height of the
cooler top 34 and makes the cooler cover 10 look uniform when fully
assembled, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] Adjacent to the top panel 12 are the first and second
enclosure sides 20, 22. The first and second enclosure sides 20, 22
may be formed of a fabric covering over an internal rigid structure
so that the sides 20, 22 are not made entirely of fabric alone.
Other materials may be utilized. Further, the fabric may have an
internal insulating material within the exterior cover material.
The first and second enclosure panels 20, 22, or ends, may also
comprise a lip 28, 29 extending around each of the first and second
enclosure panels 20, 22 to give each side a height or thickness
dimension (FIG. 10). As will be described further herein, the first
and second enclosure sides 20, 22 may be fastened to vertical edges
of the front and rear sides 16, 18 and to the enclosure edges 19 of
the bottom side 14. This provides, in a first configuration, the
enclosure shape for the cover 10 wherein the cooler 30 is disposed
and which is subsequently covered by the top side 12 with the
cooler 30 disposed within the cooler cover 10. Alternatively, the
lips 28, 29 may be fastened together, in the second configuration,
to provide an enclosure or space between the first and second
enclosure sides 20, 22. In this alternate configuration, the first
and second enclosure sides 20, 22 provide a self-containing
function so that the remainder sides or panels of the cooler cover
10 may be folded and placed therein for safe keeping. This also
prohibits loss of the parts, damage, or soiling during storage.
[0033] The instant view also allows one skilled in the art to
ascertain that the first and second enclosure sides 20, 22 are
positioned along the lateral edges 19 of the bottom side 14. As the
enclosure sides 20, 22 are fastened to the front side 16, bottom
side 14, and rear side 18, the cooler cover 10 gains its shape to
receive of the cooler 30 therein. According to the instant
embodiments, a fastener 50 may be provided along each side of the
three sides 14, 16, 18 which correspond to the edges of the lips
28, 29 of first and second enclosure sides 20, 22. In some
embodiments, the fastener 50 may be defined by first and second
zipper tapes 52, 54 each of which have a plurality of mating teeth
for fastening. In the instant embodiment, the zipper tapes 52 are
located on the sides 14, 16, 18 and the corresponding zipper tapes
54 are located about three sides of the first and second enclosure
sides 20, 22.
[0034] The zipper tape 52 and/or the zipper tape 54 may also be
hidden behind a seam or hem to reduce the visibility of either half
of the zipper teeth associated therewith when the structure is
assembled. As shown in FIG. 2A, a detailed view shows one zipper
tape 54 which is disposed adjacent to a seam 56 and a slider 55 of
the opposite zipper tape 52. When the slider 55 is connected to the
zipper tape 54, the zipper structure may be at least partially
hidden from view to improve aesthetic appearance of the
arrangement.
[0035] Additionally, while the fasteners 50 are shown in the
example as zippers, various other fasteners may be utilized, for
example, including but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners,
buttons, snaps, clasps, or any of various other fastener
arrangements which will allow for connection of one side to an
adjacent side of the cooler cover 10. Additionally, these fasteners
may be hidden or exposed depending on the access needed and the
location on the cover.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed view of one side of one
of the example sides of the cooler cover 10 is depicted. In this
view, a user interface window or cutout 60 is shown. When the
cooler 30 (FIG. 9) is positioned within the cooler cover 10, a user
interface or control panel 37 may be disposed behind or within the
window 60. Accordingly, the user interface 37 of the cooler 30 may
be accessed to adjust one or more settings of the cooler 30 for
operation.
[0037] With reference now to FIG. 4, a view of a ventilation
aperture 64 is depicted. Within the ventilation aperture 64, may be
a plurality of vents of the cooler 30, generally represented by
grill structures 38 that allow air flow for the condenser of the
cooler 30 (FIG. 9). The vent aperture 64 may also allow for
positioning of plugs for powering a cooling system of the cooler
30. For example, in the instant embodiment, AC and DC inputs 39a,
39b are provided to power such cooler 30 within the vent aperture
64 of one of the sides 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 of the cooler cover 10.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the vent aperture 64 is provided in a side
22 but may be located in any of the various sides.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5 also shown on an example side 18 is
an additional ventilation aperture 66. The ventilation aperture 66
allows airflow to or from a condenser which may utilized by the
cooler 30 (FIG. 9) as part of a plurality of cooling mechanicals,
i.e. compressor, evaporator, or condenser. It may be desirable to
provide seams about these apertures 64, 66
[0039] With reference now to FIG. 6 and in addition including FIG.
1, attention is drawn to the first and second enclosure sides 20,
22. Each of the sides 20, 22 includes a handle opening 70, 72. The
handle openings 70, 72 allow passage through of the cooler handles
when the cooler handles are extended for carrying of the cooler 30
and the cooler cover 10. The fabric cover of sides 20, 22 may also
have a rigid or firm understructure beneath the fabric. This may
insulate, as well as define half of an enclosure each. When zipped
together, the sides 20, 22 provide a space for storage of the
remaining sides of the cooler cover 10. This provides a
self-containment function.
[0040] Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, are openings or cutout areas 58
in the cooler cover 10 to allow access to a grasping area to allow
grasping of the cooler top 34 (FIG. 9) to open and close.
[0041] Additionally, one or more pockets 76 may be located on one
or more sides of the cooler cover 10. The pockets 76 may be opened
or may have a pocket fastener such as a zipper or other fastening
structures to allow for closing of the pocket when desired.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of an alternate
example is provided. In the instant example, the cooler cover 110
is shown. The cooler cover 110 is provided for a cooler which has a
pivoting door that opens along a short wall of a cooler rather than
a long wall as with the previous embodiment of cooler 30. Axis A-A
shows an approximate location of the axis. In such embodiment, a
front face 116 is provided along a short wall of the cooler cover
110 and includes a user interface window 160 along such side 116.
The cooler cover 110 comprises first and second enclosure sides
120, 122 which have first and second configurations as previously
described to either allow for use as a cooler cover or to be
fastened together in order to self-contain or encapsulate the
remaining portions of the cooler cover 110. The cooler cover 110
also comprises a top 112 and a bottom 114 and other panels, all of
which may be stored between the enclosure sides 120, 122 when the
sides 120, 122 are fastened together. As with previous embodiments,
the structure may also comprise handle apertures 170 and various
ventilation apertures 164, 166 for cooling airflow to the condenser
or other elements.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 8, a lower rear perspective view of
cooler cover 110 is shown depicting the rear side 118 and the air
ventilation apertures 164, 166.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 7-8, the cooler cover 110 also has
two configurations. In one configuration, the cover 110 forms an
insulated enclosure for the cooler 30. In a second configuration,
the more rigid sides 116, 118 may be fastened to store the
remaining sides of the cover 110.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 9, the cooler 30 is shown with the
cooler top 34 in an open position. In this example, the top side 12
may comprise straps 62 with hook fasteners 65 to retain the top
side 12 to the cooler top 34. This allows the top side 12 to
continue engagement with the cooler top 34 whether or not the top
34 is open or closed, and inhibits the top side 12 from loosely
flopping around. The straps 62 may be elastic to further aid in
retaining the top side 12, while also allowing movement of the
cooler top 34 for opening and closing, while not inhibiting
motion.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, the cooler covers 10, 110
are depicted in a configuration for storage or self-containment.
Specifically, with reference first to FIG. 10, the sides 20, 22 are
fastened together. As previously described, this may be by way of
various types of fasteners including, but not limited to, zippers,
as shown by slider 55. The sides 20, 22 may have a more rigid
structure than the remaining sides 12, 14, 16, and 18 (FIG. 1),
which may be folded and stored between the two sides 20, 22 when
fastened together. Thus, the cover 10 is self-containing of the
remaining sides 12, 14, 16, and 18.
[0047] With additional reference to FIG. 10A, a perspective view of
a similar configuration is provided. The sides 120, 122 are
partially fastened together so that a space is formed between the
two. The space provides a storage location for the softer sides of
the cover 110. Additionally, the remaining sides may be folded if
necessary, in either embodiment, for storage.
[0048] Further, the embodiments show one of the two configurations
for use which provide protection from soiling, damage, and/or
loss.
[0049] It should be understood that any of the sides may be
considered a front side or a rear side and the use of such terms
should not be limiting as these are merely sides of the covers 10,
110. Any pair of sides, including the front and rear sides may
define the enclosure sides of the storage configuration.
[0050] While several inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0051] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms. The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used
herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly
indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least
one." The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
[0052] Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed
in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so
conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the
elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether
related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when
used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising"
can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including
elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only
(optionally including elements other than A); in yet another
embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements);
etc.
[0053] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0054] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0055] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0056] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," 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" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining
Procedures.
[0057] The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has
been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or
forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations
are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that
the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the
claims appended hereto.
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