U.S. patent application number 16/698652 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-27 for packaging with integrated collet.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'Oreal. The applicant listed for this patent is L'Oreal. Invention is credited to William Bickford, Wenzhen Cheng, Oliver Sha, William Blake Soeters.
Application Number | 20210153622 16/698652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004520155 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210153622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bickford; William ; et
al. |
May 27, 2021 |
PACKAGING WITH INTEGRATED COLLET
Abstract
Packaging systems include a container having a mouth, a
workpiece, and an insert configured to receive the workpiece and to
retain the workpiece within the mouth of the container in an
axially aligned configuration. The insert has an annular wall with
an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a
first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end
thereof. The second outer diameter is greater than the first outer
diameter, and the first end is configured for insertion into the
mouth of the container before the second end.
Inventors: |
Bickford; William; (Scotch
Plains, NJ) ; Sha; Oliver; (Fort Lee, NJ) ;
Cheng; Wenzhen; (Annadale, NJ) ; Soeters; William
Blake; (Middletown, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'Oreal |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'Oreal
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
1000004520155 |
Appl. No.: |
16/698652 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20130101;
A45D 2200/1009 20130101; A45D 40/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A45D 40/26 20060101 A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. A packaging system, comprising: a container having a mouth; a
workpiece; and an insert configured to receive the workpiece and to
retain the workpiece within the mouth of the container in an
axially aligned configuration, wherein the insert has an annular
wall with an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter
proximal a first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a
second end thereof, the second outer diameter being greater than
the first outer diameter, the first end being configured for
insertion into the mouth of the container before the second
end.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein a difference between
the second outer diameter and the first outer diameter is about
0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches.
3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second outer
diameter of the insert is about 0.000 inches to about 0.010 inches
greater than an inner diameter of the mouth of the container.
4. The packaging system of claim 3, wherein the second outer
diameter of the insert is the same as the inner diameter of the
mouth of the container.
5. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a
bottoming shoulder proximal the first end thereof, the bottoming
shoulder having an annular shape and being configured to prevent
the workpiece from falling into the container when the insert and
the workpiece are retained within the mouth of the container.
6. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a
flange extending radially outward from the second end thereof, the
flange being configured to contact a lip of the mouth when the
insert is fully received within the mouth.
7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a
workpiece engagement member extending radially inward from the
annular wall into the insert, such that the workpiece engagement
member engages the workpiece when the insert receives the
workpiece.
8. The packaging system of claim 7, wherein the workpiece
engagement member includes a flexible tab that is configured to be
pushed radially inward by the mouth of the container when the
insert is fully received within the mouth.
9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the flexible tab
includes a tooth, a ramp, or a spike configured to extend into the
workpiece when the insert is inserted into the mouth.
10. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of
the insert and an inner surface of the mouth of the container have
complementary insert engagement members.
11. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the complementary
insert engagement members include a ridge formed on the outer
surface of the insert and a recess formed in the inner surface of
the mouth.
12. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a cap that
is configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the
container and to form a seal against the insert.
13. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein the cap is provided
with a gasket that is configured to form the seal against a flange
of the insert.
14. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a
porous applicator.
15. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the insert has a
cylindrical inner surface with a constant inner diameter.
16. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the insert has a
tapered inner surface that tapers from a first inner diameter to a
second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater
than an outer diameter of the workpiece and the second inner
diameter is less than the outer diameter of the workpiece.
17. A cosmetic package, comprising: a container having a mouth and
containing a formulation; an applicator being porous and configured
to hold the formulation; and an insert configured to receive the
applicator and to retain the applicator within the mouth of the
container in an axially aligned configuration, wherein the insert
has an annular wall with an outer surface that tapers from a first
outer diameter proximal a first end thereof to a second outer
diameter proximal a second end thereof, the second outer diameter
being greater than the first outer diameter, the first end of the
insert being configured for insertion into the mouth of the
container before the second end.
18. The cosmetic package of claim 17, further comprising a cap that
is configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the
container and to urge the insert into the mouth.
19. The cosmetic package of claim 18, wherein the cap comprises a
gasket configured to seal against a flange of the insert when the
insert is received within the mouth of the container and the cap is
engaged with the outer surface of the mouth.
20. The cosmetic package of claim 17, wherein the applicator
extends into the formulation.
Description
SUMMARY
[0001] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides packaging
systems that include a container having a mouth, a workpiece, and
an insert configured to receive the workpiece and to retain the
workpiece within the mouth of the container in an axially aligned
configuration. The insert has an annular wall with an outer surface
that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a first end
thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end thereof,
the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer
diameter, the first end being configured for insertion into the
mouth of the container before the second end. In some embodiments,
a difference between the second outer diameter and the first outer
diameter is about 0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches. In some
embodiments, the second outer diameter of the insert is about 0.000
inches to about 0.010 inches greater than an inner diameter of the
mouth of the container. In some embodiments, the second outer
diameter of the insert is the same as the inner diameter of the
mouth of the container.
[0002] In some embodiments, the insert includes a bottoming
shoulder proximal the first end thereof, the bottoming shoulder
having an annular shape and being configured to prevent the
workpiece from falling into the container when the insert and the
workpiece are retained within the mouth of the container. In some
embodiments, the insert has a flange extending radially outward
from the second end thereof, the flange being configured to contact
a lip of the mouth when the insert is fully received within the
mouth. In some embodiments, the insert includes a workpiece
engagement member extending radially inward from the annular wall
into the insert, such that the workpiece engagement member engages
the workpiece when the insert receives the workpiece. In some
embodiments, the workpiece engagement member includes a flexible
tab that is configured to be pushed radially inward by the mouth of
the container when the insert is fully received within the mouth.
In some embodiments, the flexible tab includes a tooth, a ramp, a
spike, or the like configured to extend into the workpiece when the
insert is inserted into the mouth. In some embodiments, the outer
surface of the insert and an inner surface of the mouth of the
container have complementary insert engagement members. The
complementary insert engagement members may include a ridge formed
on the outer surface of the insert and a recess formed in the inner
surface of the mouth. The packaging system can include a cap that
is configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the
container and to form a seal against the insert. In some
embodiments, the cap is provided with a gasket that is configured
to form the seal against a flange of the insert. In some
embodiments, the workpiece is a porous applicator. In some
embodiments, the insert has a cylindrical inner surface with a
constant inner diameter. In some embodiments, the insert has a
tapered inner surface that tapers from a first inner diameter to a
second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater
than an outer diameter of the workpiece and the second inner
diameter is less than the outer diameter of the workpiece.
[0003] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides cosmetic
packages having a container having a mouth and containing a
formulation, an applicator being porous and configured to hold the
formulation, and an insert configured to receive the applicator and
to retain the applicator within the mouth of the container in an
axially aligned configuration. The insert has an annular wall with
an outer surface that tapers from a first outer diameter proximal a
first end thereof to a second outer diameter proximal a second end
thereof, the second outer diameter being greater than the first
outer diameter, the first end of the insert being configured for
insertion into the mouth of the container before the second
end.
[0004] In some embodiments, the cosmetic package includes a cap
configured to engage an outer surface of the mouth of the container
and to urge the insert into the mouth. In some embodiments, the cap
includes a gasket configured to seal against a flange of the insert
when the insert is received within the mouth of the container and
the cap is engaged with the outer surface of the mouth. In some
embodiments, the applicator extends into the formulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of the claimed subject matter will become more readily appreciated
by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an upper right perspective exploded view of a
packaging system formed in accordance with a representative
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an insert of the packaging
system of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front elevation section view of the insert of
FIG. 2.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front elevation exploded section view of an
aspect of the packaging system of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front elevation section view of another aspect
of the packaging system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure provides packaging systems having two
or more components that comprise a collet configured to securely
hold elements that are highly deformable, for example soft,
flexible, and/or porous elements such as cosmetic applicators and
porous components created by additive manufacturing.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a packaging system 100. In the representative
embodiment of FIG. 1, the packaging system 100 is a skin refresher,
such as may be configured to store and apply a cosmetic formulation
to a skin portion of a user. While the inventive packaging systems
are discussed in the context of a skin refresher, they are not
limited to skin refreshers, but include other packaging systems,
for example makeup compacts, containers with sponges, and the
like.
[0013] Packaging system 100 includes a container 102, an insert
104, a workpiece 106, and an optional cap 108, which assemble
together in an axial assembly along axis 110. As described below,
the container 102 and the insert 104 cooperate to function as a
collet that securely holds the workpiece 106. In some embodiments,
the container 102, insert 104, and workpiece 106 assemble together
as a permanent assembly. In some embodiments, the container 102,
insert 104, and workpiece 106 are configured to be at least
partially disassembled, e.g., to facilitate recycling or part
replacement. The cap 108 is configured to selectively disassemble
from the rest of the assembly.
[0014] Container 102 contains a reservoir configured to contain a
liquid or solid formulation, e.g., a cosmetic formulation. For
example, container 102 is configured to contain a formulation that
is drawn up by the workpiece 106, e.g., by absorption. In some
embodiments, the reservoir is formed integrally with the container
102, however in some embodiments, the reservoir is a separate
component that fits within the container 102. As described in
greater detail below, container 102 includes a mouth 112 having a
shape and size that are configured to receive insert 104 and
workpiece 106. In the representative embodiment of FIG. 1, the
mouth 112 is circular. In some embodiments, the mouth is a
non-circular shape, e.g., oval or square. Container 102 may be
formed from a thermoplastic polymer, for example polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like. As described in greater detail below,
the mouth 112 and the insert 104 comprise a collet that securely
holds the workpiece 106 within the insert 104. In FIG. 1, the
container 102 and the cap 108 form a rectangular shape, however
this is representative. In some embodiments, the container 102 and
the cap 108 form different shapes, e.g., a sphere shape, an egg
shape, a cylinder, and the like.
[0015] Insert 104 is configured to secure the container 102 to the
workpiece 106, as described in greater detail below. As described
in more detail below, insert 104 is configured to receive workpiece
106 and to retain it with mouth 112 of the container 102 is an
axially aligned configuration along axis 110. In some embodiments,
insert 104 is formed from a foam, a natural or synthetic textile,
and the like.
[0016] Workpiece 106 is configured to draw up and/or hold
formulation from the container 102, and also to release the
formulation onto a skin portion of a user. In FIG. 1, to facilitate
contact between workpiece 106 and the formulation stored in
container 102, workpiece 106 is configured to extend into the
formulation-containing reservoir of container 102. In FIG. 1,
workpiece 106 is a highly deformable porous applicator
substantially formed from a foam material. In some embodiments,
workpiece 106 is a porous component created by additive
manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing). In some embodiments, workpiece
106 is at least partially formed from a textile or other soft
material.
[0017] Cap 108 is configured to couple with container 102 via a
container engagement member (threads, in this embodiment) such that
it covers and protects workpiece 106. In FIG. 1, cap 108 has
internal threads that reversibly couple with external threads of
container 102 such that cap 108 securely covers workpiece 106. In
some embodiments, the container and cap couple with different
coupling means, e.g., one or more snaps, latches, single-use
adhesive, and the like. In some embodiments, packaging system 100
does not include a cap.
[0018] In one representative method of use, a user decouples cap
108 from the container 102 in order to expose workpiece 106.
Because the workpiece 106 is nested within the mouth 112 of the
container 102 and extends into the formulation-containing reservoir
therein, the workpiece 106 holds a quantity of the formulation.
Holding the container 102, the user applies the formulation to a
skin portion by pressing, brushing, rubbing, or otherwise touching
workpiece 106 to the skin portion. In another representative method
of use, the user removes workpiece 106 from the insert 104 and
applies the formulation to a skin portion by pressing, brushing,
rubbing, or otherwise touching workpiece 106 to the skin
portion.
[0019] The features of the packaging system 100 will now be
described in detail.
[0020] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a perspective view and a front
elevation view of insert 104, respectively. As can be seen, insert
104 has an annular wall 114 with a radially inner surface 116 and a
radially outer surface 118. The annular wall 114 extends from a
first end 120 to a second end 122 in a direction generally aligned
with axis 110, the first end 120 being configured for insertion
into the mouth 112 of the container 102 before the second end
122.
[0021] As most clearly shown in FIG. 3, the outer surface 118 of
annular wall 114 tapers from a first outer diameter D1 to a second
outer diameter D2 which is greater than the first outer diameter
D1. In FIG. 3, the first outer diameter D1 is measured proximal to
a bottoming shoulder 126, and the second outer diameter D2 is
measured proximal to the second end 122. In some embodiments, a
difference between the second outer diameter D2 and the first outer
diameter D1 is about 0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches, e.g.,
about 0.010 inches. As described below in greater detail with
respect to FIG. 4, the tapered outer surface of insert 104 enables
the container 102 and the insert 104 to work together as a collet
that securely engages the insert 104 with the mouth 112 of the
container 102, and securely engages the 106 within the insert 104.
The inner surface 116 has an inner diameter D3 that is sized to
receive the workpiece 106. In some embodiments, the inner diameter
D3 is cylindrical and constant, e.g., is about the same as an outer
diameter of the workpiece 106. In some embodiments, the inner
surface 116 is conical and slightly tapered such that the inner
diameter D3 tapers from a diameter that is slightly less than the
outer diameter of the workpiece 106 to a diameter that is slightly
greater than the outer diameter of the workpiece 106.
[0022] To further secure the insert 104 within the container 102,
the insert 104 includes at least one optional insert engagement
member 124 formed on the outer surface 118 of the annular wall 114.
The insert engagement member 124 has a complementary shape to a
corresponding insert engagement member formed on the inner surface
of the mouth 112 of the container 102, as described below. In FIG.
2 and FIG. 3, the insert engagement member 124 is a ridge that
extends around the circumference of the outer surface 118, the
ridge being sized and located to engage a complementary recess
formed on an inner surface of the mouth of the container. In some
embodiments, the insert engagement member does not extend
completely around the circumference of the outer surface. In some
embodiments, the insert engagement member is a thread configured to
engage complementary threads formed on the inner surface of the
mouth of the container.
[0023] Proximal to the first end 120, a bottoming shoulder 126
extends radially inward from axis 110 in order to prevent workpiece
106 from falling into the container 102 when assembled. The
bottoming shoulder 126 has an annular shape with an inner diameter
that is smaller than the inner diameter D3 of the inner surface
116. In some embodiments, the bottoming shoulder 126 has a
different inner diameter than in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0024] Proximal to the second end 122, a flange 128 extends
radially outward from axis 110. The flange 128 is configured to
rest atop the mouth 112 of the container 102 (e.g., to contact a
lip of the mouth 112) when the insert 104 is fully engaged in the
mouth 112. In addition, the cap 108 has an interior shoulder that
is configured to push against the flange 128, in order to ensure
correct coupling between the container 102 and the insert 104.
Further still, the flange 128 provides a sealing surface, which a
gasket of the cap 108 can seal against in order to prevent leakage
or loss of the formulation stored in the container 102. This is
described in detail with respect to FIG. 5. In some embodiments,
the flange 128 has a different diameter than shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3.
[0025] Insert 104 further includes a workpiece engagement member
130 that projects radially inward from the annular wall 114, such
that the workpiece engagement member 130 engages workpiece 106 when
it is inserted into insert 104. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, workpiece
engagement member 130 is a flexible tab formed integrally with the
annular wall 114. As shown in FIG. 2, workpiece engagement member
130 has a raised ridge 132 formed on a radially outer surface
thereof. When insert 104 is inserted into the mouth 112 of
container 102, the inner surface of the mouth 112 pushes against
ridge 132, causing workpiece engagement member 130 to be pushed
radially inward, such that a tooth 134 "bites" into the workpiece
106, thereby preventing removal of workpiece 106 from container
102. The representative insert 104 includes a plurality of
workpiece engagement members such as workpiece engagement member
130. In some embodiments, the insert 104 does not include any
workpiece engagement members. In some embodiments, the insert 104
includes fewer or more numerous workpiece engagement members than
shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the workpiece
engagement member 130 includes a ramp, a spike, or the like (in
addition to or instead of a tooth) that is configured to extend
into (i.e., "bite") the workpiece 106 when the container 102,
insert 104, and workpiece 106 are axially assembled.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view along axis 110, to illustrate
additional features of packaging system 100.
[0027] Workpiece 106 has a first portion 138 and a second portion
140. The first portion 138 has an outer diameter D4 that is about
the same as the inner diameter D3 of insert 104 (e.g., +1-0.01
inches). In some embodiments in which the inner diameter D3 of the
insert 104 tapers, the outer diameter D4 of workpiece 106 also
tapers. The second portion 140 has a smaller outer diameter D5 that
is configured to extend past the bottoming shoulder 126 of the
insert 104. In some embodiments, the second portion 140 is
configured to extend into a formulation 136 stored in the container
102. Where the workpiece 106 transitions from the first outer
diameter D4 to the second outer diameter D4, it forms a shoulder
142 configured to contact the bottoming shoulder 126 of the
workpiece 106 when inserted into the insert 104.
[0028] The mouth 112 of container 102 has an inner surface 144 with
an inner diameter D6 that is at least as large as the first outer
diameter D1 of the insert 104. In some embodiments, D6 is about
0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches greater than D1, e.g., about
0.010 inches. This dimensional relationship facilitates insertion
of the insert 104 into the mouth 112. For example, the bottoming
shoulder 126 of the insert 104 can be easily inserted into the
mouth 112. On the other hand, the inner diameter D6 of the mouth
112 is the same size or even slightly smaller than the second outer
diameter D2 of the insert 104. In some embodiments, the inner
diameter D6 is about 0.000 inches to about 0.010 inches smaller
than the second outer diameter D2 of the insert 104. Thus, as
insert 104 is pushed deeper into the mouth 112, the outer surface
118 thereof eventually pushes against the inner surface 144 of the
mouth 112. The contact causes the mouth 112 to expand radially
outward and the annular wall 114 to contract radially inward. These
counteracting forces cause the container 102 and the insert 104 to
act as a collet that holds workpiece 106 in place. In some
embodiments, one or both of the workpiece 106 or the mouth 112 is
slotted to facilitate contraction and expansion, respectively. The
inner surface 144 of the mouth 112 also includes an insert
engagement member 146 that is complementary to the insert
engagement member 124 of the insert 104. The complementary
workpiece engagement members are configured to engage one another
when the container 102 and the insert 104 are fully coupled
together, i.e., when the insert 104 is fully received within the
mouth 112. In addition, the mouth 112 includes at least one cap
engagement member 148 that is configured to couple with the cap
108. In FIG. 1, the cap engagement member 148 includes threads. In
some embodiments, the cap engagement member 148 includes snaps,
latches, and the like.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a cosmetic package that includes packaging
system 100 in a fully assembled configuration.
[0030] As can be seen, the workpiece 106 is received within the
insert 104, which is received within the mouth 112 of the container
102 such that all three are securely coupled together. In FIG. 5,
the workpiece 106 is configured such that it extends into the
formulation 136, e.g., to facilitate application of the formulation
136 to a skin portion of a user. The secure coupling is evident
from the engagement of the complementary insert engagement member
124 and insert engagement member 146, and from the contact of the
flange 128 of the insert 104 with a lip 150 of the mouth 112. Due
to its tapered outer surface 118, the insert 104 pushes firmly
against the mouth 112 such that it is retained securely within.
Referring back to FIG. 3, when the workpiece 106 is fully received
within the mouth 112, the workpiece engagement member 130 is pushed
radially inward by the mouth 112 such that it "bites" into the
workpiece 106, further securing it in place.
[0031] To further secure the workpiece 106 and the formulation 136
within the container 102, the packaging system 100 is provided with
the optional cap 108 that is configured to engage an outer surface
of the mouth 112. In some embodiments, the cap 108 is also
configured to assist with assembly of the packaging system 100 by
urging the workpiece 106 into the mouth 112 of the container 102.
In the representative embodiment of FIG. 1, the cap 108 has a
two-piece configuration that includes a cap insert 152. In some
embodiments, the cap 108 has a one-piece configuration or a
multi-piece configuration. Features described herein with respect
to the cap insert 152 are considered features of the cap 108
itself. The cap insert 152 includes a container engagement member
154 that is configured to reversibly engage the cap engagement
member 148 of the container 102. In FIG. 1, container engagement
member 154 is a thread. In some embodiments, the container
engagement member 154 instead includes snaps, latches, or the like.
For additional security, the cap 108 is provided with a gasket 156
that is configured to form a seal against the flange 128 of the
insert 104 when the cap 108 is coupled with the container 102. In
some embodiments, the flange 128 has a track formed therein to
receive the gasket 156 (thus forming a better seal) and to align
the cap 108 with the workpiece 106. Thus, the gasket 156 prevents
escape of the formulation 136 from the container 102.
[0032] Together, the container 102, insert 104, workpiece 106, cap
108, and the formulation 136 comprise a cosmetic package that is
configured for easy, leak-free use and appealing aesthetics.
[0033] 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 as a
representative example or illustration and should not be construed
as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The
representative 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.
Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and
the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope
of this disclosure may include structures and functionalities from
more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures and
described in the specification. That is, the present disclosure
includes embodiments that combine features from different
embodiments.
[0034] 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 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.
[0035] The present application may include references to
directions, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "front," "rear,"
"left," "right," "top," and "bottom," etc. These references, and
other similar references in the present application, are intended
to assist in helping describe and understand the particular
embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and
are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these
directions or locations.
[0036] 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.
The term "based upon" means "based at least partially upon."
[0037] 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.
* * * * *