U.S. patent application number 17/114978 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for tensioning member for inflatable product, and inflatable product.
The applicant listed for this patent is BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.. Invention is credited to Shuiyong HUANG.
Application Number | 20210169231 17/114978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005299104 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210169231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUANG; Shuiyong |
June 10, 2021 |
TENSIONING MEMBER FOR INFLATABLE PRODUCT, AND INFLATABLE
PRODUCT
Abstract
An inflatable product includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet at
least partially defining an inflatable chamber. The inflatable
product also includes a tensioning member which includes a first
belt having a first top extension, a first bottom extension, and a
first base extending between the first top extension and the first
bottom extension. The tensioning member also includes a second belt
having a second top extension, a second bottom extension, and a
second base extending between the second top extension and the
second bottom extension. The first top extension of the first belt
and the second top extension of the second belt are attached to the
top sheet, and the first bottom extension of the first belt and the
second bottom extension of the second belt are attached to the
bottom sheet. The first base and second base each have two side
edges with arcuate-shaped recesses.
Inventors: |
HUANG; Shuiyong; (Shanghai,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP. |
Shanghai |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005299104 |
Appl. No.: |
17/114978 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/087 20130101;
A63H 3/06 20130101; A47C 4/54 20130101; A47C 27/081 20130101; E04H
4/0025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08; A47C 4/54 20060101 A47C004/54; E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00; A63H 3/06 20060101 A63H003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2019 |
CN |
201922180262.1 |
Claims
1. An inflatable product, comprising: a top sheet; a bottom sheet
disposed opposite the top sheet, the top sheet and the bottom sheet
at least partially defining an inflatable chamber; a tensioning
member including: a first belt having a first top extension, a
first bottom extension, and a first base extending between the
first top extension and the first bottom extension; and a second
belt having a second top extension, a second bottom extension, and
a second base extending between the second top extension and the
second bottom extension; wherein the first top extension of the
first belt and the second top extension of the second belt are
attached to the top sheet, and the first bottom extension of the
first belt and the second bottom extension of the second belt are
attached to the bottom sheet; and wherein the first base and second
base each have two side edges with arcuate-shaped recesses.
2. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the first belt and
the second belt are symmetrically arranged with respect to each
other to define a quadrilateral-shaped cross-section.
3. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the two side edges of
each of the first base and the second base each extend between a
respective one of the first top extension or the second top
extension and a respective one of the first bottom extension or the
second bottom extension.
4. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the first top
extension of the first belt is welded to the top sheet along a
first seam, and the second top extension of the second belt is
welded to the top sheet along a second seam.
5. The inflatable product of claim 4, wherein the first top
extension and the second top extension are connected to one another
along a third seam.
6. The inflatable product of claim 5, wherein the first seam of the
first top extension and second seam of the second top extension are
each arch-shaped.
7. The inflatable product of claim 6, wherein there are two gaps
between the first seam of the first top extension and the second
seam of the second top extension, and wherein the third seam goes
through the two gaps.
8. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the first bottom
extension of the first belt is welded to the bottom sheet along a
fourth seam, and the second bottom extension of the second belt is
welded to the bottom sheet along a fifth seam.
9. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first base or the second base includes a hole therethrough.
10. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein each of the first
base and the second base includes a hole therethrough.
11. The inflatable product of claim 10, wherein the hole through at
least one of the first base or the second base has a circular shape
or an oval shape.
12. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the first bottom
extension of the first belt and the second bottom extension of the
second belt are integrally formed from a single contiguous piece of
material.
13. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the first belt and a
second belt are made from one of a PVC material or a Tarpaulin
material.
14. The inflatable product of claim 2, wherein the tensioning
member is one of a plurality of tensioning members, wherein each
tensioning member has an axial length along an axis extending
orthogonally through a center of the quadrilateral-shaped
cross-section of the tensioning member; and wherein the axial
length of each tensioning member is less than a height of the
tensioning member between the top sheet and the bottom sheet.
15. The inflatable product of claim 2, wherein the tensioning
member extends along an axis extending orthogonally through a
center of the quadrilateral-shaped cross-section of the tensioning
member.
16. The inflatable product of claim 15, wherein the tensioning
member is one of a first plurality of tensioning members and the
tensioning member is one of a second plurality of tensioning
members; and wherein the inflatable product includes the first
plurality of tensioning members each spaced apart from one another
along the axis, and the inflatable product includes the second
plurality of tensioning members each spaced apart from one another
along a line extending orthogonally with respect to the axis.
17. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the inflatable
product is one of an inflatable mattress, an inflatable sofa, an
inflatable pool, or an inflatable toy.
18. An inflatable product, comprising: a top sheet; a bottom sheet
disposed opposite the top sheet, the top sheet and the bottom sheet
at least partially defining an inflatable chamber; a tensioning
member including: a first belt having a first top extension, a
first bottom extension, and a first base extending between the
first top extension and the first bottom extension; and a second
belt having a second top extension, a second bottom extension, and
a second base extending between the second top extension and the
second bottom extension; wherein the first top extension of the
first belt and the second top extension of the second belt are
attached to the top sheet, and the first bottom extension of the
first belt and the second bottom extension of the second belt are
attached to the bottom sheet; and wherein the first belt and the
second belt are symmetrically arranged with respect to each other
to define a generally annular cross-section.
19. The inflatable product of claim 18, wherein the first base and
second base each have two side edges, with each of the two side
edges defining an arcuate-shaped recess.
20. The inflatable product of claim 18, wherein the generally
annular cross-section is a quadrilateral-shaped cross-section.
21. The inflatable product of claim 18, wherein the tensioning
member extends along an axis extending orthogonally through a
center of the generally annular cross-section of the tensioning
member; wherein the tensioning member is one of a first plurality
of tensioning members and the tensioning member is one of a second
plurality of tensioning members; and wherein the inflatable product
includes the first plurality of tensioning members each spaced
apart from one another along the axis, and the inflatable product
includes the second plurality of tensioning members each spaced
apart from one another along a line extending orthogonally with
respect to the axis.
22. The inflatable product of claim 18, wherein the inflatable
product is one of an inflatable mattress, an inflatable sofa, an
inflatable pool, or an inflatable toy.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority to and the
benefit of Chinese patent application number CN201922180262.1,
filed Dec. 9, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an inflatable
product, and more specifically to an inflatable product that
includes a tensioning member.
2. Related Art
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Inflatable products are popular consumer items, and may
include, for example, inflatable beds, inflatable mattresses,
inflatable sofas, inflatable pools, and inflatable toys, which are
widely favored by consumers over their non-inflatable counterparts,
at least because they are light weight, foldable, portable,
comfortable, etc. These inflatable products commonly include a
number of tensioning members to keep the shapes of the inflatable
products, as desired by their users after inflation.
[0005] A major defect of existing tensioning members used in
inflatable products is that the tensioning members may have a high
cost and/or a low tensile strength. Consequently, there exists a
need for an inflatable product with improved tensioning
members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure
and should not be interpreted as a complete and comprehensive
listing of all of the objects, aspects, features and advantages
associated with the present disclosure.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
inflatable product is provided. The inflatable product includes a
top sheet and a bottom sheet disposed opposite the top sheet, with
the top sheet and the bottom sheet at least partially defining an
inflatable chamber. The inflatable product also includes a
tensioning member. The tensioning member includes a first belt
having a first top extension, a first bottom extension, and a first
base extending between the first top extension and the first bottom
extension. The tensioning member also includes a second belt having
a second top extension, a second bottom extension, and a second
base extending between the second top extension and the second
bottom extension. The first top extension of the first belt and the
second top extension of the second belt are attached to the top
sheet, and the first bottom extension of the first belt and the
second bottom extension of the second belt are attached to the
bottom sheet. The first base and second base each have two side
edges with arcuate-shaped recesses.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
inflatable product is provided. The inflatable product includes a
top sheet and a bottom sheet disposed opposite the top sheet, with
the top sheet and the bottom sheet at least partially defining an
inflatable chamber. The inflatable product also includes a
tensioning member. The tensioning member includes a first belt
having a first top extension, a first bottom extension, and a first
base extending between the first top extension and the first bottom
extension. The tensioning member also includes a second belt having
a second top extension, a second bottom extension, and a second
base extending between the second top extension and the second
bottom extension. The first top extension of the first belt and the
second top extension of the second belt are attached to the top
sheet, and the first bottom extension of the first belt and the
second bottom extension of the second belt are attached to the
bottom sheet. The first belt and the second belt are symmetrically
arranged with respect to each other to define a generally annular
cross-section.
[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
set forth in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings, as shown and described herein, are for
illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The
inventive concepts associated with the present disclosure will be
more readily understood by reference to the following description,
in combination with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an
inflatable mattress including tensioning members, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a tensioning
member of the inflatable mattress shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an
inflatable mattress including tensioning members, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the a tensioning
member of the inflatable mattress shown in FIG. 3; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a Tarpaulin material that
may be used for the tensioning members in some embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The implementation and application of the embodiments will
be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that
the specific embodiments discussed only exemplarily describe the
implementations and uses of the present invention, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Throughout
the description, the structural positions of various components,
e.g., upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but
relative descriptions. The orientation expressions are appropriate
when the various components are arranged, as shown in the Figs.,
but should change accordingly when the positions of the various
components in the Figs. change.
[0017] As used herein, "inflatable product" (or "inflatable body")
includes, but is not limited to, an inflatable bed, an inflatable
mattress, an inflatable pool, an inflatable boat, an inflatable
raft, an inflatable toy, and any other products that can be
inflated.
[0018] It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the
Figs. only show example shapes, dimensions, and arrangements of the
inflatable product according to the present disclosure, which are
merely illustrative but not restrictive. It should be appreciated
that other shapes, dimensions, and arrangements may be employed
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are
not only intended to explain and illustrate the present invention,
but also contribute to the definition of the present invention if
necessary. Furthermore, in the description, technical terms with
directional expressions, such as, for example, "top," "bottom,"
"top sheet," and "bottom sheet," etc. are defined according to the
directions shown in the accompanying drawings, and these technical
terms are merely descriptive and not limiting.
[0019] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, the subject
embodiments are directed to an inflatable product. In the
description and the accompanying drawings, the inflatable product
described and shown is an inflatable mattress. Of course, the type
of inflatable product is not limiting. The present invention can
cover any inflatable products, such as and without limitation,
inflatable sofas, inflatable pools, and inflatable toys.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of an
inflatable mattress which includes tensioning members 1a, according
to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is an
enlarged perspective view of the tensioning member 1a of the
inflatable mattress in FIG. 1.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the inflatable mattress comprises a top
sheet 2, a bottom sheet 3 and a lateral sheet 4. An outer edge of
the top sheet 2 is coupled to a top edge of the lateral sheet 4,
and an outer edge of the bottom sheet 3 is coupled to a bottom edge
of the lateral sheet 4, such that an inflatable body delimiting an
air chamber is formed. In other words, the air chamber is defined
between the top sheet 2 and the bottom sheet 3 and is bounded by
the lateral sheet 4. According to an embodiment of the present
invention, the top sheet 2 and the bottom sheet 3 may be coupled to
the lateral sheet 4 by various methods such as but not limited to
high-frequency welding. However, other connection methods,
including without limitation, adhesives and/or fasteners may be
used. The top sheet 2, the bottom sheet 3, and/or the lateral sheet
4 may be made of a PVC material or a Tarpaulin material, including
a net sandwiched between solid two sheets, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] The inflatable mattress also includes a plurality of
tensioning members 1a within the inflatable body, and these
tensioning members 1a are connected to the top sheet 2 and the
bottom sheet 3 to tension and keep a desired shape of the
inflatable body. In some embodiments, these tensioning members 1a
are arranged inside the inflatable body in a rectangular array, as
shown.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the tensioning member 1a includes a
first belt 11 and a second belt 12, with each of the first belt 11
and the second belt 12 extending between the top sheet 2 and the
bottom sheet 3 for providing a connection therebetween. The first
belt 11 and the second belt 12 are symmetrically arranged with
respect to each other to form an annular structure. More
specifically, the first belt 11 and the second belt 12 are
symmetrically arranged to define a generally annular cross-section.
Such a generally annular cross-section may include any closed-loop
shape, such as a box shape, which may include one or more sides
that bulge outwardly or inwardly. More specifically and as shown in
FIG. 2, the generally annular cross-section of the first belt 11
and the second belt 12 may take the form of a quadrilateral-shaped
cross-section. It should be appreciated that these are merely
examples, and the first belt 11 and the second belt 12 may together
to define any generally annular cross-sectional shape.
[0024] The first belt 11 includes a first base 111 that extends
between a first top extension 112 and a first bottom extension 113.
The first top extension 112 extends parallel and adjacent to the
top sheet 2 and is joined thereto. Likewise, the first bottom
extension 113 extends parallel and adjacent to the bottom sheet 3
and is joined thereto. The first base 111 is a generally
rectangular sheet. Each of the first top extension 112 and the
first bottom extension 113 extends from a corresponding edge of the
first base 111 in a common direction. The second belt 12 includes a
second base 121 that that extends between a second top extension
122 and a second bottom extension 123. The second top extension 122
extends parallel and adjacent to the top sheet 2 and is joined
thereto. Likewise, the second bottom extension 123 extends parallel
and adjacent to the bottom sheet 3 and is joined thereto. The
second base 121 is a generally rectangular sheet. Each of the
second top extension 122 and the second bottom extension 123
extends from a corresponding edge of the second base 121 in a
common direction.
[0025] Accordingly, the first base 111 and the second base 121
extend substantially vertically between the top sheet 2 and the
bottom sheet 3. The first top extension 112 and the second top
extension 122 extend toward each other to jointly form a top
connection portion of the tensioning member 1a for connection to
the top sheet 2. In some embodiments, the top connection portion is
fixed to the top sheet 2 by high-frequency welding. For example, as
shown in Fig.1 and FIG. 2, the first top extension 112 of the first
belt 11 is welded to the top sheet 2 along a first top seam 116.
The second top extension 122 of the second belt 12 is welded to the
top sheet 2 along a second top seam 126. The first top extension
112 of the first belt 11 is welded to the second top extension 122
of the second belt 12 along a third top seam 120. The first top
seam 116 is spaced apart from the second top seam 126 to define two
gaps, with one of the gaps between corresponding ends of the first
top seam 116 and the second top seam 126. The third top seam 120
extends through each of the two gaps between the first top seam 116
and the second top seam 126. The first top seam 116 and the second
top seam 126 are each arch-shaped, and together form a generally
circular contour, as illustrated. The contour may be visible from
outside of the inflatable mattress. Of course, the shapes of the
first top seam 116 and the second top seam 126 are not limiting and
can be varied according to the appearance requirements of the
inflatable mattress.
[0026] Likewise, the first bottom extension 113 and the second
bottom extension 123 extend toward each other to jointly form a
bottom connection portion of the tensioning member 1a for
connection to the bottom sheet 3. In some embodiments, the bottom
connection portion is fixed to the bottom sheet 3 by high-frequency
welding. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first bottom
extension 113 is welded to the bottom sheet 3 along a first bottom
seam 117. The second bottom extension 123 is welded to the bottom
sheet 3 along a second bottom seam 127. The first bottom seam 117
and the second bottom seam 127 jointly form a generally circular
contour, as illustrated. The contour may be visible from outside of
the inflatable mattress. Of course, the shapes of the first bottom
seam 117 and the second bottom seam 127 are not limiting and can be
varied according to the appearance requirements of the inflatable
mattress.
[0027] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first base 111 and the
second base 121 each have two side edges extending between a
respective top connection portion and a respective bottom
connection portion, with the two side edges each defining an
arcuate-shaped recess 114, 124. In embodiments in which the first
base 111 and the second base 121 have a generally rectangular
shape, the "side edges" may extend substantially perpendicular to
the top sheet 2 and the bottom sheet 3. In some embodiments, the
tensioning member 1a includes a pair of arcuate-shaped recesses
114, 124, with at least one of the two side edges of each of the
first base 111 and the second base 112 defining a corresponding one
of the pair of arcuate-shaped recesses 114, 124. In some
embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2, the tensioning member 1a
includes four arcuate-shaped recesses 114, 124, with each of the
two side edges of each of the first base 111 and the second base
112 defining a corresponding one of the four arcuate-shaped
recesses 114, 124. Compared with linear side edges, these
arcuate-shaped recesses 114, 124 can reduce the amount of material
used to construct the tensioning member 1a. Furthermore, these
arcuate-shaped recesses 114, 124 may also improve the tensile
strength of the tensioning member 1a, making the tensioning member
1a less prone to breakage.
[0028] The tensioning member 1a can be made of the same material as
the top sheet 2, the bottom sheet 3 and/or the lateral sheet 4.
That is to say, the tensioning member 1a may be made of a PVC
material and/or a Tarpaulin material, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0029] The first top extension 112 and the second top extension 122
may be first connected to each other, for example by welding, such
as by high-frequency welding, to form an integrated top connection
portion. The top connection portion may then be connected to the
top sheet 2, and the first bottom extension 113 and the second
bottom extension 123 may be connected to the bottom sheet 3, thus
providing a complete tensioning member structure. Similarly, the
first bottom extension 113 and the second bottom extension 123 may
also be connected to each other, for example by high-frequency
welding, to form an integrated bottom connection portion. The
bottom connection portion may be connected to the bottom sheet
3.The first top extension 112 and the second top extension 122 may
be connected to the top sheet 2, thus providing a complete
tensioning member structure. Of course, the first top extension 112
and the second top extension 122 may also be directly connected to
the top sheet 2, and the first bottom extension 113 and the second
bottom extension 123 may be connected to the bottom sheet 3 without
first directly connecting the first belt 11 and the second belt
12.
[0030] According to some embodiments, the first bottom extension
113 of the first belt 11 and the second bottom extension 123 of the
second belt 12 are integrally formed from a single contiguous piece
of material. For example, the tensioning member 1a may be made from
a single contiguous piece of material, which is symmetrically bent
to form the first belt 11 and the second belt 12 which are formed
integrally with each other.
[0031] According to some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2,
the inflatable mattress includes a plurality of tensioning members
1a, each having an axial length along an axis A that extends
orthogonally through a center of the quadrilateral-shaped
cross-section, with the axial length being less than a height of
the tensioning member 1a between the top sheet 2 and the bottom
sheet 3.
[0032] According to some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2,
the inflatable mattress includes a plurality of tensioning members
1a arranged in a grid pattern. The grid pattern may include a first
plurality of tensioning members that are each spaced apart from one
another along the axis A. The grid pattern may also include a
second plurality of tensioning members 1a that are each spaced
apart from one another along a line that extends orthogonally with
respect to the axis A. This grid pattern may take the form of rows
and columns of a rectangular array, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of a further
inflatable mattress which includes tensioning members 1b, according
to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is an
enlarged perspective view of the tensioning member 1b of the
inflatable mattress in FIG. 3.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the tensioning member 1b,
according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, has a
similar configuration to the tensioning member 1a, according to the
first embodiment of the present disclosure, except that the first
base 111 defines a first hole 115 therethrough, and the second base
121 defines a second hole 125 therethrough. Due to the provision of
the first arcuate-shaped recesses 114 and the second arcuate-shaped
recesses 124 and the selection of material, the tensile strength of
the tensioning member 1b can be ensured. Moreover, the provision of
the first hole 115 and the second hole 125 further reduces the
amount of material used to make the tensioning member 1b, and the
removed material may be recycled. The first hole 115 and/or the
second hole 125 may have a circular shape or an oval shape capable
of ensuring a high tensile strength.
[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the first bottom extension
113 is formed integrally with the second bottom extension 123. In
fact, compared with the tensioning member 1a with two separately
formed tensile belt halves in FIG. 2, the tensioning member 1b made
from a single sheet is symmetrically bent to form the first belt 11
and the second belt 12 which are formed integrally with each other,
and the first top extension 112 and the second top extension 122
are formed at two adjacent regions of the single sheet. For the
tensioning member 1b, the bottom connection portion (i.e., the
first bottom extension 113 and the second bottom extension 123
which are integrally formed) may be connected to the bottom sheet
3, and the first top extension 112 and the second top extension 122
are connected to the top sheet 2, such that a complete tensioning
member structure is obtained.
[0036] The technical content and technical features of the present
disclosure are disclosed above, but it could be understood that
those skilled in the art may make variations and improvements to
the concepts disclosed above under the inventive concepts of the
present invention, and all such variations and improvements fall
into the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present
invention shall be defined by the claims.
[0037] Although multiple embodiments have been described herein,
various modifications may be made to these embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the invention, and all such
modifications still belong within the concepts of the present
invention and fall within the scope of the claims of the present
invention. The scope of protection is only limited by the scope of
the accompanying claims.
[0038] The disclosed systems and methods of operation are well
adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as
those that are inherent therein. The particular implementations
disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the
present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but
equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the
benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are
intended by the details of construction or design herein shown,
other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore
evident that the particular illustrative implementations disclosed
above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations
are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The
systems and methods of operation illustratively disclosed herein
may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not
specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed
herein. The terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning
unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined in the
specification. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as
used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one
of the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the
usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more
patents or other documents that may be incorporated herein by
reference, the definitions that are consistent with this
specification should be adopted.
[0039] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a
series of items, with the terms "and" or "or" to separate any of
the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each article
of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of"
includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one
of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the
items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C"
or "at least one of A, B, or C" may each refer to only A, only B,
or only C. Claim recitations of "first" or "second" are not
necessarily limited to usage in the specification unless otherwise
supported within the claim terminology. The various features
described in reference to specific embodiments can be arranged with
other embodiments without departing from the subject
disclosure.
* * * * *