Patent Application
20250067084
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to access portals, and in particular to access portal assemblies.
One or more structures can be used for one or more purposes. For example, when camping, one or more structures can be used for sleeping, changing clothing, storage, etc.
The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
Embodiments described herein are related to access portal assemblies.
One or more structures can be used for one or more purposes. For example, when camping, one or more structures can be used for sleeping, changing clothing, storage, etc. Two or more structures may be placed proximate to each other. A user may exit one structure into the outdoor environment and then enter a second structure from the outdoor environment. Structures may include a trailer, a tent, a covered bed of a truck (e.g., camper shell, truck topper, tonneau cover, hard or soft cover, etc.), and so on.
Conventionally, multiple structures may be used. For example, when there is not enough room for parents and children to sleep in a trailer, the parents may sleep in the trailer and the children may sleep in a collapsible tent that is attached to the upper surface of the trailer. For the users to go from one structure to the other, the users are to exit the first structure into the outdoor environment and then enter the second structure from the outdoor environment. This may be done in the dark while people are sleeping, may be done in outdoor environments where predators (e.g., bears, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, etc.) are present, and may be done when strangers are in the vicinity. This can be dangerous, can result in injury to the users, can result in damage to the structures, and so forth.
Conventionally, structures have a short inside height. For example, in a trailer, tent mounted on a trailer, camper shell covering a bed of a truck, etc., there is not enough room to stand up. This makes getting dressed, packing, unpacking, using the structure as a living space, and performing other activities very difficult. This may result in injuries to users, damage of the structures, and much inconvenience.
The components, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide access portal assemblies. The access portal assemblies of the present disclosure may provide solutions to the shortcomings of conventional systems.
An access portal assembly includes a first and second portal structure. The first portal structure is configured to be attached to a first structure (e.g., collapsible tent) that forms a first interior volume. The second portal structure is configured to be attached to a second structure (e.g., trailer, truck bed covering, etc.) that forms a second interior volume. The first portal structure and the second portal structure are to interface to provide access between the first interior volume and the second interior volume. For example, responsive to the first structure being disposed on the second structure (e.g., responsive to the collapsible tent being attached to an upper surface of a trailer), one of the portal structures fits around the other of the portal structures. In some embodiments, a gasket is coupled to a distal end of the first portal structure or the second portal structure. The gasket may seal the interface between the portal structures (e.g., prevent wind, rain, snow, dust, etc. from entering the interior volumes between the portal structures. In some embodiments, a cover is removably disposed on the first portal structure to removably block the access between the first interior volume and the second interior volume.
The components, systems, and methods disclosed herein have advantages over conventional solutions. The access portal assembly of the present disclosure provides access between multiple structures without exiting the structures. This is less dangerous, prevents injury, prevents damage to structures, etc. compared to conventional systems. The access portal assembly of the present disclosure allows users to stand up. This prevents injuries and prevents damage to structures compared to conventional systems.
Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe an access portal assembly between a tent and a trailer, in other embodiments, the access portal assembly can be used between different types of structures.
Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe an access portal assembly between an upper structure and a lower structure, where the upper structure is disposed on the lower structure, in other embodiments, the access portal assembly can be used between structures that are not one on top of the other (e.g., structures that are next to each other, structures that are diagonal to each other, etc.).
Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe an access portal assembly that is separate from the structures through which access is provided, in other embodiments, the access portal assembly includes components that are integral to the structures through which access is provided.
The system 100 includes structures 110A-B. In some embodiments, structure 110A is to be disposed on structure 110B. In some embodiments, a lower wall 114 (e.g., lower surface) of structure 110A is to be attached to an upper wall 116 (e.g., upper surface) of structure 110B. In some embodiments, the structure 110A is a collapsible tent (e.g., retractable tent, foldable tent, canvas tent that has a solid bottom surface, etc.). In some embodiments, the structure 110B is a trailer, camper shell, etc. Structure 110A forms an interior volume 112A and structure 110B forms an interior volume 112B.
System 100 includes an access portal assembly 120. The access portal assembly 120 includes portal structures 130A-B. In some embodiments, portal structure 130A is an upper portal structure (e.g., upper insert) and portal structure 130B is a lower portal structure (e.g., lower insert). The portal structure 130A may be configured to be attached to structure 110A and/or the portal structure 130B may be configured to be attached to structure 110B. In some embodiments, access portal assembly 120 includes one or more gaskets 122 coupled to portal structure 130A and/or portal structure 130B. In some embodiments, one or more gaskets 122 are coupled to (e.g., friction fitted to, adhered to, fastened to, etc.) a distal end of at least one of portal structure 130A and/or portal structure 130B. In some embodiments, a gasket 122 is coupled to portal structure 130A (e.g., portal structure 130B is without a gasket). In some embodiments, a gasket 122 is coupled to portal structure 130B (e.g., portal structure 130A is without a gasket). In some embodiments, a first gasket is coupled to portal structure 130A and a second gasket is coupled to portal structure 130B.
In some embodiments, one or more fasteners 124 couple (e.g., secure) portal structure 130A to structure 110A and/or one or more fasteners 124 couple (e.g., secure) portal structure 130B to structure 110B. In some embodiments, portal structure 130A is coupled to (e.g., adhered to, welded to, etc.) structure 110A (e.g., with or without fasteners 124) and/or portal structure 130B is coupled to (e.g., adhered to, welded to, etc.) structure 110B (e.g., with or without fasteners 124). In some embodiments, portal structure 130A is integral to structure 110A and/or portal structure 130B is integral to structure 110B.
In some embodiments, the portal structure 130A and the portal structure 130B are to interface (e.g., responsive to the structure 110A being disposed on the structure 110B) to provide access between the interior volume 112A and the interior volume 112B. In some embodiments, portal structures 130A-B substantially seal to each other (e.g., via gasket) to prevent entry of moisture (e.g., dew, rain, snow, etc.), particles (e.g., dust, etc.), wind, dust, etc. into the interior volumes 112A-B. In some embodiments, portal structures 130A-B substantially seal to each other (e.g., via gasket) to reduce heat transfer between ambient environment and the interior volumes 110A-B.
In some embodiments, access portal assembly 120 includes a cover structure 126 configured to actuate to block access between the interior volumes 112A-B. In some embodiments, cover structure 126 is configured to be removably disposed on portal structure 130A (e.g., to block the access between the interior volumes 112A-B). In some embodiments, the cover structure 126 is coupled to the portal structure 130A via a hinge to rotatably block the access between the interior volumes 112A-B.
In some embodiments, a flange of the portal structure 130A is coupled to (e.g., attached to, fastened to) a bottom surface (e.g., floor) of the lower wall 114 of structure 110A. In some embodiments, a flange of the portal structure 130A is coupled to (e.g., attached to, fastened to) an upper surface of the lower wall 114 of structure 110A. In some embodiments, fasteners 124 are directed one or more of downward, upward, sideways, etc. to couple portal structure 130A to structure 110A.
In some embodiments, a flange of the portal structure 130B is coupled to (e.g., attached to, fastened to) an upper surface of the upper wall 116 (e.g., roof) of structure 110B. In some embodiments, a flange of the portal structure 130B is coupled to (e.g., attached to, fastened to) an upper surface of the upper wall 116 of structure 110B. In some embodiments, fasteners 124 are directed one or more of downward, upward, sideways, etc. to couple portal structure 130B to structure 110B.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes portal structures 130A-B, where portal structure 130A includes a downward protrusion and an inward protrusion (e.g., interior protruding structure) and portal structure 130B includes an upward protrusion. The portal structure 130A may be integral to or coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, etc.) to structure 110A and/or the portal structure 130B may be integral to or coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, etc.) to structure 110B. The system 100 may further include a gasket 122 coupled to the downward protrusion or the upward protrusion. The downward protrusion and the upward protrusion are to interface to provide access between a first interior volume 112A above the first portal structure 130A and a second interior volume 112B below the second portal structure 130B. The system 100 may further include a cover structure 126 configured to be removably disposed on the inward protrusion of the first portal structure 130A to block the access between the first interior volume 112A and the second interior volume 112B.
In some embodiments, an actuating device (e.g., gas strut, lock, etc.) is configured to secure the cover structure 126 in an open position or in a closed position.
In some embodiments, the inward protrusion and/or a track is configured to be coupled to an accessory (e.g., cargo net, ladder). A ladder may provide the access between the first interior volume 112A and the second interior volume 112B.
In some embodiments, the first portal structure 130A is part of or coupled to one or more of a collapsible tent, retractable tent, foldable tent, or a canvas tent that has a solid bottom surface. In some embodiments, the second portal structure 130B is part of or coupled to one or more of a trailer, truck bed covering, or camper shell. In some embodiments, the first portal structure 130A is disposed above the second portal structure 130B. In some embodiments, the gasket 122 is configured to substantially seal the interface between the first portal structure 130A and the second portal structure 130B. In some embodiments, at least one of the downward protrusion or the upward protrusion has an adjustable height (e.g., is a telescoping structure). A telescoping structure may be a sequence of extensible components, referred to as telescoping shells. Each telescoping shell represents a rigid piece of material that has an interior cavity shaped to accommodate subsequent, smaller shells (e.g., small telescoping shell).
Portal structure 130B may be coupled (e.g., attached, adhered, fastened, welded, etc.) and/or integral to structure 110B (e.g., roof of a trailer, upper wall 116 of structure 110B). Portal structure 130B may include flashing 134. The flashing 134 may have a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion (e.g., form an “L”-shape). The substantially vertical portion of flashing 134 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, welded, etc.) to a substantially vertical outer surface of the portal structure 130B. The substantially horizontal portion of flashing 134 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, welded, etc.) to a substantially horizontal upper surface (e.g., of portal structure 130B, of structure 110B, etc.).
Portal structure 130A may be coupled (e.g., attached, adhered, fastened, welded, etc.) and/or integral to structure 110A (e.g., floor of collapsible tent, lower wall 114 of structure 110A). In some embodiments, portal structure 130A includes flashing 134. The flashing 134 may have a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion (e.g., form an “L”-shape). The substantially vertical portion of flashing 134 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, welded, etc.) to a substantially vertical outer surface of the portal structure 130A. The substantially horizontal portion of flashing 134 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, welded, etc.) to a substantially horizontal upper surface (e.g., of portal structure 130A, of structure 110A, etc.).
In some embodiments, portal structure 130A includes an interior protruding structure 136. The interior protruding structure 136 may protrude from an inner side surface of portal structure 130A. The cover structure 126 may be configured to removably be disposed on the interior protruding structure 136 (e.g., interior protruding structure is a door sill). In some embodiments, interior protruding structure 136 is configured to couple to a ladder. In some examples, interior protruding structure 136 forms ladder hooks configured to interface with a ladder via ladder openings formed by the ladder. In some examples, interior protruding structure 136 forms openings configured to interface with ladder hooks of a ladder.
In some embodiments, interior protruding structure 136 is offset from an upper surface of portal structure 130A to cause an upper surface of cover structure 126 to be substantially flush with an upper surface of a floor of structure 110A. In some embodiments, interior protruding structure 136 has a substantially horizontal portion on which cover structure 126 is to be disposed and a substantially vertical portion configured to be coupled to (e.g., fastened, adhered, welded, etc.) to an interior surface of portal structure 130A.
In some embodiments, cover structure 126 includes a substantially rigid region 128A, a substantially rigid region 128B, and a folding region 129 disposed between the substantially rigid regions 128A-B. The cover structure 126 may fold along the folding region 129 to assist with removing the cover structure 126 from and placing the cover structure 126 on the portal structure 130A.
In some embodiments, distal ends of the substantially rigid regions 128A may interface with the portal structure 130A when the cover structure 126 is not in a folded position (e.g., is in an unfolded position) and distal ends of the substantially rigid regions 128A may not interface with the portal structure 130A when the cover structure 126 is in a folded position. This may allow the cover structure 126 to be secured in place in the portal structure 130A when the cover structure is in an unfolded position.
In some embodiments, distal ends of the substantially rigid regions 128A have features (e.g., protrusions) that interface with corresponding features (e.g., recesses) of the portal structure 130A. By pushing up on the cover structure 126, the cover structure 126 may fold along the folding region 129 and the protrusions of the cover structure 126 may come out of (e.g., un-interface with) the recesses formed by the portal structure 130A. By flattening the cover structure 126, the protrusions of the cover structure126 may enter into the recesses formed by the portal structure 130A.
In some embodiments, the cover structure 126 may have a friction fit with the portal structure 130A at distal ends of the substantially rigid regions 128A-B. By pushing up on the cover structure 126, the cover structure 126 may fold along the folding region 129 to release the friction fit with the portal structure 130A. By flattening the cover structure 126, the distal ends may have a friction fit with the portal structure 130A.
In some embodiments, the cover structure 126 may be rotatably coupled (e.g., via hinges) to the portal structure 110A. The cover structure 126 may be rotated to an open position and to a closed position.
Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment.
Referring to method 400 of
At block 404, a lower portal structure (e.g., portal structure 130B) may be attached to an upper wall (e.g., upper wall 116, roof) of the second structure (e.g., structure 110B, trailer).
At block 406, the upper portal structure and the lower portal structure are interfaced with each other (e.g., by disposing the first structure on the second structure).
At block 408, a cover structure is actuated to block access between a first interior volume of the first structure and a second interior volume of the second structure. In some embodiments, cover structure is removably disposed on the upper portal structure to block access between a first interior volume of the first structure and a second interior volume of the second structure. In some embodiments, cover structure is rotatably attached to the upper portal structure to block access between a first interior volume of the first structure and a second interior volume of the second structure.
Conventionally, vertical height in a small vehicle (e.g., trailer, structure 110B) causes a challenge for getting dressed, using as a living space, sleeping arrangements, etc. When small children need to be accommodated in a small vehicle, often a parent ends up outside of the vehicle in a separate tent or other accommodation.
The access portal assembly of the present disclosure provides a solution to these and other shortcomings of conventional systems. The access portal assembly may be used with an existing rooftop tent (e.g., structure 110A) and a trailer (e.g., structure 110B) to connect the two to provide access to both. This provides numerous benefits such as one or more of: climate control when portal is open (e.g., trailer has integral climate control that can also control temperature of the interior volume of the tent); quick access to other users (e.g., children) when there is a safety concern; additional height in the structure 110B (e.g., trailer, vehicle) for interior living; additional storage by utilizing the area within the access portal assembly for storage of bedding or other items while the vehicle (e.g., structure 110B) is in transit; etc.
In some embodiments, the access portal assembly 120 is constructed to accommodate a wide range of vehicles (e.g., structures 110B) and rooftop tent manufactures (e.g., structures 110A).
In some embodiments, the access portal assembly 120 has a telescoping construction that is adjustable based on distance to be used between the structures 110A-B (e.g., between vehicle and rooftop tent). In some embodiments, the access portal assembly 120 has a seal (e.g., gasket 122) incorporated in the telescoping flange to provide a weather-tight seal.
In some embodiments, the system 100 has a flange on both rooftop tent (e.g., structure 110A) and vehicle (e.g., trailer, structure 110B) that provide structural support through an adjustable interlocking design that reinforces the access portal assembly 120 (e.g., material cut, portal structures 130A-B).
In some embodiments, a cargo net is disposed at a bottom of the access portal assembly 120 to prevent accidental fall and injury. This may also be used as a storage area that can be used for bedding when tent is stowed (e.g., structure 110A is collapsed), and vehicle (e.g., structure 110B) is in motion.
In some embodiments, the access portal assembly 120 has one or more doors (e.g., cover structure 126) to provide a surface for a mattress or other bedding. The one or more doors (e.g., cover structure 126) may be opened fully or partially to provide space for sleeping in structure 110A and an open area for communication and climate control of the areas (e.g., structures 110A-B) from heat/cooling source above or below. The one or more doors (e.g., cover structure 126) may also include an actuating device such as a gas strut to hold the one or more doors (e.g., cover structure 126) in place when in the open position and/or in the closed position. The gas strut (e.g., gas spring, gas damper) may use compressed gas contained within an enclosed cylinder. The cylinder may be sealed by a sliding piston to pneumatically store potential energy and withstand external force applied parallel to the direction of the piston shaft. In some embodiments, the gas strut is a pneumatic suspension gas spring that directly compresses a chamber of air with the piston. In some embodiments, the gas strut is a hydro-pneumatic suspension gas spring that compresses a chamber of oil linked to an accumulator in which the pressure of the oil compresses the gas. In some embodiments, the gas strut uses an inert and/or nonflammable gas (e.g., Nitrogen). In some embodiments, responsive to the cover being secured (e.g., latched, etc.) in a closed position, the gas strut is under pressure and responsive to the cover being unsecured (e.g., unlatched) from the closed position, the gas strut actuates the cover into the open position.
In some embodiments, structure 110B is a trailer, camper, vehicle, camper shell, cab, van, etc.
In some embodiments, structure 110A is a tent. In some embodiments, structure 110A is a collapsible tent.
In some embodiments, access portal assembly 120 is disposed in an upper wall 116 of structure 110B and/or in a lower wall 114 of the structure 110A.
Access portal assembly 120 includes a portal structure 130A and portal structure 130B. Portal structure 130A is connected to a lower wall 114 of structure 110A (e.g., tent floor). Portal structure 130B is connected to an upper wall 116 of structure 110B (e.g., roof of a vehicle, roof of a camper shell, roof of a cab of a vehicle, roof of a trailer, etc.).
Portal structure 130A may include a main body 610A, one or more hinges 620, fasteners 124, and one or more cover structures 126. The main body 610A may include a flange 612A, flange 612B, and/or inward protrusion 614 (e.g., forming openings). Flanges 612A-B may be secured together (e.g., welded, integral to each other, fastened together, etc.). The main body 610 may be secured to a lower wall 114 of structure 110A via one or more fasteners 124. The cover structure 126 may be secured to the main body 610A via one or more hinges 620 (e.g., hinges may be fastened to the main body 610 and to the cover structure 126).
Portal structure 130B may include a main body 610B, fasteners 124, and one or more tracks 630. The main body 610B may include a flange 612C and flange 612D. Flanges 612C-D may be secured together (e.g., welded, integral to each other, fastened together, etc.). The main body 610B may be secured to an upper wall 116 of structure 110B via one or more fasteners 124. Track 630 may be secured to the main body 610B via one or more fasteners. One or more accessories (e.g., ladder, etc.) may be secured to the portal structure 130B via the one or more tracks 630. The one or more tracks may be an L-track, an O-track, etc.
An L-track (e.g., airline track, logistic track) may be a versatile system that uses aluminum rails, straps, and fittings to secure cargo. L-track may be lightweight, may have a low profile, may be easy to install, and may have multiple attachment points.
An O-track may include O-track channels (e.g., beveled O-track channels).
Side surface of the track 630 may form a recess. A portion of an accessory may be disposed in the recess and may be secured in the recess via friction fit. The track 630 may include one or more openings and one or more accessories may be coupled to the track 630 via the one or more openings.
Portal structure 130A may include gas strut 710A secured to cover structure 126A and main body 610A of portal structure 130A and gas strut 710B secured to cover structure 126B and main body 610A. Responsive to a cover structure 126 being in a closed position (e.g., substantially horizontal, disposed on the inward protrusion 614 of main body 610A, secured via a lock to the main body 610A), the corresponding gas strut 710 is under pressure. Responsive to the cover structure 126 being unsecured (e.g., unlocked), the corresponding gas strut 710 may lift the cover structure 126 into the open position (e.g., substantially vertical). In some embodiments, the cover structures 126A-B may be opened and/or closed together or separate from each other.
System 100 may include one or more accessories (e.g., ladder 720, cargo net 730, etc.)
Access portal assembly 120 may include one or more locks 740 (e.g., see
System 100 may include a cargo net 730 (e.g., safety net). Cargo net 730 may be secured to the portal structure 130A (e.g., inward protrusion 614). A securing component (e.g., carabiner, ring, etc.) may be secured to the cargo net 730 (e.g., via an eyelet) and to the portal structure 130A (e.g., via an opening formed by inward protrusion 614). The cargo net 730 may be used when one or more of the cover structures 126 are in the open position (e.g., to prevent objects and/or people from falling from the interior volume 112A of the structure 110A into the interior volume 112B of the structure 110B (e.g., prevent a child from falling from the tent into the trailer, prevent objects from falling from the tent onto people in trailer, etc.). The cargo net 730 may be used when the cover structures 126 are in the closed position (e.g., to provide additional storage, to store bedding or other objects to be used in the structure 110A and/or structure 110B).
In some embodiments, a removable eyelet clips into the portal structure 110A (e.g., opening formed by inward protrusion 614).
In some embodiments, cover structure 126 is a door that has an upper metal panel (e.g., aluminum panel) and a lower metal panel (e.g., aluminum panel) that has multiple sets of ribbing between the metal panels to stiffen the door. The cover structure 126 may withstand the weight of a person standing or sitting on the cover structure 126.
In some embodiments, responsive to the cover structures 126A-B being in a closed position, there is a spacing between the cover structures 126A-B. In some embodiments, responsive to the cover structures 126A-B being in a closed position, the cover structures 126A-B may be sealed together (e.g., a gasket at the distal end of one or both cover structures 126A-B may provide a seal).
A seal (e.g., via a gasket) may be provided around a perimeter of the inward protrusion 614 (e.g., inner lip of tent portal).
In some embodiments, responsive to the structure 110A (e.g., tent) being removed from the structure 110B (e.g., trailer), a component (e.g., sunroof component) may be placed on the portal structure 130B.
The sunroof component may have a crank or gas strut to selectively open the sunroof to allow ventilation and/or light to enter the interior volume 112B of structure 110B. The sunroof component may be selectively opened to a first position (e.g., a smaller opening) to allow some ventilation without allowing rain or snow to enter the interior volume 112B of structure 110B. The sunroof component may be selectively opened to a second position (e.g., a larger opening) to allow more ventilation into the interior volume 112B of structure 110B.
The lock 740 may be secured to the cover structure 126. In some embodiments, the lock 740 may include a latch includes a bar (e.g., metal bar) that can be actuated (e.g., turn a latch) and may be spring-loaded. The lock 740 may include a stop or catch at the end of the lock 740, upon rotating the bar to be beyond the stop or catch, the bar is actuated via the spring to insert into an opening formed by the portal structure 110A. The bar may be pulled out of the opening to unsecure the lock 740 and open the cover structure 126. In some embodiments, the lock 740 can only be unsecured from inside the structure 110B (e.g., vehicle, trailer) (the lock 740 cannot be unsecured from outside the structure 110B).
A gasket may be disposed on the top and/or the bottom of the upper wall 116 between the structure 110B and the portal structure 130B.
In some embodiments, an access portal assembly 120 includes a single cover structure 126 (e.g., door) and in some embodiments, an access portal assembly 120 includes two cover structures 126 (e.g., two doors). The doors may not overlap each other. A mattress may be placed on the top of the cover structures 126 responsive to the cover structures 126 being in a closed position.
In some embodiments, structure 110A is made of fabric. In some embodiments, structure 110A is made of a rigid material (e.g., hard shell).
Access portal assembly 120 may allow ingress and egress of a person between the structures 110A-B without the person scraping themselves. The cover structures 126 and portal structures 130 may have smooth surfaces. In some embodiments, one cover structure 126 may be in a closed position and the other cover structure 126 may be in an open position to allow a user to sit on the closed cover structure 126 and allow their legs to dangle through the opening formed by the open cover structure 126.
In some embodiments, the structure 110A (e.g., tent) is fastened (e.g., bolted) and/or sealed (e.g., via a gasket) to the structure 110B (e.g., trailer).
The portal structure 130A may reinforce the floor of the structure 110A. The portal structure 130A may provide stability to adjacent floor of the structure 110A.
The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations can vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” “support,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” When the term “about” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±10%.
Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be altered so that certain operations are performed in an inverse order so that certain operations are performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations are in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/534,474, filed Aug. 24, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63534474 | Aug 2023 | US |
