Patent Application
20240298768
Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
The present application relates to hair devices in general, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for hair straightening.
A variety of devices are available for styling hair, such as curling irons, curlers, flat irons, hair straighteners, and blow dryers. Many of these devices function by incorporating an internal or external heating source for heating a surface of the device that contacts the hair to treat or style it. Other devices, such as blow dryers, heat and blow a stream of air onto the hair.
Thick, coarse, ethnic, curly, and/or kinky hair is particularly difficult to straighten properly with current designs of flat iron type straightening devices. This is particularly true for hair typical to people of African, Latin, and Hispanic descent as well as other hair types. In some instances, hair with these types of textures can cause sticking or tangling in current hair straightening devices during the straightening process. Thicker hair may also not be evenly or properly heated or straightened by current straightening and/or pressing devices.
It is often desirable for individuals with textured, curly, or coarse hair to straighten one's hair, a style that the hair does not naturally take. Therefore, a device that can be used during treatments, especially when the hair is wet, is often necessary. Additionally, textured hair is not efficiently straightened between devices having two flat plates, as this design generally compresses the hair. Instead, textured, coarse hair often requires a straightening device that can guide and separate the strands as they pass through the heated styling plates.
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward straightening devices, systems, apparatuses, and methods of using such devices.
Certain aspects are defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims may include optional features of some embodiments. The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be discussed briefly.
Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Neither this summary nor the following detailed description purports to define or limit the scope of the subject matter.
In one aspect described herein, a hair device is provided. In some embodiments, the hair device includes, for example, a first arm extending along a first longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end, the first arm further including a convex styling surface opposite an outside surface on the distal end of the first arm; a second arm extending along a second longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second arm pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the first arm, the second arm further including a concave styling surface opposite an outside surface on the distal end of the second arm; and a first series of features on the convex styling surface of the first arm, the features positioned in a direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the device further includes a second series of features on the outside surface of the first arm, wherein the second series of features is larger compared to the first series of features. In some embodiments, the first series of features and the second series of features are comprised of ridges, wherein a middle portion of each ridge is greater in height than a side portion of each ridge. In some embodiments, the first series of features and the second series of features have rounded tops. In some embodiments, the second series of features is positioned in the direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the first series of features completely spans the convex styling surface. In some embodiments, each ridge on the convex styling surface is about 1 mm in width and about 1 mm between each ridge. In some embodiments, each ridge on the outside surface of the first arm is about 1.5 mm in width and about 2 mm between each ridge. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm pivot between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the closed position aligns the convex styling surface of the first arm to contact the concave styling surface of the second arm. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one heating element configured to heat the convex styling surface and the concave styling surface to at least one programmed temperature. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first, a second, and a third programmable temperature, wherein the first temperature is the highest temperature and the third temperature is the lowest temperature. In some embodiments, the device further includes a switch configured to set the at least one heating element to the at least one programmed temperature. In some embodiments, the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface are sealed from moisture. In some embodiments, the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface are ceramic. In some embodiments, the second plurality of features covers less length than the first plurality of features.
In another aspect, a method for using a hair device to straighten hair is provided. The method may include, for example, providing a hair device, the hair device including a first arm extending along a first longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end, the first arm further including a convex styling surface opposite an outside surface on the distal end of the first arm, a second arm extending along a second longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second arm pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the first arm, the second arm further comprising a concave styling surface opposite an outside surface on the distal end of the second arm, a first plurality of features on the convex styling surface of the first arm, the features positioned in a direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of features on the outside surface of the first arm positioned in a direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis; heating the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface to a programmed temperature; providing a section of hair having a first end, a second end, an underside, and a topside; positioning, in an open position, the first arm on the underside of the section of hair at the first end; positioning the second arm on the topside of the section of hair at the first end; pivoting the first arm and the second arm to a closed position with the section of hair between the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface; and sliding the hair device from the first end of the section of hair to the second end of the section of hair.
In some embodiments, the first end of the section of hair is located closest to a user's head and the second end of the section of hair is farthest from the user's head. In some embodiments, the programmed temperature may be between approximately 240 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, the method further includes heating the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface to a second programmed temperature; positioning, in an open position, the first arm on the underside of the section of hair at the first end; positioning the second arm on the topside of the section of hair at the first end; pivoting the first arm and the second arm to a closed position with the section of hair between the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface; and sliding the hair device from the first end of the section of hair to the second end of the section of hair. In some embodiments, the method further includes heating the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface to a third programmed temperature; positioning, in an open position, the first arm on the underside of the section of hair at the first end; positioning the second arm on the topside of the section of hair at the first end; pivoting the first arm and the second arm to a closed position with the section of hair between the concave styling surface and the convex styling surface; and sliding the hair device from the first end of the section of hair to the second end of the section of hair.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
A better understanding of different embodiments may be had from the following description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.
Embodiments of hair straightening devices are disclosed herein. Although certain illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail, the claims are not limited to these embodiments. However, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and defined by the appended claims.
Unless a term is expressly defined in this patent to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a hair straightening device that can be used, for example, for styling hair, especially thick or coarse hair. However, at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in many other contexts as well, including, for example other types of hair such as normal or thin, wigs or artificial hair, straightening animal fur, pressing fabrics, screen printing, ironing graphics, or removing wrinkles from clothing. The embodiments and/or components thereof can be implemented in power operated, heated devices.
One aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein includes different configurations of the heating surfaces of the pressing-type hair straightening device. Certain plate designs for different types of hair can provide better performance requiring less time and fewer passes to obtain the desired straightening. For example, some pressing-type hair straightening devices can include features in the form of teeth, spikes, or pins along the styling plates of the arms. The features may be spaced in such a way to create channels or spaces between them, within which the hair map pass. An aspect of at least one of the present embodiments includes heated ridges or features to greatly reduce sticking and tangling that is associated with hair straightening devices with teeth. Thus, in some embodiments, a hair straightening device includes heated surfaces with ridges that create channels for the hair to pass through.
Additionally, the straightening device of the disclosed embodiments may have features or ridges in areas that are not heated on the device, such as on the outside of the arm including along the sides of the arm. Features in un-heated locations ensure that the hair is detangled and divided into smaller sections before being passed through the heated styling surfaces, thereby increasing the efficiency of the device. Precise width of the features and spacing between the features is necessary for capturing and guiding sections of hair through the styling surfaces. Certain types of hair may benefit from features specifically dimensioned or shaped.
An additional component of the described embodiments includes styling surfaces on opposing arms to be shaped such that they nest together when the device is in a closed configuration. Complementary styling surfaces prevents the hair from being compressed or smashed between two flat plates, whereas curved styling surfaces improves the movement of the hair through the device. Nesting plates may comprise of one convex plate and one concave plate where the convex plate has features for separating the hair. When in use, the hair is separated into the channels between features on the convex plate, and the smooth concave plate applies pressure against the opposing side. This combined effect guides the hair through the straightening device without pressing or flattening the hair.
Another aspect described herein includes a hair straightening device that has multiple temperature settings, as some hair can be more easily straightened with a straightening device if more than one temperature setting is used. For example, some hair that is particularly coarse and/or curly can be more difficult to straighten by passing a known pressing type straightening iron over the hair. However, it has been found that starting with a lower temperature, then making additional of passes over the hair with a higher temperature can help obtain the desired straightness more quickly, with fewer passes. In combination with the temperature settings, hair may also be treated with product to improve the straightening method. Applying a conditioner or oil treatment to the hair, then treating at a lower temperature with the straightening device may help set the hair. Subsequent passes of the device through the hair at a higher temperature can improve the results further.
All components of the straightening device may be made from durable plastic, ceramic, metal, or other material that can withstand high temperatures and repetitive heating and cooling cycles over the lifetime of the device. Any internal electronics are protected from moisture that the outside of the device may be exposed to during use, such as during a treatment where the hair is wet or damp.
As used herein, the term straightening device can signify a hair styling device that can heat to various temperatures and move between an open and closed position.
The following is a list of certain components that are described and enumerated in this disclosure in reference to the above-listed figures. However, any aspect of the devices illustrated in the figures, whether or not named out separately herein, can form a portion of various embodiments and may provide basis for claim limitation relating to such aspects, with or without additional description. The enumerated components include:
With reference to
In some embodiments, the distal ends of both arms may contain styling components. For example, the distal end of the first arm 108 has a convex styling surface 114 opposite an outside surface 115. Similarly, the distal end of the second arm 112 contains a concave styling surface 116 opposite an outside surface 117. In many embodiments, the straightening device 100 may need to apply heat to a user's hair. Both the concave styling surface 116 and the convex styling surface 114 may be heat conductive plates 131 and 132.
The straightening device 100 may be connected to a power cord 120 that extends from the proximal end of the first arm 107. A power cord may be configured to provide electrical power to the device when the plug 135 is in an outlet. Power may be used by the straightening device 100 to heat the concave styling surface 116 and the convex styling surface 114. The styling surfaces may be heated via a circuit and heating elements in thermal communication with the surfaces. In some embodiments, the styling surfaces are sealed 136 or enclosed to keep moisture or water from the hair or environment from entering and damaging the internal components of the straightening device 100. To keep the internal components from water or moisture damage, the plates or entire device may contain a water-resistant seal 136 or coating.
An additional feature of the straightening device may be button 122 to turn the device on and/or off. The button 122 may slide or be pushed into different positions to power the device 100 or adjust the temperature of the device. The device may additionally have an indicator 124 or light, for example in the form of an LED temperature indicator, to indicate to the user whether the device is on or off. The indicator may be a digital display to indicate the exact temperature of the device. The indicator may also communicate the function to which the device is set to the user.
Various embodiments of the straightening device 100 may contains features on the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 toward the distal ends. One or both distal ends of the arms may contain features or may be featureless. Additionally, features may be either on the styling surfaces or on the outside surface, or both, or either arm. For example, some portion of the first arm and the second arm may contain a plurality of ridges or features 126.
In other embodiments, the power cord may extend from different locations along either the first arm or the second arm of the straightening device. Other types of power sources may also be used with the straightening device such as batteries or solar charging cells. A battery power source can increase the portability of the hair straightening device by removing the need for a cord and outlet. In alternative embodiments, the straightening device can have multiple modes of power such as a battery and a power cord.
In an alternative embodiment, the power may be controlled by a tab, a knob, or switch located on either the first arm or the second arm. The user may move the tab to a first position to turn the device or back to the starting position to power off the device. In response to moving the switch, the indicator would change color or light up to visually indicate the state of the device. In some embodiments there may be more than one indicator or light. The indicator may be a light source that turns on when the power is on or change colors when the device is set to a specific temperature. The indicator or indicators may be located anywhere on the device so that the user can see it. In other embodiments, a switch, tab, or button may be configured to allow a user to select different temperature settings for the styling surfaces. In some embodiments, an LED window may indicate the function setting, the treatment setting, or the temperature to which the device is set.
The straightening device may include a heating circuit to provide heating capabilities to the styling surfaces. Such circuits may include a power source providing electrical power to at least a first and second heat source. First and second heat sources may be of any type of commercially available components that can be electrically coupled to a power source. For example, resistors, thermistors, variable resistors, or potentiometers may be used. In some embodiments, more than one resistor or heat source can be connected to the circuit such that different temperature settings can be selected. A potentiometer or variable resistor can be used to allow a user to vary the resistance level, and thus the temperature, of the styling surfaces. The heat source may be connected to heating coils. Various heating circuit layouts can be used with switches, thermostats, and heat sources in parallel and/or in series such that the device allows the user to select different temperatures. A single heat source may be used or more than one heat source may be used. Each plate may be heated by one or more heating element disposed within the arm of the device. In one embodiment, one heating circuit is used to activate a heat source to heat the styling surfaces for each respective temperature setting. Alternatively, in another embodiment, more than one heating circuit is used to activate a heat source to heat the styling surfaces for each respective temperature setting.
Any heating elements may be commercially available components such as those with integrated thermostat circuits. For example, three different temperature settings are available in an embodiment to be selected by the user. An indicator can depict words or numbers to the user of the temperature that has been selected, such as “pretreat,” “relaxed,” “natural,” or similar. Each setting may correspond to a different temperature, for example “pretreat” may be about 240 degrees Fahrenheit, “relaxed” may be about 420 degrees Fahrenheit, and “natural” may be about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. A switch may be moved to a position that corresponds with the user's desired temperature setting. A first temperature setting may be lower than a second or third. The first temperature setting may be lower than is optimal for straightening hair, where the second temperature setting may be higher and more ideal for straightening hair. In some embodiments, the “pretreat” temperature setting is about 240 degrees Fahrenheit and may be used for hair relaxing treatments, oil treatments, liquid treatments, or conditioning treatments, instead of for straightening the hair. A user may wish to heat the hair at the first temperature prior to using higher settings which may lead to improved straightening overall.
In certain embodiments, the power cord may be designed to be compatible with 15-amp, 125-volt two prong and three prong outlets. Other embodiments of the device may have plugs compatible with international outlets, ranging between 110- and 250-volts having two or more prongs.
In alternative embodiments, the convex styling surface may be on the second arm, and the concave styling surface may be on the first arm. Depth of the concave surface or height of the convex surface may vary. Alternatively, the styling surfaces may both be flat. The styling surfaces may be plates made from heat conductive material, such as ceramic, titanium, aluminum, steel, tourmaline, or other metals.
The pivoting connection 118 may be any type of hinge type mechanism allowing the straightening device 100 to move between an open position and a closed position. For example, the pivoting connection can be a loaded spring that biases the first arm 102 and the second arm 104 in an open position with space between the first arm distal end 108 and the second arm distal end 112. Alternatively, the pivoting connection may be a rod or a pin. A user may apply pressure or a closing force in the opposite direction of the biasing force of the pivoting connection to close the arms or clamp together the styling surfaces.
Various embodiments can have different sizes, wider or thinner, of the features on either arm at the distal ends. For example, in some embodiments, the convex styling surface 114 on the first arm 102 can be dimensioned to have ridges 126 with width X1 to be approximately 1 mm wide, plus or minus 10%. The space between the ridges 126 can have width X2 on the convex styling surface 114 to be approximately 1 mm, plus or minus 10%. In some embodiments, the first arm outside surface 115 may contain ridges approximately 1.5 mm wide, plus or minus 10%. The space between the ridges 126 on the outer surface of the first arm 115 may be 2 mm, plus or minus 10%. In some embodiments, features on any surface may have widths or be spaced apart of any, or between any two, of the following dimensions: 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, and 3 mm.
In certain embodiments, there may be more or less features that extend for different distances along the arms. A straightening device may have a fixed number of features 126 on the convex styling surface. In some embodiments, the convex styling surface may have 41 ridges. In alternative embodiments, the convex styling surface may have 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55 features along the surface. There may be more or less features on the outside surface of the first arm. For example, there may be 23 features along the outside surface. In alternative embodiments, the outside surface may have 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 features.
In some embodiments, the features or ridges 126 may be thinner, and therefore the distal ends of the arms may contain more ridges. Alternatively, the ridges may be thicker in width and spaced further apart resulting in fewer ridges on the distal end of the arms. In alternative embodiments, the ridges may be of varying thickness on both the styling surface and the outside surface.
Features on the distal ends of the device may include teeth, ridges, blades, blade shaped tines, projections, or other protrusions that can project from the surface of the straightening device. Individual features may have a curved or rounded top edge or may come to a point. In such an embodiment, the middle portion of each ridge is greater in height than side portions of each ridge. The features may be curved overall to accommodate a concave or convex shape of the styling surface. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the features may be straight or flat across a flat plate.
Features on the straightening device can have different cross-sectional shapes or configurations such as triangular or spike-shaped upper edges. Alternatively, features may have rounded tops or may have squared or flat tops.
In another embodiment,
The device may be dimensioned in various ways resulting in a larger gripping surface or smaller gripping surface. Additionally, the arms may have various dimensions towards the distal ends to affect the size of the styling surfaces. In certain embodiments, the width of the distal end proximate to the styling surfaces may be width Z1. The width at Z1 may vary in certain embodiments resulting in a change in the length and width of the channels between the features. For example, the width Z1 may by approximately 1.75 inches, plus or minus 20%. The width Z1 may have a width of any, or between any two, of the following dimensions: 0.5 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, and 2.75 inches. Smaller straightening devices may have a Z1 width that is smaller, while larger devices may have a larger Z1 dimension. In some embodiments, the width of the arms is constant from distal to proximal end without thinner and thicker arcas.
In some embodiments, the features may span the width of the outside surface of the first arm which may include the rounded edges of the arm. The length of the feature may change depending on the width of the arm or the dimension of Z1. For example, in some embodiments, the feature on the outside of the arm may be approximately 1.5 inches, plus or minus 10%. Length of the feature on the outside surface may be any, or between any two, of the following dimensions: 0.5 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, and 2.75 inches.
In some embodiments, the straightening device 100 may not contain features on the outside surface 117 towards the distal end 110 of the second arm 104. This may be due to the way the user handles the straightening device, as hair will not contact the outer surface of the second arm 117 as it is pulled through the styling surfaces and away from the user's head. In alternative embodiments, the outside surface of the second arm 117 may contain features. In certain embodiments, the device 100 may contain features on the outside surface of the second arm 117 if the user turns the device in such a way to cause the hair to feed through features on the outside of the second arm. Using a device in this manner may produce waves in the user's hair.
The plurality of features may extend in a lateral direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis 105 of the first arm. In some embodiments, the convex styling surface 114 contains a plurality of ridges 126 over a length Y1. For example, length Y1 may be approximately 3.5 inches, plus or minus 20%. The length Y1 may have a length of any, or between any two, of the following dimensions: 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, and 5 inches. Smaller straightening device embodiments may have a Y1 length that is shorter while larger devices may have a longer Y1 dimension.
In some embodiments, the space 402 between the ridges 126 on the outside surface of the first arm may be greater than the space between the inner ridges 404. In alternative embodiments, the space between the ridges may be inverted for the arms or the space between the ridges may be the same for both the inside and outside surfaces. In some embodiments, the space between the ridges may vary on the convex styling surface or the outside of the arm.
The straightening device 100 may have styling surfaces on the inside of the arms at the distal ends. Styling surfaces may be metal or ceramic plates that can be heated to a programmed temperature. On the first arm 102, there may be a convex plate 405, and on the second arm, there may be a concave plate 408. At the distal tips of the arms, there may be a small area that is featureless on the inside 414. This area may not be heated so that the straightening device can be handled at a grip point 410 at the distal end of the device without risk of burning the user.
Many embodiments of the straightening device may exist where features may span the length of the entire first or second arm, or alternatively, features may be contained to certain areas on the device. Features may be closer together or smaller in some embodiments. Alternatively, features may by larger or spaced farther apart. Some straightening devices may be designed for specific types of textured hair, with features matching an individual's specific hair type.
The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.
Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.
It will also be understood that, when a feature or element (for example, a structural feature or element) is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of”, “one or more of” or “a plurality of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” “a plurality of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.
Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features due to the inverted state. Thus, the term “under” may encompass both an orientation of over and under, depending on the point of reference or orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like may be used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although various illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may be changed or reconfigured in different or alternative embodiments, and in other embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional or desirable features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for the purpose of example and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims and specific embodiments or particular details or features disclosed.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing numeric values of magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.
For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, may represent endpoints or starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” may be disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.
