Patent Grant
9352875
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of foundation assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to improved connector elements, foundation assemblies, and a method for constructing foundation assemblies.
2. Description of Related Art
Typically, foundations and bases are constructed by hand from various pieces of pine or other lightweight woods. These built-up foundations are formed in a generally rectangular fashion and are sometimes sawed at each corner in an effort to replicate the rounded corners of conventional mattresses.
Various external jigs and fixtures must be used in order to assemble the numerous components of the foundations. Once aligned, the various pieces or components are typically nailed together.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like, which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.
However, constructing foundations using known methods is typically time-consuming, requires relatively skilled workers, requires numerous components and tools, and does not always result in a secure or square foundation. Even with the introduction of certain improved connector elements, assembly typically still requires use of screws or nails to hold the various components of the foundation assembly together.
Thus, the present invention relates generally to improved foundation assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to improved connector elements, foundation assemblies, and a method for constructing a foundation assembly.
In various exemplary embodiments, the foundation assembly of the present invention is constructed of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and/or plastic components. The overall part count is significantly lower than that of other foundations. This low parts count greatly reduces the number of contact points between components in the assembly, and virtually eliminates the potential for bothersome squeaks caused by friction.
In various exemplary embodiments, the foundation assembly comprises four shaped perimeter rails (first and second, opposing side rail elements and first and second, opposing header elements), joined to four connector elements. The profile of the perimeter rails provides smooth, rounded, horizontal outer edges, and are formed to accommodate a flush-mounted deck panel.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the connector elements comprise a body portion formed by a substantially planar first abutment surface, a substantially planar second abutment surface, and a corner surface. The first abutment surface extends to a first terminating edge and the second abutment surface extends to a first terminating edge. The first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another, and wherein the corner surface extends between the first terminating edge of the first abutment surface and the first terminating edge of the second abutment surface.
A first portion of the first abutment surface extends from a substantially planar lower deck panel support surface to a substantially planar upper deck panel support surface and a second portion of the first abutment surface extends from the lower deck panel support surface above the upper deck panel support surface.
A first portion of the second abutment surface extends from the lower deck panel support surface to the upper deck panel support surface and a second portion of the second abutment surface extends from the lower deck panel support surface above the upper deck panel support surface.
A first deck panel corner abutment surface extends substantially perpendicularly from a first terminating edge of the upper deck panel support surface between the first portion of the first abutment surface and the second portion of the first abutment surface.
A second deck panel corner abutment surface extends substantially perpendicularly from a second terminating edge of the upper deck panel support surface between the first portion of the second abutment surface and the second portion of the second abutment surface.
In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the first deck panel corner abutment surface and the second deck panel corner abutment surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another. One or more rail element protrusions extend perpendicular to the first abutment surface and one or more rail element protrusions extend perpendicular to the second abutment surface.
An upper slat support surface extends substantially parallel to the upper deck panel support surface, but at a level that is lower than the upper deck panel support surface.
One or more slat protrusions extend parallel to the upper slat support surface, generally between the upper deck panel support surface and the upper slat support surface. The one or more slat protrusions also extend perpendicular to the first abutment surface (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions extending from the first abutment surface).
Similarly, one or more slat protrusions extend parallel to the upper slat support surface, generally between the upper deck panel support surface and the upper slat support surface, extend perpendicular to the second abutment surface (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions extending from the second abutment surface).
Additionally, a lower slat support surface extends substantially parallel to the lower deck panel support surface, but at a level that is higher than the lower deck panel support surface.
One or more slat protrusions extend parallel to the lower slat support surface, generally between the lower deck panel support surface and the lower slat support surface. The one or more slat protrusions also extend perpendicular to the first abutment surface (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions extending from the first abutment surface).
Similarly, one or more slat protrusions extend parallel to the lower slat support surface, generally between the lower deck panel support surface and the lower slat support surface, extend perpendicular to the second abutment surface (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions extending from the second abutment surface).
At least one first deflectable flexible finger extends from the first abutment surface. At least a portion of a primary surface of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger extends substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface, and wherein the at least one first deflectable flexible finger comprises a tang that extends, proximate a tip of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger, beyond the primary surface of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger.
At least one, optional second deflectable flexible finger extends from the first abutment surface. At least a portion of a primary surface of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger extends substantially perpendicular to the second abutment surface, and wherein the at least one second deflectable flexible finger comprises a tang that extends, proximate a tip of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger, beyond the primary surface of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger.
In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the connector element of the present invention also includes a substantially planar first side surface and a substantially planar second side surface. At least a portion of the first side surface extends substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface and at least a portion of the second side surface extends substantially perpendicular to the second abutment surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another, the primary surface of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger is substantially parallel to the first side surface, and the primary surface of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger is substantially parallel to the second side surface.
The connector elements of the present invention are formed such that when the connector elements are divided horizontally along a central, horizontal axis, the upper and lower halves of the connector elements form mirror images of one another. Thus, it should be understood that the connector elements of the present invention can be more easily manipulated to form a foundation assembly, as the connector elements can be more easily oriented during assembly.
Aesthetically, the connector elements serve to round the vertical outer edges of the foundation assembly, while maintaining the radii of the foundation assembly's top and bottom edges. Structurally, the connector elements provide substantial impact resistance to corner loading and flexible resistance to parallelogram deformation.
The deck panel is typically a sheet of thinner MDF, or other material, which provides a single, solid surface upon which the mattress will sit. A solid deck panel is particularly critical for foam mattresses, for example, and is a major improvement over currently constructed foundations, which use soft cardboard atop lumber slats.
When assembled, the slats are constructed so as to allow a foot to be conveniently placed proximate each corner of the foundation assembly.
In various exemplary embodiments, elements of the foundation assembly may optionally be fastened together with adhesives, if desired. Alternatively, screws or other fasteners may optionally be used, but are not necessary, to assemble the elements of the foundation. In still other embodiments, both adhesive and screws or other fasteners may be used.
Accordingly, this invention provides a foundation assembly of improved design.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly having a lower overall part count when compared to other foundations.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly having improved structural stability.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly that can be assembled without the need for external jigs and/or fixtures.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly that can be scaled to accommodate any desired size or dimension.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly that is less expensive to manufacture.
This invention separately provides a foundation assembly that can be held together without the use of nails, screws, fasteners, or adhesives.
This invention separately provides a connector element of improved design.
This invention separately provides a connector element that allows for assembly of foundation components without the use of tools.
This invention separately provides a scalable connector element.
This invention separately provides a connector element that is relatively lightweight.
This invention separately provides a connector element that can be produced in mass quantity from plastic, wood, or other any other suitable material.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in concert with the figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present invention.
Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s) of the present invention or the claims.
As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of the present invention. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention.
The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the connector elements and foundation assemblies according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of one or more connector elements and/or foundation assemblies according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the connector elements and foundation assemblies is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the connector elements and foundation assemblies of this invention. It should be appreciated that the connector elements and/or the foundation assemblies can be adapted to many applications where a simplified connector element and/or a foundation or other assembly is needed.
As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense (i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.
The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.
Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-ended linking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system, method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.
It should also be appreciated that the terms “foundation”, “foundation assembly”, “corner connector”, and “connector element” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “foundation”, “foundation assembly”, “corner connector”, and “connector element” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Thus, the terms “foundation” and “foundation assembly” are to be understood to broadly include any structures or devices capable of supporting a load, while the terms “corner connector” and “connector element” is to be understood to broadly include any structure or device capable of joining two elements at a given angle.
Turning now to the drawing Figs.,
As illustrated in
The first abutment surface 131 extends substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the first side surface 121 to a first terminating edge. Likewise, the second abutment surface 132 extends substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the second side surface 122 to a first terminating edge. The first abutment surface 131 and the second abutment surface 132 are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another.
The corner surface 130 extends from a terminating edge of the first abutment surface 131 to a terminating edge of the second abutment surface 132.
A first portion of the first abutment surface 131 and the second abutment surface 132 extend above the upper deck panel support surface 115, while a second portion of the first abutment surface 131 and the second abutment surface 132 terminates at the upper deck panel support surface 115.
In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in
In various exemplary embodiments, the deck panel corner abutment surface 136 extends substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the upper deck panel support surface 115.
The corner 139 is defined by the deck panel corner abutment surface 136. In various exemplary embodiments, the deck panel corner abutment surface 136 is a curved surface.
In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in
One or more rail element protrusions 135 extend perpendicularly from the first abutment surface 131 and the second abutment surface 132. As illustrated in
The rail element protrusions 135 are formed so as to be aligned with and positioned within appropriately sized, mating recesses 167 and 177 formed in the header elements 160 and the side rail elements 170, respectively. In this manner, the appropriate connector element 105 can be more readily aligned with the appropriate header element 160 and/or side rail element 170 when the foundation assembly 100 is assembled.
While the rail element protrusions 135 are illustrated and described as being substantially cylindrical, with a substantially circular profile, in various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, each of the rail element protrusions 135 may have a substantially circular, rectangular, square, or triangular profile.
An upper slat support surface 190 extends substantially parallel to the upper deck panel support surface 115, but at a level that is lower than the upper deck panel support surface 115.
One or more slat protrusions 192 extend parallel to the upper slat support surface 190, generally between the upper deck panel support surface 115 and the upper slat support surface 190. The one or more slat protrusions 192 also extend perpendicular to the first abutment surface 131 (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions 135 extending from the first abutment surface 131).
Similarly, one or more slat protrusions 192 extend parallel to the upper slat support surface 190, generally between the upper deck panel support surface 115 and the upper slat support surface 190, extend perpendicular to the second abutment surface 132 (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions 135 extending from the second abutment surface 132).
A lower slat support surface 190′ that extends substantially parallel to the lower deck panel support surface 115′, but at a level that is higher than the lower deck panel support surface 115′.
One or more slat protrusions 192′ extend parallel to the lower slat support surface 190′, generally between the lower deck panel support surface 115′ and the lower slat support surface 190′. The one or more slat protrusions 192′ also extend perpendicular to the first abutment surface 131 (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions 135 extending from the first abutment surface 131).
Similarly, one or more slat protrusions 192′ extend parallel to the lower slat support surface 190′, generally between the lower deck panel support surface 190′ and the lower slat support surface 190′, extend perpendicular to the second abutment surface 132 (and parallel to the one or more rail element protrusions 135 extending from the second abutment surface 132).
At least one first deflectable flexible finger 140 extends from the first abutment surface 131. At least a portion of a primary surface 143 of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger 140 extends substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface 131, and wherein the at least one first deflectable flexible finger 140 comprises a tang 149 that extends, proximate a tip 144 of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger 140, beyond the primary surface 143 of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger 140, to form a camming surface 146 and a shoulder 148.
At least one second deflectable flexible finger 140 extends from the second abutment surface 132. At least a portion of a primary surface 143 of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger 140 extends substantially perpendicular to the second abutment surface 132, and wherein the at least one second deflectable flexible finger 140 comprises a tang 149 that extends, proximate a tip 144 of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger 140, beyond the primary surface 143 of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger 140, to form a camming surface 146 and a shoulder 148.
Each deflectable flexible finger 140 comprises a stem 142, which terminates at a tip 144, and a shoulder 148 and a camming surface 146, which extend from a side portion of the stem 142.
The first side surface 121 and the second side surface 122 are substantially planar and are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another. At least a portion of the first side surface 121 extends substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface 131 and at least a portion of the second side surface 122 extends substantially perpendicular to the second abutment surface 132. The first side surface 121 and the second side surface 122 are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another, the primary surface 143 of the at least one first deflectable flexible finger 140 is substantially parallel to the first side surface 121, and the primary surface 143 of the at least one second deflectable flexible finger 140 is substantially parallel to the second side surface 122.
One or more optional attachment apertures (not illustrated) may be formed in or through the upper deck panel support surface 115, the first side surface 121, and/or the second side surface 122. If included, the one or more optional attachment apertures may be sized so as to allow a fasteners, such as, for example, a screw, to more easily attach to the connector element 105.
The connector element 105 of the present invention is formed such that when the connector element 105 is divided horizontally along a central, horizontal axis AH, the upper and lower halves of the connector element 105 form mirror images of one another. Thus, it should be understood that the connector element 105 of the present invention can be more easily manipulated to form a foundation assembly, as the connector elements 105 can be more easily oriented during assembly.
In various exemplary embodiments, the connector element 105 is substantially rigid and is formed of a polymeric material such as a polymeric composite. Alternate materials of construction may include one or more of the following: wood, steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset materials, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the connector element 105 is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the connector element 105.
It should be appreciated that the connector element 105 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, suitable materials can be used and sections are elements made independently and attached or coupled together, such as by adhesives, staples, screws, nails, or other fasteners, to form the connector element 105.
It should be understood that the overall size and shape of the connector element 105, and the various portions thereof, is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or appearance of the connector element 105. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the connector element 105 is formed such that multiple connector elements 105 may be positioned and used as each of the four corners of a foundation assembly 100. Therefore, multiple connector elements do not have to be formed for a specific location at a specific corner of a foundation assembly 100.
As illustrated in
Each of the header elements 160 has at least one tang receiving groove 165 formed on an interior side of the header element 160, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the header element 160. These one or more tang receiving grooves 165 are formed so as to accept at least a portion of a tang 149, as described herein.
While elements of the header elements 160 are illustrated in
Due to the shape and placement of the first side surface 121, the second side surface 122, the first abutment surface 131, and the second abutment surface 132, so long as the header elements 160 are of an equal length and the side rail elements 170 are of an equal length, and so long as each of the header elements 160 and the side rail elements 170 has a terminating end that is parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element, when the interior side of the element is positioned against a corresponding first side surface 121 or the second side surface 122 of a connector element 105 and the terminating end is positioned against a corresponding first abutment surface 131 or second abutment surface 132, the header elements 160 will be parallel to one another and the side rail elements 170 will be parallel to one another.
The foundation assembly 100 also optionally includes slats 180. Each slat 180 includes recesses 182 and a recessed portion 188. The slats 180 each include one or more recesses 182 formed in each end. It should be understood that each of the one or more recesses 182 is formed so as to allow one of the slat protrusions 192 to be positioned within the recess 182. Thus, for example, if the connector element 105 includes two slat protrusions 192, two mating recesses 182 will be formed in each end of the slat 180.
It should be appreciated that the recessed portion 188 is formed so as to receive at least a portion of the foot protrusion 158 therein. In certain exemplary embodiments, the recessed portion 188 comprises two apertures, wherein each aperture is a partial aperture formed through at least a portion of a surface of the slat 180, proximate each end of the slat 180. Alternatively, the recessed portion 188 comprises two apertures, wherein each aperture is formed all of the way through the slat 180, proximate each end of the slat 180.
Thus, when the foundation assembly 100 is assembled, the slats 180 are constructed so as to allow a foot 150 to be conveniently placed proximate each corner of the foundation assembly 100, via interaction of the protrusions 158 and the recessed portions 188. While the feet 150 are illustrated as being substantially square, it should be appreciated that the feet 150 may comprise any desired size or shape and are a design choice based upon the desired appearance and height of the finished foundation assembly 100.
In order to construct a foundation assembly 100, four connector elements 105 are positioned at locations proximate the locations of the resulting four corners of the finished foundation assembly 100.
When properly positioned, the header elements 160 and the side rail elements 170 are each guided, by the interaction of the rail element protrusions 135 with the recesses 167 and 177 and receipt of the rail element protrusions 135 within the recesses 167 and 177.
In this manner, an end surface of the header elements 160 and the side rail elements 170 contacts an appropriate first abutment surface 131 or second abutment surface 132, and an inner surface of the header elements 160 and the side rail elements 170 contacts an appropriate first side surface 121 or second side surface 122.
As illustrated in
The fingers 140 continues to be flexed inwardly until shoulders 148 passed beyond an edge of the tang receiving groove 165, whereupon the spring bias of the stressed stem 142 causes the fingers 140 to snap outwardly and the tang 149 is urged into the tang receiving groove 165, to assume the position as illustrated in
When the tang 149 is positioned within the tang receiving groove 165, the shoulder 148 contacts and engages a sidewalls surface of the tang receiving groove 165, firmly mounting the header element 160 on the corner connector 105. When assembled, the interaction of the tang 149 with the tang receiving groove 165 restraining axial movement of the header element 160 with respect to the corner connector 105. Particularly, when a withdrawing force is applied to the header element 160, the abutting relation of the shoulder 104 and the tang receiving groove 165 will preclude axial movement, thereby precluding the disengagement of the corner connector 105 and the header element 160.
It is further noted that if the angle of the shoulder 148 includes an undercut, the greater the withdrawing force applied the header element 160, the stronger the engagement between the tangs 149 and the tang receiving grooves 165 becomes, as the withdrawing force will cause tangs 149 to further flex inward restraining the movement of the header element 160.
While
As the header elements 160 and the side wall elements 170 are attached, coupled, or secured to an appropriate connector element 105, as illustrated in
As illustrated, optional feet 150 may be placed proximate each corner of the foundation assembly 100, via interaction of the protrusions 158 and the recessed portions 188.
Once each of the corner connectors 105, header elements 160, side wall elements 170, slats 180, and optional feet 150 are attached, coupled, or secured together, the assembly 100 is partially assembled as illustrated in
Finally, as illustrated in
Once assembled, the foundation assembly 100 can be placed in a bed frame (not shown) for receiving a mattress.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental invention should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the invention is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.
It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.
Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the present invention. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).
This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/477,797, filed Dec. 27, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| D276682 | Hardy | Dec 1984 | S |
| D277156 | Hardy | Jan 1985 | S |
| 7900300 | Roberts | Mar 2011 | B1 |
| 8122537 | Roberts | Feb 2012 | B1 |
| 8584277 | Roberts | Nov 2013 | B1 |
| 8806677 | Bartelsmeyer | Aug 2014 | B1 |
| D719014 | Roberts | Dec 2014 | S |
| D731881 | Roberts | Jun 2015 | S |
| 9080304 | Roberts | Jul 2015 | B1 |
| 9139332 | Roberts | Sep 2015 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 102006059706 | Jun 2008 | DE |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29477797 | Dec 2013 | US |
| Child | 14563585 | US |
