Patent Application
20220371780
The present invention relates to adjustable volume and transportable containers and more particularly pertains to an adjustable container for providing a portable storage container whose content storage volume may be adjusted to suit the size and volume of items held therein.
Cut or loose tobacco, for example, is typically stored in a metal, cardboard, or plastic ‘tin’ or container. This type of tobacco and storage is commonly referred to as a tobacco can or tobacco tin. The tobacco is periodically consumed thereby decreasing the amount of remaining tobacco within the container. As consumption progresses, the volume within the container becomes a detriment to storage of the remaining tobacco because the remaining tobacco is exposed to excess air and excessive movement. This over exposure of the tobacco to air and movement results in moisture reduction and staleness as time progresses. It is to be appreciated that the volume of tobacco becomes smaller relative to the volume of the container as consumption progresses. The present device relates to a container that eliminates or reduces an air gap or space within a defined area, and that confines and compresses contents or consumables therein. This is particularly important where the contents of the container are periodically and sporadically consumed. This can include where consumption of the contents extends over several days or weeks. The contents or consumables can include semi liquid food, semi solid food, loose leaf tobacco, cut tobacco, or other malleable food and tobacco items. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
One method of preserving contents, and excluding exposure, is through the use of sealable plastic bags. These devices can be effective is some circumstances but are not realistically durable or transportable for food or tobacco items that are carried on a person or are used over an extended period of time.
There are Tupperware® style containers that preserve internal contents from outside air when a lid is secured to a base container. These types of containers are reusable and seal out the outside air. However, the overall internal volume of the container does not vary as the contents of the container are consumed. The sequential reduction of remaining contents is then exposed to more and more air, thereby degrading the contents therein.
An object of the present invention is to provide a reusable, durable, and sealable container that preserves the contents or consumables therein. The container can be constructed to be disposable or reusable for unlimited use. The present invention provides for a container that varies the internal volume to eliminate or reduce the exposure of the contents or consumables therein to excess air.
The present device describes a new adjustable container for providing a storage container whose volume may be adjusted to suit the size and volume of items held therein. The inventive device includes a base with a perimeter side wall extending around the base outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the base. The base and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the base thereby subdividing the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. The lid can include a second divider or wall extending into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base and sealed to the base through a friction fit. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider to the second divider. The first area can include the contents or consumables therein, while the second area can include vacant space. As the contents are consumed, the first area can be decreased, and the second area increased by rotation of the lid relative to the base.
The use of adjustable volume containers is known in the prior art. More specifically, adjustable volume and collapsible containers heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art adjustable volume and collapsible containers include U.S. Pat. Nos. 100,569,944; 6,484,897; 6,345,718; 5,911,338; 4,215,786; and GB Pat. No. 2372732A.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose an adjustable container as described herein. The inventive device includes a base with a perimeter side wall extending around a bottom surface outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the bottom surface. The bottom surface and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the bottom surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the base toward a periphery of the base) thereby subdividing the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. The lid can include a second divider extending along at least a portion of a top surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the lid toward a periphery of the lid). The second divider extending into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base and sealed to the base through, for example, a friction fit. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider to the second divider. The first area can include the contents or consumables therein, while the second area can include vacant space. As the contents are consumed, the first area or volume can be decreased and the second area or volume increased by coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base.
In these respects, the adjustable container according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a storage container whose volume may be adjusted to suit the size, amount, and/or volume of items held therein.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved portable container. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved container that can alter its internal space to adjust to the size, amount, and/or volume of items held therein. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved portable container that maintains frictional securement of a circular lid to a circular base. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved portable container that saves space and that can be transported in a pocket. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a portable container that maintains its shape while under compressive forces.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable container capable of modifying an internal volume. The container includes plastic, cardboard, or metal construction. The container further comprising a base and a lid. The base includes a base with a perimeter side wall extending around a bottom surface outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the bottom surface. The bottom surface and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the bottom surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the base toward a periphery of the base) thereby subdividing the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. The lid can include a second divider extending along at least a portion of a top surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the lid toward a periphery of the lid). The second divider extending into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base and sealed to the base through, for example, a friction fit. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider to the second divider. The first area can include the contents or consumables therein, while the second area can include vacant space. As the contents are consumed, the first area or volume can be decreased and the second area or volume increased by coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base.
In this manner, the novel container of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an improved container with a construction capable of withstanding compressive forces. The container modifies a space by enabling users to use the base and the lid relative to one another in a selectable manner or orientation to adjust an internal volume. The container can be disposable or can be constructed with a material to enable reuse of the container.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of adjustable volume and collapsible containers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an adjustable container construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a storage container whose volume may be adjusted to suit the size and amount of items, and/or volume of contents or consumables, held therein.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an adjustable container apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the adjustable volume and collapsible containers mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new adjustable container which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art adjustable volume and collapsible containers, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base with a perimeter side wall extending around the base outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the base. The base and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the base thereby subdividing the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. The lid can include a second divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the lid. The second divider can extend into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base and sealed to the base through a friction fit. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider to the second divider. The first area can include the contents or consumables therein, while the second area can include vacant space. As the contents are consumed, the first area can be decreased and the second area increased by rotation of the lid relative to the base.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new adjustable container apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the adjustable volume and transportable containers mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new adjustable container which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art adjustable volume and collapsible containers, either alone or in any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new adjustable container which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new adjustable container which is of a durable and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such adjustable container economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container for providing a storage container whose interior volume may be adjusted to suit the progressively diminishing size and amount of items held therein; while maintaining the outer dimensions, durability and integrity of the container. In this manner, the remaining contents are continually compressed and compacted as consumption progresses. The remaining contents will be in an easily accessed compressed (i.e. pre-packed) condition to facilitate removal therefrom. This is particularly desirable, for example, when extracting tobacco using a user's index finger and thumb to ‘pinch’ a portion of tobacco for immediate consumption.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a base with a perimeter side wall extending around a bottom surface outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the bottom surface. The bottom surface and side wall can include a first divider or wall extending along at least a portion of the bottom surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the base toward a periphery of the base) thereby subdividing the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space. The lid can include a second divider extending along at least a portion of a top surface (comprising a spoke like element from the center of the lid toward a periphery of the lid). The second divider extending into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid can be rotated relative to the base and sealed to the base through a friction fit. Coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider to the second divider. The first area can include the first contents or consumables therein, while the second area can include vacant space or second contents therein. As the first contents are consumed, the first area can be decreased and the second area increased by coordinated rotation of the lid relative to the base.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container that has at least two storage area capacities changed according to the increasing or decreasing volume of the contents stored in it.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container that has a lid that forms a substantially airtight seal and structure to maintain the outer size and integrity of the container.
Yet even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new adjustable container that allows a user to have a container that suits a wide variety of storage needs and helps eliminate the need for variously sized containers. The variety of storage needs can encompass, for example, cut tobaccos, dips, bait, worms, salsa, humus, et al. It is to be appreciated that the described container can be scaled and adapted to accommodate any type of content that is generally consumed in multiple and distinct episodes.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views. The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
The base 120 can include at least one divider, tab, or wall 170 extending from the side wall 160 and along at least a portion of the bottom surface 130 comprising a spoke or radial like element from the center 172 of the base 120 toward the periphery side wall 160 of the base 120. The at least one divider 170 can be curved or arcuate and can be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 130 and circular side wall 160. In one embodiment, the height of the first divider 170 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 160.
The removable lid 220 substantially covers the opening into the interior space of the base 120. The lid 220 can be slidingly and healingly received by the base 120. The lid 220 is generally circular and has an outer perimeter wall 260, including an inner or interior surface 262 and an outer or exterior surface 264. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface 262 of the lid frictionally mates with at least a portion of the outer surface 164 of the perimeter side wall 160.
The lid 220 can include a divider, tab, or wall 270 extending from a top surface 230 of the lid 220. The lid divider 270 can be curved or arcuate and can extend along at least a portion of the top surface 230. The divider 270 can be fixedly attached to the lid 220 top surface 230. In one embodiment, the height of the lid divider 270 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 160.
The removable lid 220 is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space of the base 120. It is to be appreciated that the lid 220 can include one or more second dividers or walls extending along at least a portion of the lid. The second divider(s) can extend into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid 220 can be rotated relative to the base 120 and sealed to the base 120 through a friction fit of overlapping sections of the interior surface 262 of the lid 220 and the exterior surface 164 of the base 120. Coordinated rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120 can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider 170 to the second divider 270. The at least first area can include the first contents or consumables therein, while the at least second area can include vacant space or second contents therein. As the first contents are consumed, the at least first area can be decreased and the at least second area increased by rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120.
The lid 220 and base 120 can be aligned, and rotated relative to one another, such that the base divider 170 and lid divider 270 define two areas within the container 100 when the lid 220 is attached to the base 120. Subsequent to attaching the lid 220 to the base 120, the lid 220 and base 120 can be rotated relative to one another. The resultant rotation enables the contents or consumables within the base 120 to be gathered and compressed into a space that substantially equals the volume of the contents therein. As the container 100 is used, and the contents consumed, each subsequent closing and rotation of the lid 220 to the base 120 can alter the volume of a first area and a second area. In one exemplary embodiment, the first area includes the contents within the container and the second area includes the vacant space. It is to be appreciated, as the contents are consumed, the volume of the first area decreases while the volume of the second area increases. The respective volumes of the first area and the second area are facilitated by the rotation of the lid 220 relative to the base 120 and the alignment of the lid divider 270 with the base divider 170.
The lid 220 can include an indicator 266 on the outer surface 264 showing the location of the lid divider 270. The base 120 can include an indicator 166 on the outer surface 164 showing the location of the base divider 170. The lid indicator 266 and base indicator 166 can be used to facilitate the lid 220 positioning relative to the base 120 and the subsequent rotation of the lid 220 about the base 120. Rotating the lid 220 relative to the base 120, and the associated rotation of the lid divider 270 relative to the base divider 170, gathers and compresses the contents or consumables therein. Rotation can continue until the contents are sufficiently compressed and further rotation is prohibited. It is to be appreciated that the dividers 170,270 can engage, for example, in a ratchet and pawl arrangement within the container to provide an anti-rotation mechanism to prohibit rotation in an undesired direction. Once rotation is prohibited, the volume of the first area will substantially equal the volume of the remaining contents or consumables within the container. The first area will thus comprise a progressively shrinking space wherein the remaining contents are surrounded by walls with minimal air therearound and prohibited movement, thereby prohibiting excess air to be exposed to the contents therein. The remaining contents are thus retained in a desirable orientation to facilitate consumption as the volume of the contents or consumables progressively decline.
Another embodiment of the container 300 is illustrated in
The base 320 can include at least one divider, tab, or wall 370 extending from the side wall 360 and along at least a portion of the bottom surface 330 comprising a spoke or radial like element from the center 372 of the base 320 toward the periphery side wall 360 of the base 320. The at least one divider 370 can be straight and can be fixedly attached to the bottom surface 330 and circular side wall 360. In one embodiment, the height of the first divider 370 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 360.
The removable lid 420 substantially covers the opening into the interior space of the base 320. The lid 420 can be slidingly and healingly received by the base 320. The lid 420 is generally circular and has an outer perimeter wall 460, including an inner or interior surface 462 and an outer or exterior surface 464. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface 462 of the lid frictionally mates with at least a portion of the outer surface 364 of the perimeter side wall 360.
The lid 420 can include a divider, tab, or wall 470 extending from a top surface 430 of the lid 420. The lid divider 470 can be straight and can extend along at least a portion of the top surface 430. The divider 470 can be fixedly attached to the lid 420 top surface 430. In one embodiment, the height of the lid divider 470 can be substantially equal to the height of the side wall 360.
The removable lid 420 is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space of the base 320. It is to be appreciated that the lid 420 can include one or more second dividers or walls extending along at least a portion of the lid. The second divider(s) can extend into the interior space when the lid is fitted onto the base. The lid 420 can be rotated relative to the base 320 and sealed to the base 320 through a friction fit of overlapping sections of the interior surface 462 of the lid 420 and the exterior surface 364 of the base 320. Coordinated rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320 can subdivide the interior space into at least a first area and a second area. The at least first and second areas can be varied in volume based on the rotation and relative alignment of the first divider 370 to the second divider 470. The at least first area can include the first contents or consumables therein, while the at least second area can include vacant space or second contents therein. As the first contents are consumed, the at least first area can be decreased and the at least second area increased by rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320.
The lid 420 and base 320 can be aligned, and rotated relative to one another, such that the base divider 370 and lid divider 470 define two areas within the container 300 when the lid 420 is attached to the base 320. Subsequent to attaching the lid 420 to the base 320, the lid 420 and base 320 can be rotated relative to one another. The resultant rotation enables the contents or consumables within the base 320 to be gathered and compressed into a space that substantially equals the volume of the contents therein. As the container 300 is used, and the contents consumed, each subsequent closing and rotation of the lid 420 to the base 320 can alter the volume of a first area and a second area. In one exemplary embodiment, the first area includes the contents within the container and the second area includes the vacant space. It is to be appreciated, as the contents are consumed, the volume of the first area decreases while the volume of the second area increases. The respective volumes of the first area and the second area are facilitated by the rotation of the lid 420 relative to the base 320 and the alignment of the lid divider 470 with the base divider 370.
The lid 420 can include an indicator 466 on the outer surface 464 showing the location of the lid divider 470. The base 320 can include an indicator 366 on the outer surface 364 showing the location of the base divider 370. The lid indicator 466 and base indicator 366 can be used to facilitate the lid 420 positioning relative to the base 320 and the subsequent rotation of the lid 420 about the base 320. Rotating the lid 420 relative to the base 320, and the associated rotation of the lid divider 470 relative to the base divider 370, gathers and compresses the contents therein. Rotation can continue until the contents are sufficiently compressed and further rotation is prohibited.
Referring to
In another embodiment, the base includes a first divider and at least a second divider wherein the first divider and the at least second divider comprise spoke or radial like elements extending from the center of the base toward the periphery of the base. At least one of the first divider and the at least second divider rotatable wherein the interior space can be subdivided into at least two areas by spacing of at least one base divider relative to at least another base divider. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned embodiment can incorporate a lid with or without a divider.
In still another embodiment, the lid can include a first divider and at least a second divider wherein the first divider and the at least second divider comprise spoke or radial like elements extending from the center of the lid toward the periphery of the lid. At least one of the first divider and the at least second divider rotatable wherein the interior space can be subdivided into at least two areas by spacing of at least one lid divider relative to at least another lid divider. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned embodiment can incorporate a base with or without a divider.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Exemplary embodiments can include a lid and base that are secured to one another through mating threads, pawl and ratchet, ring, and indent.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “container”, “adjustable container”, and “adjustable volume container” are interchangeable and refer to the container 100,300 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the container 100,300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the container 100,300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the container 100,300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the container 100,300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the container 100,300 be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/190,476, which was filed on May 19, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63190476 | May 2021 | US |
