FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates generally to a reusable and stackable drinking assembly including a built-in straw.
BACKGROUND
Drinking assemblies with built-in straws are known in the art. For instance, it is known for a drinking assembly to include a cup and a lid, where the lid has a built-in and foldable upper straw, and where a lower straw is connected to the upper straw and extends downwardly from the upper straw into the cup. There remains a need to make such drinking assemblies more suitable for single-use applications and mass production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a drinking assembly includes a cup for holding a beverage. A lid is connectable to the cup and has a top surface and a bottom surface. An integral straw extends along a wall of the cup between a bottom end and a top end. A tapered member extends from one of the bottom surface of the lid and is received by the top end of the integral straw, or from the top end of the integral straw and received by a connecting member at the bottom surface of the lid. A flexible straw is connectable to the tapered member for receiving fluid from the integral straw.
This arrangement provides a simple and reliable manner of connecting the flexible straw of the lid to the integral straw of the cup. This connection also ensures a seal between the internal and flexible straws. This makes mass production and assembly of the respective lid and cup components simple and efficient.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drinking assembly includes a cup for holding a beverage. An integral straw extends along a wall of the cup. A lid is connectable to the cup. The lid has a top surface. A flexible straw is connected to the top surface of the lid and is connectable to the integral straw for receiving fluid from the integral straw when the lid is connected to the cup. The integral straw is larger in a circumferential direction of the cup than in a radial direction to permit multiple cups to be stacked inside one another in a compact arrangement.
The shape of the integral straw permits numerous cups to be stacked within one another in a compact arrangement because the shape of the integral straw minimizes a thickness of the integral straw in the radial direction. This provides efficiencies shipping and storing large quantities of cups, especially in single use applications, e.g., at a restaurant.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drinking assembly includes a cup for holding a beverage. A lid is connectable to the cup. The lid has a top surface and a bottom surface. An integral straw extends along a wall of the cup between a bottom end and a top end. A flexible straw is connected to the lid and coupled with the integral straw for receiving fluid from the integral straw. The flexible straw define at least one rib along a portion of the flexible straw adjacent to the top surface of the lid. The at least one rib extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the straw. A pair of notches are defined on opposite sides of the at least one rib for providing a pivot point for the flexible straw to bend into a stored position in which the flexible straw is kinked to inhibit fluid from passing through the flexible straw.
The ribs permit a consistent pivot point for the flexible straw which not only permits the flexible straw to pivot into a compact stored position, but also kinks the straw such that it does not spill fluids from the cup while being handled. This is beneficial both because it provides for compact storage of multiple lids prior to use, and also to permit users to seal the cup when not actively drinking from the drinking assembly.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drinking assembly includes a cup for holding a beverage. An integral straw extends along a wall of the cup. A lid is connectable to the cup. The lid has a top surface. The top surface of the lid defines a cavity that extends linearly between a first end and a second end. The cavity is defined by adjacent walls. A flexible straw is connected to the top surface of the lid in the cavity adjacent to the first end of the cavity and is connectable to the integral straw for receiving fluid from the integral straw when the lid is connected to the cup. The flexible straw is bendable between an upright position in which the flexible straw extends generally perpendicularly to the top surface, and a stored position in which the flexible straw extends in the linear direction of the cavity. The cavity defines a narrow portion along the flexible straw and a widened portion extending away from the narrow portion. The walls of the cavity are closer to one another in the narrow portion than in the widened portion. The narrow portion prevents kinking of the flexible straw while the flexible straw is in the upright position by squeezing the flexible straw in a lateral direction between the walls of the narrow portion while permitting kinking of the flexible straw while the flexible straw is in the stored position.
The ability of the narrow portion of the cavity to prevent kinking while the straw is in the upright position ensures that users are able to drink from the cup when desired, while also reliably sealing the cup while not actively drinking from the drinking assembly.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a drinking assembly includes a cup for holding a beverage. An integral straw extends along a wall of the cup. A lid is connectable to the cup. The lid has a top surface. The top surface of the lid defines a cavity that extends linearly between a first end and a second end. The cavity is defined by adjacent walls. A flexible straw is connected to the top surface of the lid in the cavity adjacent to the first end of the cavity and is connectable to the integral straw for receiving fluid from the integral straw when the lid is connected to the cup. The flexible straw is bendable between an upright position in which the flexible straw extends generally perpendicularly to the top surface and a stored position in which the flexible straw extends in the linear direction of the cavity. A sipping tab is located on the top surface of the lid and is pivotable between a sealed position in which a top of the sipping tab is generally flush with the top surface of the lid, and an open position in which the sipping tab is pivoted upwardly relative to the top surface of the lid to define a sipping opening for a user to sip the cup without use of the flexible straw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drinking assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a top, perspective view of a cup of the drinking assembly;
FIG. 3 is a bottom, perspective view of the cup of the drinking assembly;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of cups of the drinking assembly stacked in a compact arrangement;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the cups of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of a lid of the drinking assembly;
FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of a plurality of lids of the drinking assembly stacked in a compact arrangement;
FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the first embodiment of the lid of the drinking assembly;
FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of a plurality of lids of the drinking assembly stacked in a compact arrangement, and further illustrating a pull tab for sealing a cavity of the lid;
FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of an alternate arrangement of a connecting member of the drinking assembly;
FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flexible straw and a kinking tab;
FIG. 12 is a magnified view of FIG. 11 illustrating a side of the flexible straw and the kinking tab;
FIG. 13 is a top view of the flexible straw and kinking tab of the embodiment of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a top, perspective view of a second embodiment of a lid according to an aspect of the disclosure, illustrating a sipping tab in a closed position;
FIG. 14A is a side, cross-sectional view of a flexible straw of the second embodiment of a lid, illustrating a series of ribs along the flexible straw; and
FIG. 15 is a top, perspective view of the second embodiment of a lid, illustrating the sipping tab in an open position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENT
Example embodiments of a drinking assembly embodying the teachings of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments are only provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Features of the embodiments may be combined with one another. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, an embodiment of a drinking assembly 120 includes a cup 122 and a lid 124 for containing a fluid. As discussed herein, the cup 122 and the lid 124 are each individually configured to allow for nesting and stacking with like, or identical cups 122 and lids 124 for compact storage and shipping purposes in a sanitary manner, e.g., FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 9. The cup 122 and the lid 124 are also configured to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly 120 which allows a user to drink the fluid through a straw assembly 136, 168 that is partially located on the cup 122 and partially located on the lid 124 (e.g., FIG. 1).
According to the preferred embodiment, all components of the cup 122 and lid 124 are made of a lightweight, recyclable and/or biodegradable plastic material such as a RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) material. Other lightweight and robust materials may be used, including various other organic polymer materials. It is preferred that the selected material is recyclable and/or biodegradable, especially when the assembly 120 is used in mass produced, single-use applications.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cup 122 has a wall 130 that extends about and along a longitudinal axis A between a base 126 and a rim 128. The cup 122 tapers outwardly between the base 126 and the rim 128 such that the rim 128 has a larger diameter than the base 126. The cup 122 also has a mouth portion 132 that extends upwardly and radially outwardly from the rim 128 to a lip 134 which has a larger diameter than the base 126 and the rim 128.
As shown in FIG. 2, the cup 122 has an integral straw 136 that is located along the wall 130 and spans between an upper end 138 adjacent to the rim 128 and a lower end 140 adjacent to the base 126 for conveying the fluid from the lower end 140 to the upper end 138 of the integral straw 136. In the preferred embodiment, the integral straw 136 is molded on the wall 130. As shown in FIG. 2, the mouth portion 132 also defines a straw cut-out 142 disposed adjacent the upper end 138 of the integral straw 136 and extending from the rim 128 towards the lip 134 for providing access to the upper end 138 of the integral straw 136. As best shown in FIG. 4, the mouth portion 132 may also define an alignment cut-out 161 on a circumferentially opposite side of the cup 122 as the straw cut-out for receiving a positioning tab on the lid 124 for aligning the lid 124 in a desired position.
As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, the cup 122 is configured in such a way that multiple cups 122 may be stacked in a compact manner. This is beneficial because it allows for both storage and shipping in both a compact and sanitary manner. This is particularly beneficial when the cup assembly 120 is mass produced for single-use applications. More particularly, while in the stacked position, the integral straws 136 are disposed in staggered or offset relationship such that the don't overlap one enough to permit the cups 122 to be stacked closer to one another. In an alternative embodiment, the integral straw 136 can collapse upon itself to allow another cup 122 to provide additional space. According to the preferred embodiment, the integral straw 136 is larger in the width/circumferential direction than it is in the radial direction, e.g., like the generally oval-shape shown. This permits the cups 122 to be stacked close to one another because it provides a small thickness in the radial direction while also permitting a large flow of liquid through the integral straw 136 during use.
As best shown in FIGS. 6-9, the lid 124 has a top surface 146 that generally has a circular shape. The lid 124 includes a locking mechanism 150 for mating with the cup 122 to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly 120 with the lid 24 disposed in interlocked relationship with the cup 122 to contain the fluid in the drinking assembly 20. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 150 includes a flange 152 that is disposed circumferentially about the top surface 146 and extends downwardly from the top edge 148 for being disposed about the mouth portion 132 of the cup 122. Other locking mechanisms could be used such as clamps, tabs, or the like to interlock the lid 124 to the cup 122.
As best shown in FIGS. 8-10, the lid 124 has a cavity 160 that extends downwardly from the top surface 46 and extends linearly along a cavity axis B from a first end 162 to a second end 164. The cavity 160 is defined by a pair of adjacent walls 163. The cavity 160 defines a first widened portion 173 adjacent to the first end 162, a second widened portion 175 adjacent to the second end 175 and a first narrow portion 177 between the first and second widened portions 173, 175. The walls 163 are spaced further apart from one another at the first and second widened portions 173, 175 than at the first narrow portion 177. Furthermore, a receiving recess 179 is located adjacent to the second end 175 of the cavity 160. A protrusion 181 is located between the second end 164 of the cavity 160 and the receiving recess 179. The protrusion 181 defines a vent hole 183 for venting the inside of the cup 122 while a user drinks from the flexible straw 168.
As best shown in FIG. 6, a connecting member 166 is located adjacent to the first end 162 of the cavity 160 and aligned on the cavity axis B. The connecting member 166 connects the flexible straw 168 and the integral straw 136. According to the preferred embodiment, the connecting member 166 and flexible straw 168 are integrally connected such that they constitute a one-piece structure, but could alternatively be separate components, e.g., the flexible straw 168 could be received by an orifice defined by the connecting member 166. The connecting member 166 also includes a connecting tube 169 that extends from a bottom face 165 of the lid 124. As best shown in FIG. 6, the connecting tube 169 is configured to be received in the upper end 138 of the integral straw 136 to fluidly connected the connecting member 166 with the integral straw 136. According to the preferred embodiment, the connecting tube 169 is configured as a tapered member 169 which tapers as it extends away from the bottom face 165 of the lid 124 such that the connecting tube 169 is funneled into the integral straw 136 as the lid 124 is positioned on the cup 122. As shown, the connecting tube 169 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the upper end 138 of the integral straw 136, i.e., an oval shape in the preferred embodiment. This configuration ensures that a good seal is provided between the connecting tube 169 and integral straw 136. As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 166 transitions from the oval-shaped cross-section of the connecting tube 169 to the circular-shaped cross-section of the flexible straw 168. This arrangement between the connecting tube 169 and the flexible straw 168 establishes a leak-proof design between the connecting member 166 and the integral straw 136 which ensures that the straws 136, 168 collectively form a unitary and sealed straw that extends from the lower portion of the integral straw 136 to the outlet end 176 of the flexible straw 168 for allowing sealed fluid communication therebetween. The connection is easy to make, which is beneficial for mass produced, single use drinking assemblies 120.
According to an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 166B includes a connecting tube 169B that extends upwardly from upper end 138 of the integral straw 136 (instead of from the bottom face 165 of the lid 124 as previously described). A bottom end 171 of the flexible straw 168 is configured to receive the connecting tube 169B. Specifically, the bottom end 171 of the flexible straw 168 has a larger diameter than the connecting tube 169B such that the connecting tube 169B is received by the opening at the bottom end 171 of the flexible straw 168 as the lid 124 is attached to the cup 122. According to this arrangement, the connecting tube 169B is configured as a tapered member 169B such that it is funneled into the flexible straw 168 during the connection of the lid 124 to the cup 122. Again, this arrangement between the tapered member 169B and the flexible straw 168 establishes a leak-proof design between the connecting member 166B and the integral straw 136 which ensures that the straws 136, 168 collectively form a unitary and sealed straw that extends from the lower portion of the integral straw 136 to the outlet end 176 of the flexible straw 168 for allowing sealed fluid communication therebetween.
As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, an alignment tab 178 extends from the mouth portion 132 of the cup 122 and is adjacent and aligned with the integral straw 136. Furthermore, the flange 152 of the lid 124 defines a notch 180 that extends upwardly from the flange end 154 and aligned with the orifice 166 and the cavity axis A. This arrangement of the alignment tab 178 and notch 180 is advantageous because the notch 180 receives the alignment tab 178 in the assembled position to ensure that the orifice 166 is aligned with the integral straw 136 to provide an accurate connection between the integral straw 136 and the flexible straw 168.
As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the flexible straw 168 is configured to be moved between a use position (e.g., FIG. 8) in which the flexible straw 168 stands vertically, and stored position (e.g., FIG. 9) in which the flexible straw 168 is bent 90 degrees and stored in the cavity 160. More particularly, in the stored position, the flexible straw 168 is held in place via frictional engagement against the walls 163 in the first narrow portion 177 of the cavity 160. As best shown in FIG. 9, a pull tape 185 may be configured to be positioned over and about an entirety of the cavity 160 and over the vent hole 183 such that prior to use, the flexible straw 168 and vent 183 are sealed. An edge 187 of the pull tape 185 may be configured to partially overlie the receiving recess 179 to permit a user to insert a finger into the receiving recess 179 and remove the pull tape 185 when the user is ready to use the flexible straw 168. This capability allows the flexible straw 168 and vent 183 to remain sealed prior to use, thus preventing the entrance of contaminants into the regions of the vent 183 and straw 166 prior to use. In an alternative arrangement, the pull tape 185 exclusively overlies the cavity 162, and a user is able to remove the pull tape 185 by inserting a finger in the second widened portion 175.
As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the lid 124 is configured to be stackable with identical lids 24 in a compact position while the flexible straws 168 are in the stored position. As shown, the connecting tube 169 that extends from the bottom of the lid 124 is received in the receiving recess 179 of another of the lids 124 while in a stacked position. This permits any number of lids 122 to be stacked relative to one another, each rotated 180 degrees relative to adjacent lids 124. This arrangement is advantageous because the stacking of the lids 124 in alternating orientation is compact in order to save space for compact storage purposes. This is particularly beneficial in mass produced, single use applications. As part of this arrangement, the top surface 146 of the lid 124 defines a pair of geometric stabilizers 153. Each of the stabilizers 153 generally has a hollow frustoconical shape and extends downwardly beyond the bottom surface 147 of the lid 124. The stabilizers 153 are positioned on diametrically opposing sides of the cavity 160 in alignment with one another. In this arrangement, the stabilizers 153 are each configured to be received in the hollow of another of the stabilizer 177 on the opposite side of the lid 124 below for alleging the lids 124 in the stored position.
As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lid 124 may define a kink feature 187 for controlling a height location at which the flexible straw 168 deflects when moved into its stored position and for kinking/sealing the flexible straw 168 while in the stored position to prevent the flexible straw 168 from leaking. Indeed, this feature permits a user to easily move the flexible straw 168 from the use position to the stored position with the flexible straw 168/cup assembly 120 sealed to prevent spilling. This is advantageous over conventional disposable cups which are not sealable. More particularly, the kink feature 187 extends upwardly from the top surface 146 of the lid 124 in the cavity 160 along an edge of the flexible straw 168. During movement into the stored position, the flexible straw 168 engages the kink feature 187, causing it to deflect and pinch at the location of the kink feature 187.
According to an arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, to further cause the flexible straw 168 to deflect at the location of the kink feature 187, the flexible straw 168 may define a thin region 189 at to the location at which the flexible straw 168 is aligned with the kink feature 187 in the vertical direction. More particularly, the flexible straw 168 has an outer diameter OD and defines a thickness TS along the wall of the flexible straw 168. As shown, the thickness TS of the flexible straw 168 is more narrow at the region of the thin region 189. The narrow region 189 is only located circumferentially on the side of the flexible straw 168 which faces the kink feature 187.
As best shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of indicator buttons 191 may be located on the top surface 146 of the lid 124 for allowing a seller to indicate what kind of beverage is contained in the cup 122. Any number of indicator buttons 191 may be provided in a variety of arrangements.
FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose a second embodiment of a lid 224 for the cup assembly. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the lid 224 has a top surface 246 that generally has a circular shape. The lid 224 includes a locking mechanism, again in the form of a flange 252 for mating with the cup 222 to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly 2220 with the lid 224 disposed in interlocked relationship with the cup 222 to contain the fluid in the drinking assembly 220. According to this embodiment, the flange 252 extends dowardly from the top surface 246 to a greater extent than the previously described embodiments. This permits stacking of multiple of the lids 224 on top of one another without requiring rotation of the lids 224 relative to one another. For example, the flange 252 may have a width that is approximately one ninth of a width of the top surface 246 of the lid 224.
The lid 224 has a cavity 260 that extends downwardly from the top surface 246 and extends linearly along a cavity axis B from a first end 262 to a second end 264. The cavity 260 defines a first widened portion 273, a second widened portion 275 adjacent to the second end 275 and a first narrow portion 277 between the first and second widened portions 273, 275. Furthermore, a receiving recess 279 is located adjacent to the second end 275 of the cavity 260. A protrusion 281 is located between the second end 264 of the cavity 260 and the receiving recess 279. The protrusion 281 defines a vent hole 283 for venting the inside of the cup while a user drinks from the flexible straw 268.
According to this embodiment, the cavity 260 further has a second narrow portion 288 at the first end 262 of the cavity 260 in alignment with the flexible straw 268. The second narrow portion 288 is more narrow than the first widened portion 273. The second narrow portion 288 prevents kinking of the flexible straw 268 while the flexible straw 268 is in the upright position by squeezing the flexible straw 268 in a lateral direction between the two sides of the second narrow portion 288 while still permitting kinking of the flexible straw 268 in response to bending the flexible straw 268 along the ribs 282. The presence of the first widened portion 273 adjacent to the second narrow portion 288 permits a user to grab the flexible straw 268 while in the stored position to move the flexible straw 268 into the upright position.
According to another aspect of this embodiment, the flexible straw 268 may define one or more ribs 282 along one circumferential side of the flexible straw 268. An indent 269 is located on each side of each rib 282. The ribs 282 and indents 269 each extend generally in a horizontal direction which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the straw (best shown in FIG. 14A). The ribs 282 and indents 269 permit the flexible straw 268 to bend into the cavity 260 in the stored position without requiring the use of a kink feature like the previous embodiments. When in the stored position, the flexible straw 268 is held in place via frictional engagement against the walls 263 in the first narrow portion 277 of the cavity 260. The flexible straw 268 is sealed while in the stored position. When in the upright position as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the flexible straw 268 is unsealed to permit fluid to flow through the flexible straw 268. Other numbers of ribs 282 and indents 269 may be provided at different locations.
According to another aspect of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a sipping tab 284 is located along the region of the receiving recess 279 at the second end of the cavity 260 of the lid 224. As shown, the sipping tab 284 is pivotable between a sealed position (FIG. 14) in which a top of the sipping tab 284 is generally flush with the top surface 246 of the lid 224, and an open position (FIG. 15) in which the sipping tab 284 is pivoted upwardly or downwardly relative to the top surface 246 of the lid 224 to define a sipping opening 248 for a user to drink from the cup assembly without the flexible straw 268. The sipping tab 284 may initially be sealed to the rest of the top surface of the lid via a thin film and/or perforations along its edges 286 to prevent spilling. According to the preferred embodiment, the sipping tab 284 is biased toward the closed position to automatically provide a seal when a user is not drinking from the opening 248. Also, according to the preferred embodiment, the sipping tab 284 is located circumferentially opposite the flexible straw 268, but could be at other locations. Also, the sipping tab could have various sizes and shapes, and have various other features of the lid 224 incorporated into it.
Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the lid may include one or more stabilizers 253 on the top surface 246 of the lid 224 for aligning multiple lids relative to one another.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.
Clearly, changes may be made to what is described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope defined in the accompanying claims. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in combinations of embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 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. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “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. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Patent Application
20240366004
