CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR
Reserved for a later date, if necessary.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention
The disclosed subject matter is in the field of hockey and related apparatus to train, condition, and otherwise improve player fundamentals and skill and related methods of use.
Background of the Invention
Ice hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity game that requires a unique combination of speed, power, reflexes, and control to compete at the highest levels. Because play takes place on ice, as opposed to a wooden court or grass field like other sports, players need specific training to develop the mechanics to improve their speed, strength, and stamina during a game. Furthermore, ice hockey is unique in that players use a hockey stick to pass a puck, opposed to handling a ball in their hands; using a stick on the ice means ice hockey requires unique training methods that do not cross over to other sports. Accordingly, because of ice hockey's unique demands, it is often difficult for players to properly train to develop skills and mechanics when off the ice.
Thus, a need exists for a hockey training device which allows players to develop necessary mechanics to improve their speed, strength, and stamina during an ice hockey game that can be used both on and off the ice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, an objective of the present invention is to teach assembly and use of a hockey training device capable of allowing players to develop improve fundamental mechanics to necessary to play high level ice hockey.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to teach assembly and use of a hockey training device where use of the training device develops a hockey player's central nervous system such that connections are developed to allow the player to handle a hockey puck faster and more accurately, translating to better and more efficient stick handling skills during actual play.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to teach assembly and use of a hockey training device where use of the training device is adjustable to accommodate for the strength, skill, size, and overall stick handling experience of any hockey player using the training device.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a hockey training device that is portable and capable of use both on-ice and off-ice, thus eliminating the common issue of ice hockey training constraints due to location.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to teach a portable hockey training device with a folding frame, which provides attachment points for various levels of resistance bands as well as a removable fixation for a hockey stick, such that the training device allows a user to adjust the type, strength, and direction of resistance in training.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to teach a method for improving overall hockey skills, including fundamentals and proper mechanics, through use of a hockey training device to train a user's central nervous system or “muscle memory” to develop and improve movements and reactions for in-game scenarios.
Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. These objectives are not to be construed as limitations of the applicant's invention but are merely aimed to suggest some of the many benefits which may be realized by the apparatus and methods of the present invention and with its many embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the hockey training device;
FIG. 2 is a corner view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is another top perspective view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a left-side view of the hokey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an top view of the hockey training device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the hockey training device in a folded configuration;
FIG. 10A is an environmental view of the hockey training device in a folded and telescopically collapsed configuration;
FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the hockey training device of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another configuration of the hockey training device;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the hockey training device of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a front view of the hockey training device of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is an accessory of the hockey training device;
FIG. 16 is another view of the accessory;
FIG. 17 is another view another accessory;
FIG. 18 is a front view of the accessory;
FIG. 19 is an contextual view of the device and accessories; and,
FIG. 20 is a demonstrative of use of the device.
The components of the hockey training device in the figures are labelled and indicated by the numerals shown on the list below:
- 1. Frame;
- 2. Right arm;
- 3. Left arm;
- 4. Frame back;
- 10. Frame post;
- 11. Net;
- 12. Foot;
- 13. Anchor;
- 20. Hinge;
- 21. Hinge bolt;
- 22. Hinge cutout;
- 23. Hinge knuckle;
- 24. Button clip;
- 25. Button clip hole;
- 30. Stick wrap;
- 31. Resistance band;
- 32. Resistance band attachment;
- 33. Resistance band ring; and,
- 34. Bumper.
It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Other assembly methods may be practiced depending on the use of the alternative embodiments described herein, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Disclosed is a hockey training device and methods related to its use. The disclosed methods relate to improving the ice hockey fundamentals and proper mechanics necessary to compete at a high level through use of a hockey training device, such that a user's speed, strength, and stamina are improved to better perform during ice hockey games. Alternatively, the hockey training device may be used in training for roller hockey, field hockey, or other related sports or recreational activities.
FIGS. 1 through 9 are various view of an embodiment of a hockey training device. The figures are respectively a bottom view, a corner view a top perspective view, another top perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a rear view, and a left side view of the device. During periods of non-use, the device may be folded or collapsed in the backward direction for storage. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the device is shown collapsed at the corners. FIGS. 12 through 14 show the device may be telescoped or collapsed in the lateral directions for storage or for creating a smaller training area. In certain situations, the preferred device features accessories. In one embodiment, the accessory is a strap for attachment to the stick portion of a hockey stick. Such a strap is depicted on a stick in FIGS. 15 & 16 and separate from a stick in FIGS. 17 and 18. As discussed below, resistance bands that attach to the lateral arms of the device and a hockey stick (via the accessory strap) or user may be employed such that training programs for hockey players may be accomplished using the device.
FIGS. 1 through 9 show various view of the hockey training device. A preferable embodiment of the training device has a frame 1 made of hollow stainless steel pipe. Suitably, steel is a desirable material because of durability, relative light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacture and production. It should be understood, however, in alternate embodiments, the frame 1 may instead be made of other materials, including, but not limited to, plastic or plastic derivatives, another metal such as aluminum, a combination of plastic and metal, or some other suitable material or combination that would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, the frame 1 is comprised of a back or cross-bar 4 and two arms, a right arm 2 and a left arm 3. The arms 2, 3, as shown, form the sides of the training device. In typical use of a preferable embodiment, the right arm 2 will be on the left of a user and the left arm 3 will on the right of a user standing at the front of the hockey training device. The arms 2, 3 meet with the frame back 4 or cross bar preferably at ninety-degree angles when the training device is properly open and set up. Although, in alternate embodiments, the arms may meet the frame back 4 at other angles to provide for other methods of training or storage of the training device. Suitably, the cross-bar 4 will be extend telescopically during use (as shown in FIG. 1). The cross bar could also be collapsed during use (as shown in FIG. 12).
Still referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, the frame 1 preferably has four frame posts 10 along the upper side of the frame 1, opposite the ground such that they are perpendicular or normal to the ground. Alternate embodiments of the hockey training device may have any number of posts 10, including fewer than four or greater than four. The frame posts 10 preferably are constructed of the same material as the frame 1 and are preferably located with two at the rear corners where the left 3 and right 2 arms meet the frame back 4 or cross bar and two on the left 3 and right 2 arms opposite the frame back 4, near the front of the hockey training device.
In one embodiment, not shown, the frame 1 preferably has openings or receptacles in the top such that the posts 10 can be removably inserted into the frame 1, as depicted in the figures. In this embodiment, with the openings having a greater diameter than that of the frame posts 10 such that insertion of the posts to an upright position may be accomplished. When inserted, the posts 10 preferably attach to the frame 1 with button clips, although alternate embodiments may use other attachment methods such as a spring loaded detent, threading to be screwed in, a snap-fit, or may be permanently inserted into the frame 1 through a method such as welding or being manufactured into the training device. These and other unlisted methods of attachment would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art.
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the frame posts 10 preferably have a small hole in the upper end, opposite the frame 1 and the ground such that the holes are parallel to the ground, such that a net (see FIG. 19) can be strung through the posts 10. Referring to FIG. 19, the net 11 is preferably removably wrapped around and strung through the four posts 10 to provide an additional barrier to prevent a hockey puck from leaving the hockey training device's designated area while the training device is in use. In alternate embodiments, the net 11 may be permanently attached to the posts or the frame or not be present at all. Preferably, the net 11 is made of a nylon fabric or similar derivative, a traditional material for netting on a full-size hockey goal, due to nylon's resistance to wear and tear and generally low barrier for preparation, manufacture, and use; however, alternate embodiments of the training device may instead have the net 11 made of plastic, fabric, metal, a combination of listed or unlisted materials, or some other unlisted material that is suitable for the purposes disclosed here that would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the present art. In using the hockey training device, the net 11 may be removed to provide a user with access to other sides and angles of the training device, where the net 11 would ordinarily interfere with a hockey stick were it in place.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 through 9, the bottom of the frame 1 preferably has at least one foot 12 which contacts the ground to both balance and lift the frame 1 off the ground. A preferable embodiment has at least five feet, distributed with at least two feet on each of the left 3 and right 2 arms and at least one foot on the frame back 4 or cross-bar preferably near the center of the hockey training device's width when fully expanded. The three feet 12 on each of the arms 2, 3 are preferably distributed with two towards the frame back 4 and one closer to the front of the training device, opposite the frame back 4; however, in alternate embodiments, the feet may be distributed differently, or not be included at all, so long as the frame 1 of the training device may suitably sit level on a level surface or ground and provide a workable area for use of the training device. In a preferable embodiment, the single foot 12 on the frame back 4 is placed such that when the hockey training device is fully expanded, the single foot 12 is in the center of the hockey training device; however, in alternate embodiments, the frame back 4 may have more than one foot 12 distributed along both the left and right sides of the frame back 4, or may not be on the frame back 4 at all. Furthermore, the feet 12 are preferably made of a rubber material such as silicone or neoprene that are capable of suitably supporting the hockey training device and providing adequate cushioning and stability to stand stably and not scratch or otherwise damage the ground the device is used on, although alternate embodiments of the training device may have no feet at all or, feet 12 made of other materials that would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the present art so long as they can suitably perform the same functions. An example of the rubber feet are illustrated in the zoomed-out view of FIG. 4.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in a preferable embodiment, both the right arm 2 and left arm 3 have an anchor 13 fixed to the front inside of the arm, opposite the frame back 4, both facing inwards to the usable center area of the training device. An anchor may also be placed at the center of the back bar (24/25) facing upward relative to the frame. The anchors 13 are preferably made of the same material as the frame 1 and ring-shaped, with the opening parallel to the ground, although alternate embodiments may use differently-shaped anchors 13 or anchors 13 in alternate positions, including, but not limited to, squares, triangles, oblong circles or ovals, or other shapes that may be positioned perpendicular to the ground or alongside the arms, so long as the alternate anchors 13 may suitably attach to and support resistance bands 31 while the hockey training device is in use. The anchors 13 are preferably permanently fixed to the arms 2, 3 to provide structural support and durability, although anchors 13 in alternate embodiments of the hockey training device may instead be removably attached through methods such as o-rings that are screwed into the arms 2, 3 or removable clips, so long as the anchors 13 suitably perform the same intended function. In use, the anchors 13 on the arms 2/3 may be used with bands attached to a hockey stick (described in more detail below) to develop side or lateral handling of the stick, whereas anchor 13 on the back bar 24/25 may be used with bands attached to the stick to develop forward or shot taking movements of the hockey stick.
A preferable embodiment of the hockey training device is portable and may be folded and telescopically collapsed for easy transportation such that the training device may be used in multiple locations and travel with the user. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the device is shown collapsed at the corners. Referring to FIGS. 12 through 14, the device may be telescoped or collapsed in the lateral directions for storage or for creating a smaller training area.
As shown in FIG. 4, the two joints where both the right arm 2 and left arm 3 meet the frame back 4, one joint for the right arm 2 and back 4 and another joint for the left arm 3 and back 4, is a hinge 20. The hinges 20 shown in FIG. 4 allow the arms 2, 3 to fold inwards for storage and transportation of the hockey training device. Those joints of the hockey training device between the arms 2, 3 and frame back 4 have the frame parts meeting at a ninety-degree angle, such that the arms 2, 3 meet the frame back 4 at a right angle when fully opened. The hinges 20 are preferably comprised of two outer knuckles 23 on the frame back 4 and one central knuckle 23 on the right arm 2 or left arm 3, depending on which side hinge 20 is on. The knuckles 23 slot together as a typical hinge as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the present art. The hinge knuckles 23 preferably have a hole in their center to allow space for a hinge bolt 21 to fit through, such that the hinge 20 is suitably completed to connect the arm 2, 3 with the frame back 4 and such that the arm 2, 3 may swing closed from an open position or open from a closed position; the hinge bolt 21 is preferably a standard bolt used to hold two pieces of metal together in a hinge-style joint such that both pieces may pivot, although in alternate embodiments a different method of attachment such as a standard hinge pin, a snap-fit, or other similar method known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art may be used. The knuckles 23 are preferably fixed to the frame 1, made of the same material as the frame 1, and are located such that they face inwards towards the usable area of the training device where the arm 2, 3 suitably folds inwards towards the frame back 4 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). However, in an alternate embodiment, the knuckles 23 may be placed differently, not part of the frame 1, or may be made of different material so long as the knuckles 23 and the hinge 21 suitably performs the same function to allow intended use of the hockey training device.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, at the joints which form the hinge 20, the respective portion of each arm 2, 3 is contoured with a hinge cutout 22. The cut-out 22 is provided such that it fits flush with the frame back 4 when the frame 1 is in an open position. Each arm 2, 3 is preferably contoured with a hinge cutout 22 to fit around the portion of the frame 1 which holds the frame post 10 preferably located at the rear corners, where the hinges 20 at the joints are; the arms' 2, 3 hinge cutouts 22 are circular-shaped indents which, when the arm 2, 3 is fully opened, sits flush with the frame back 4 and partially wraps around the frame 1 portion where the frame post 10 is located. However, in alternate embodiments, the hinge cutout 22 may be differently-shaped to accommodate different designs and shapes of the hockey training device and its frame 1 and components, or may be nonexistent should the frame 1 have space or openings for the frame arms 2, 3 to fit inside the frame back 4 when opened, so long as the function of the hinge 20 remains suitably the same to provide for the intended use of the hockey training device and its intended methods.
FIGS. 10 and 11 further show that when the frame 1 of the hockey training device is folded, such that the arms 2, 3 are tucked in and placed up against the frame back 4, the hockey training device is closed and may not be used. A preferable embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, allows for the right arm 2 to slot inside the left arm 3 and lock in place to aid in transportation and storage. For example, the pipe of the frame 1 is telescoping. The ends of the arms 2, 3 are preferably open, with the left arm 3 having a diameter large enough to accommodate the diameter of the right arm 2 such that the right arm 2 may suitably slide inside the left arm 3's open front. To allow for the frame's 1 movement for the arms 2, 3 to fit together, the frame back 4 preferably is comprised of two segments and is jointed and telescoping as well, with a smaller segment on the right side and a larger segment on the left side; the two segments allow the frame to be expanded for a larger useable area, with greater space between the two arms 2, 3 when they are open, or compressed for a smaller useable area between the two arms 2, 3. Compressing the frame back 4, or moving the two arms 2, 3 closer to each other, allows the arms 2, 3 to fit together when the arms 2, 3 are folded closed and against the frame back 4. However, in alternate embodiments, the hockey training device may have the smaller diameter on the left as opposed to the right, may have alternate methods to ease transportation and storage such as being in separate pieces and being reconstructed to use the hockey training device, or may even not have the ability to fold or be taken apart and instead have the frame 1 be a single piece which does not move or resize.
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in a preferable embodiment, the right side of the frame back 4 and the right arm 2, the portions which slide inside the left segments, have a button clip 24 inside the ends, with the button preferably facing up, opposite the ground. The left segment of the frame back 4 and the left arm 3 preferably have at least one button clip hole 25 to allow for the button clip 24 to slot in and lock the frame 1 in a desired, preset position. As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the two segments of the frame back 4 or cross-bar allow for the hockey training device to be used in various widths by expanding or contracting the frame back 4, with the hockey training device being able to lock via the button clip 24 in the frame back 4 when fully expanded or lock with the button clip 24 in the arm 2, 3 when folded and fully contracted. However, in alternate embodiments, the hockey training device may use alternate locking mechanisms for telescoping pipe such as a spring-loaded detent, ball lock pin, threaded pipe, or spring-loaded pins; other suitable techniques for securing telescoping pipe such as fasteners, rivets, or welding; other methods that allow for variable sizing of the hockey training device; or some other unnamed method that would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the present art.
FIG. 19 shows a set up device of FIGS. 1 through 14. As shown, a preferable design of the hockey training device has anchors 13 on the insides of both the arms 2, 3, allowing for the attachment of various resistance bands 31. The resistance bands 31 preferably resemble surgical tubing and are made of silicone, latex, or other related material with similar properties to surgical tubing such that they are flexible and elastic to continually provide the necessary added resistance for use of the hockey training device. In alternate embodiments, the resistance bands 31 may be made of other materials which allow for a suitably similar use; may be made of another, nonelastic material combined with an alternate method of providing resistance such as springs, pulleys, pneumatics, or other unnamed methods; or may not be included at all. Preferable embodiments of the resistance bands 31 have a resistance band ring 33 on both sides of the band 31 such that the band 31 may support a resistance band attachment 32. In a preferable embodiment, the ring 33 is a metal o-ring, preferably made of carbon steel, fixed to both ends of the band 31 to allow the band 31 to be removably attached to an anchor 13 and a stick wrap 30 with an attachment 32.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the resistance band attachment 32 is preferably a strap and carabiner set up or other method of attachment which allows the hockey training device to be removably attached quickly to a hockey stick (as shown In FIGS. 16 and 17). In preferable use of the hockey training device, when the resistance bands 31 are attached to the frame anchors 13, the other, unattached, end of the bands 31 attach to a removable stick wrap 30 on a hockey stick; the stick wrap 30 is the attachment point to the hockey stick and allows for the hockey training device to be used for resistance training. The stick wrap 30 is preferably made of fabric with hook and loop attachments to be removably attached around the lower end of the shaft of a hockey stick above the stick's blade; the stick wrap 30 preferably has resistance band attachments 31 on both sides of the wrap 30 which allow the wrap to be removably attached to resistance bands 31 in the same manner as the bands' 31 attachment to the anchors 13. However, in alternate embodiments, the stick wrap 30 may instead be permanently attached to a hockey stick or be used with a hockey stick exclusively designed for the hockey training device such that the wrap 30 is unneeded, or instead be secured to a hockey stick through other means of attachment such as ties, snaps, buttons, or other similar means of attachment known to a person ordinarily skilled in the present art.
FIG. 20 demonstrates a preferable use of the hockey training device. As shown, the stick wrap 30 is attached to at least one resistance band 31 fixed to at least one anchor 13, although two or more resistance bands 31 may be used during use of the hockey training device, with bands 31 attached to the anchors 13 on both the right arm 2 and left arm 3, to assist the user in training stick handling skills. The wrap 30 remains attached to the hockey stick while the stick is moved from side to side, back and forth, or in any other direction, in a stick handling motion as done when skating with a hockey puck on the ice, and the resistance bands 31 require the user to apply greater force to handle the puck as the stick is moved from left to right, or in the direction that increases resistance; for example, when a user moves the puck to the left with the hockey stick, the right resistance band 31 is pulled taught and requires a greater force to overcome its resistance, and vice-versa when moving the stick to the right. Along with repeating standard stick handling motions, the added resistance from the bands 31 allows the hockey training device to develop central nervous system connections or “muscle memory” of a user needed for a hockey player to handle the puck faster and more accurately, translating to better and more efficient stick handling skills during actual play, in addition to increased speed, strength, stamina, and reflexes in stick handling. In another method of use, a user may use the training device to practice shooting and passing the puck with resistance. A user may use a hockey stick with a stick wrap 30 that is wrapped around the shaft of a hockey stick and attached to at least one resistance band 31 and attach the other end of the resistance band 31 to at least one anchor 13, although two or more resistance bands 31 may be used during use of the hockey training device, on the frame back 4 cross-bar and face away from the frame back 4 cross-bar, with the open end of the training device in front of a user, such that a user may shoot or pass a puck or ball out of the training device. As the wrap 30 remains attached to the hockey stick while the stick is moved away from the frame back 4 cross-bar in a shooting or passing motion, the resistance bands 31 require the user to apply greater force to shoot or pass the puck as the stick is moved away from the frame back 4 cross-bar, or in the direction that increases resistance; for example, when a user shoots or passes the puck with the hockey stick, the resistance band 31 is pulled taught and requires a greater force to overcome its resistance. The user can train his or her backhand by facing the frame back 4 cross bar any shooting or passing the puck with the backhand of the hockey stick and moving the stick away from the frame back 4 cross-bar. Different users may use different strengths of resistance in the resistance bands 31, or even more than one resistance band 31 on each side of a hockey stick, for the hockey training device to apply a desired level of resistance during use.
Additionally, a preferable embodiment of the hockey training device includes a removable bumper (not shown) which may be fixed to the underside of the frame 1 along the inside perimeter of the frame 1 in front of the feet 12. The bumper (not shown) is preferably made of the same material as the resistance bands 31, such as silicon, rubber, or other similar flexible material, although alternate embodiments may be made of an alternate material which has similar properties and would be known to a person ordinarily skilled in the present art. In one embodiment, the bumper may be a band that is stretched and disposed around at least two feet 12, wherein the band is taught when placed around at least two feet. In preferable use, the bumper allows the hockey training device to be used to practice passing and receiving a hockey puck, such that the bumper (not shown) will “catch” and “return” the puck by causing the puck to ricochet back to the hockey stick when the puck bounces off the bumper and returns to a user of the training device.
Altogether, the stick wrap 30, resistance bands 31, and bumper allow a preferable method of use of the hockey training device to provide training and the development of central nervous system connections for stick handling, passing, shooting, and receiving a hockey puck. Furthermore, the hockey training device may be used in various locations, such as on ice or on synthetic ice surfaces to provide realistic puck movement, or even may be used on grass, concrete, wood, asphalt, or other surface which would support movement of a hockey puck or a ball.
Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects, and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts, and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.
Patent Application
20240299820
