BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Canned and bottle beverages often have the best taste and retain the best quality when they are consumed cold. However, the container they are provided in often lacks sufficient insulation. Furthermore, holding cold beverage in hand can be uncomfortable and can cause the beverage to warm up rapidly.
Neoprene or foam beverage holders, also known as koozies, are a well-known solution to the problem. However, koozies often cause the beverage to be unstable on a flat surface. Furthermore, koozies do not provide a solution if a flat surface or cup holder is unavailable.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a beverage holder which can insulate and retain a beverage. What might be further desired is a beverage holder which can retain insulate and retain a beverage on a vertical surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A beverage holder is provided to retain a beverage on a vertical ferromagnetic surface. The beverage holder is comprised of a flexible sheet comprising an insulating layer having a first side and a second side.
The beverage holder further comprises one or more magnetic elements having at least one magnet. The magnets are retained by at least a first magnet cover provided on the first side of the insulating layer.
Furthermore, a means to attach at least two ends of the flexible sheet to one another to form a cylindrically shaped body is provided.
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view thereof;
FIG. 1C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 1D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 1E is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 1F is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 1G is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 1H is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 1I is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view thereof;
FIG. 2C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 2D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 2E is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2F is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view thereof;
FIG. 3C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 3D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 3E is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view thereof;
FIG. 4C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 4D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment of my new design;
FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view thereof;
FIG. 5C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 5D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 6A is a bottom perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 6B is a front perspective view thereof;
FIG. 6C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 6D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 6E is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 6F is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment, wherein the tab is in an extended position;
FIG. 7B is a front perspective view thereof, wherein the tab is in a relaxed position;
FIG. 7C is a top view thereof;
FIG. 7D is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 7E is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment, wherein the tab is in an extended position;
FIG. 7F is a front perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment, wherein the tab is in an extended position;
FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 8B is a front view thereof;
FIG. 8C is a rear view thereof;
FIG. 8D is top view thereof;
FIG. 8E is bottom view thereof;
FIG. 8F is a rear view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 8G is a rear view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 8H is a rear view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a portion of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment;
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment; and
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an insulated magnetic beverage holder according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1A-11B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
With reference to FIGS. 1A-8H, embodiments of a magnetic beverage holder are shown. The magnetic beverage holder is provided with one or more magnets 10 which are heat pressed to the material which the beverage holder is comprised of. In an embodiment, the body of the beverage holder is comprised of a rubber foam or neoprene. In an embodiment, a cloth layer is adhered to exterior of the rubber foam or neoprene on both sides of the neoprene or rubber foam. In another embodiment, the body of the beverage holder is comprised of a plastic or other polymer. The plastic or other polymer may comprise the entire body or be provided as an outer layer adhered to the rubber foam or neoprene.
The magnetic beverage holder is provided to retain and insulate a beverage container. Furthermore, magnets 10 allow the holder to maintain position on a ferromagnetic surface (or surface which is susceptible to magnetic attraction) which is vertical or near vertical, while the beverage is retained in the holder.
In an embodiment, the magnets 10 are heat pressed onto the exterior of the beverage holder. In an embodiment, magnets 10 are placed on the exterior of the beverage and magnet covers 11 is placed over the magnets. The arrangement is then placed under pressure and heat provided by a heat press, such that an adhesive layer of the magnet cover binds the magnet and magnet cover to the exterior layer of the beverage holder. In an embodiment, the magnet cover 11 is configured to increase friction between the magnet and a magnetic surface. In an embodiment, the magnet cover may be further comprised of a layer textured neoprene or rubber to increase friction between the magnet and the magnetic surface.
In an embodiment, a through hole is provided in the body of the beverage holder. The magnets 10 are provided in the through hole and a magnet cover 11 is adhered to one or both sides of the magnets. The magnet cover overlaps the perimeter of the magnets onto the exterior layer of the body of the beverage holder.
With reference to FIGS. 1A-1I, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 100 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 1A-1I, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 105, and insulative layer 110, and an interior layer 115. The inner layer 115 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material capable of transporting or wicking moisture and condensation. In an embodiment, said wicking material may be comprised of polyester, spandex, bamboo, and/or cotton. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 115 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 110 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction from a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1A-1I, magnetic beverage holder is further provided with a bottom 150. In the embodiment, bottom is formed as an integral part of the body of the beverage holder (as illustrated in FIG. 11B). The bottom provides further support for a beverage being retained in the body of the holder.
In an embodiment, the one magnet is heat pressed to the beverage container (as shown in FIGS. 1A & 1F). The single magnet positioned towards the top of the holder, where it will be above the center of gravity for a full beverage container. In another embodiment, the holder is provided with two magnets on the same side of the holder and vertically aligned (as shown in FIGS. 1E, 1G, 1H, & 1F). In embodiments, wherein two magnets are provided, the magnets 10 may be provided with separate magnet covers 11 (shown in FIGS. 1E & 1G), or under single magnet cover 12 (shown in FIGS. 1H & 1I). In an embodiment, wherein the exterior layer is comprised of a rigid polymer, a through-hole is provided through the exterior layer to receive the one or more magnets 10.
With reference to FIGS. 2A-2F, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 200 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 2A-2F, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 205, and insulative layer 210, and an interior layer 215. The inner layer 215 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 215 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 210 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, the exterior layer 205 is comprised of a rigid polymer. In another embodiment, the exterior layer is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 210 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In an embodiment, the one magnet is heat pressed to the beverage container (as shown in FIG. 2A). The single magnet positioned towards the top of the holder, where it will be above the center of gravity for a full beverage container. In another embodiment, the holder is provided with two magnets on the same side of the holder and vertically aligned (as shown in FIG. 2E). In another embodiment, the magnets are provided on a magnetically conductive bar 13 (shown in FIG. 2F), such magnet arrangement is commonly used for name tag badges. In embodiments, wherein two magnets are provided, the magnets 10 may be provided with separate magnet covers 11 (shown in FIG. 2E), or under single magnet cover 12 (shown in FIG. 2F).
With reference to FIGS. 3A-3E, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 300 of the holder is a tapered cylinder, having tall walls to better hold a bottle.
With further reference to FIGS. 3A-3E, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 305, and insulative layer 310, and an interior layer 315. The inner layer 315 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 315 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 310 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the exterior layer 305 is comprised of a rigid polymer. In another embodiment, the exterior layer is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 310 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In an embodiment, the holder is further provided with a top tab 325, wherein the top tab is provided with a single magnet 10, having a magnet cover 11. The tab is provided above the center of gravity of a full beverage container, such as a bottle, to give the holder better stability when retained by a vertical ferromagnetic surface. In an embodiment, wherein the exterior layer 205 is not rigid, the tab can be positioned to accommodate to a vertical, near vertical, or past vertical ferromagnetic surface. FIG. 3E depicts an embodiment which configured for shorter bottles or cans.
With reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 400 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 405, and insulative layer 410, and an interior layer 415. The inner layer 415 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 415 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 410 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the exterior layer 405 is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 410 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the beverage holder is further provided with a flexible handle 430, sewn on to the body of the holder. A magnet 10 is heat pressed onto the handle and covered by magnet cover 11. The handle also provides a loop to wrap around the hand of the user.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 500 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 505, and insulative layer 510, and an interior layer 515. The inner layer 515 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 515 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 510 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the exterior layer 505 is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 510 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the beverage holder is further provided with a flexible tab 525, sewn on to the body of the holder. A magnet 10 is heat pressed onto the tab and covered by magnet cover 11. The flexible tab 525 allows the holder to be retained by any ferro magnetic surface, regardless of its orientation.
With reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 600 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 605, and insulative layer 610, and an interior layer 615. The inner layer 615 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 615 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 610 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A-6F, the exterior layer 605 is comprised of a rigid polymer. In another embodiment, the exterior layer is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 610 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A-6F), the beverage holder is further provided with a bottom 650. In an embodiment, the bottom is further provided with an aperture 655 to allow liquid to drain or pass through the bottom. In an embodiment, the bottom is part of a single molded insulative layer 610. In another embodiment, the bottom is sewn to the body.
In an embodiment, the one magnet is heat pressed to the beverage container (as shown in FIG. 6B). The single magnet positioned towards the top of the holder, where it will be above the center of gravity for a full beverage container. In another embodiment, the holder is provided with two magnets on the same side of the holder and vertically aligned (as shown in FIG. 6E). In another embodiment, the magnets are provided on a magnetically conductive bar 13 (as shown in FIG. 6F), such magnet arrangement is commonly used for name tag badges. In embodiments, wherein two magnets are provided, the magnets 10 may be provided with separate magnet covers 11 (shown in FIG. 6E), or under single magnet cover 12 (shown in FIG. 6F).
With reference to FIGS. 7A-7F, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 700 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 7A-7F, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 705, and insulative layer 710, and an interior layer 715. The inner layer 715 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 715 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 710 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a beverage container.
In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, the exterior layer 705 is comprised of a material to provide friction against and wick moisture from a user's hand, such as polyester cloth. In another embodiment, the exterior layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 710 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction against a user's hand, such as neoprene or rubber foam.
In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A-7E, the beverage holder is further provided with a flexible tab 725, sewn on to the body of the holder. One or more magnets 10 heat pressed onto the tab and covered by a magnet cover 11. The flexible tab 725 allows the holder to be retained by any ferro magnetic surface, regardless of its orientation.
In the embodiment, shown in FIG. 7F, the beverage holder is further provided with a tab 735, integrated as part of the exterior layer 705. One or more magnets 10 are heat pressed onto the tab and covered by a magnet cover 11. In an embodiment, wherein the exterior layer 805 is comprised of a rigid polymer, the tab 735 is part of a single mold which also forms the exterior layer of the body. In an embodiment, wherein the exterior layer is comprised of a flexible material, the flexible tab 735 allows the holder to be retained by any ferro magnetic surface, regardless of its orientation.
With reference to FIGS. 8A-8H, an embodiment of the magnetic beverage holder is depicted, wherein the body 800 of the holder is cylindrical. In another embodiment the body may have a slight taper towards the bottom of the holder to provide an interference fit for a variety of beverage containers.
With further reference to FIGS. 8A-8H, the magnetic beverage holder is provided with three layers. An exterior layer 805, and insulative layer 810, and an interior layer 815. The inner layer 815 is provided to contact and provide a friction force against and wick moisture from a beverage container (not shown). In an embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a material, such as polyester. The insulative material is provided to insulate a beverage container from the surrounding environment, and hand of a user. In another embodiment, the interior 815 layer may be omitted and the insulative layer 810 may be comprised of a material to wick moisture from and provide a friction from a beverage container.
In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8A-8H, the exterior layer 805 is comprised of a rigid polymer. The exterior layer further comprises side cover 845. In the embodiment, the side cover is part of a single mold which also forms the exterior layer of the body. The side cover is provided opposite of the magnet to help protect the beverage container and beverage from possible contaminants. In an embodiment, the side cover 845 may have the aesthetic appearance of a shield or football.
In an embodiment, the one magnet is heat pressed to the beverage container (as shown in FIGS. 8F & 8G). The single magnet positioned towards the top of the holder, where it will be above the center of gravity for a full beverage container. In another embodiment, the holder is provided with two magnets on the same side of the holder and vertically aligned (as shown in FIGS. 8C & 8H). In embodiments, wherein two magnets are provided, the magnets 10 may be provided with separate magnet covers 11 (shown in FIG. 8C), or under single magnet cover 12 (shown in FIG. 8H). In another embodiment, the magnets are provided on a magnetically conductive bar 13 (shown in FIG. 8H), such magnet arrangement is commonly used for name tag badges. In an embodiment, wherein the exterior layer is comprised of a rigid polymer, a through-hole is provided through the exterior layer to receive the one or more magnets 10.
In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9, a portion of the insulated magnetic beverage holder is shown. In the embodiment, the body of the holder comprises an inner, insulation layer 910. One or more exterior, wicking layers 905 are bonded to the insulation layer 910. A through hole is provided through both the insulation layer and the wicking layer.
In an embodiment, the through hole is approximately the same diameter as one or more magnets 10. The one or more magnets are inserted into the through hole. Magnet covers 11, or heat bond patches, are placed on either side of the through hole and are bonded to the body of the holder with a heat press. Said embodiment offers the advantage of providing the magnets 10 as close to a ferromagnetic surface as possible. The advantage is obtained because the magnet covers are relatively thin, and therefore decrease the distance between the provided magnets and the ferromagnetic surface.
In an embodiment, the wicking layers are bonded to the insulation layer after the magnets and magnet covers are placed in the through hole. In another embodiment, a hole is provided only partly into the insulation layer, and only one magnet cover is provided.
In an embodiment, the insulation layer is comprised of neoprene or rubber foam. In an embodiment, the wicking layers are comprised of cloth or a polyester blend fabric which may provide a surface for a design or print. The construction of the embodiment allows for the holder to be reversed, such that a design on the wicking layer may be shown or hidden.
FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the insulated magnetic beverage holder 1000 having a body 1080 body comprised of the one or more flexible materials. In an embodiment, the body is comprised of a rectangular sheet of one or more layers of flexible material. The ends of the sheet are bonded or attached to one another to form a cylindrical shaped sleeve. One or more magnetic elements 1020 are provided. The magnetic elements comprise at least one magnet and one magnet cover.
In an embodiment, the magnet cover comprises a heat bonding patch. In one embodiment, the ends of the sheet are attached to one another via stitching 1060. In another embodiment, the ends of the sheet are adhered together with a heat bonding patch.
With reference to FIG. 11A, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the magnetic beverage holder is comprised of a flexible sheet 1100 having a substantially rectangular shape. In an embodiment, one or more magnetic elements 1110 having at least one magnet and at least one magnet cover are provided. In an embodiment, the short sides 1121, 1122 of the substantially rectangular flexible sheet are attached to form a substantially cylindrical body configured to retain a beverage. In an embodiment, the substantially rectangular sheet has a width of approximately 4 inches and a length of approximately 8 inches.
With reference to FIG. 11B, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the magnetic beverage holder is comprised of a flexible sheet 1150 having two substantially rectangular portions connected by a substantially elliptical portion provided between the two substantially rectangular portions. In an embodiment, one or more magnetic elements 1151 having at least one magnet and at least one magnet cover are provided. In an embodiment, the sides 1161 and 1162 are attached to one another, and the sides 1171 and 1172 are attached to one another to form a substantially cylindrical body, having a bottom, configured to retain a beverage.
In an embodiment, the holder is configured to retain a beverage and beverage container having a total weight of approximately 0.35 to 1 kilogram.
References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
It is also noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the claims, the terms “first,” “second”, and so forth are to be interpreted merely as ordinal designations they shall not be limited in themselves. Further, the use of exclusive terminology such as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of any claim element is contemplated. Also, it is contemplated that any element indicated to be optional herein may be specifically excluded from a given claim by way of a “negative” limitation. Finally, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variation(s) described herein may be set forth and claimed independently or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.
The term “ferromagnetic” is defined herein as any material which is capable of interacting with a magnet, such that the magnet is attracted to said ferromagnetic material with a predictable magnetic force.
The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The terms “connected” and “coupled” are to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value failing within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
Patent Application
20200140181
