Patent Application
20240315876
The present disclosure relates to protecting a user from airborne material, and specifically to devices for preventing inhalation of, and expose to, undesired airborne material, including dust, pollen, and virus-laden aerosol.
In many situations, a user desires to limit the amount and types of materials or particles that are inhaled, and limit the exposure of their eyes to such material. For example, in during cleaning, construction, or in medical environments. Current dust masks and the like can be difficult to put on and take off, and can take both hands to do so. Typical masks do not form an airtight seal around a user's mouth and nose, and do not form an airtight seal around a user's eyes. When a mask is worn, a person that the mask where is talking to cannot see the mask wearers mouth which may make communication more difficult and less personal. In addition, it can be difficult to use a telephone while wearing a mask or a face shield. Due to these challenges, people may decide not to wear protective devices in environments where they should and thus fail to protect their health and safety, and ultimately the health and safety of others as well. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to address these and other disadvantages in new devices that protect a user from airborne material.
Several innovations are disclosed herein, each having multiple aspects that can be included in various embodiments of the innovations. Some of the innovations are protection devices that have features for protecting a user from inhalation of undesired airborne material, and can have features for protecting a user's eyes from exposure to undesired airborne material. Other innovations relate to devices for easily attaching a filter, or filter assembly, to the head of a user.
One innovation includes a protection device, comprising: a filter assembly including a filter; a seal positioned along a peripheral edge of the filter assembly, the filter assembly and the seal defining a first safety compartment for enclosing a user's mouth and nose; an eye shield assembly having a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side of the eye shield positioned towards a user's face when the user is wearing the protection device, the eye shield assembly forming an upper portion of the protection device, the eye shield assembly comprising an optically transparent eye shield coupled to the skirt to form a continuous surface from the filter assembly to a top portion of the eye shield; a lens assembly including one or more lenses, the lens assembly releasably coupled to the distal side of the eye shield; one or more fasteners for coupling the lens assembly to the eye shield; configured to couple the magnification lens to the eye shield; a skirt extending from the filter assembly and positioned distal to the seal, the skirt comprising a semi-rigid or rigid material; and a frame assembly coupled to the filter assembly and structured to attach the protection device to the head of a user, the frame assembly comprising a left temple arm having a proximal end coupled to the filter assembly; and a right temple arm having a proximal end coupled to the filter assembly.
Embodiments of a protection device can include one or more other features. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a magnifying lens. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes two lenses, and the lens assembly is configured such that each of the two lenses are positioned (or positionable) in front of an eye of a wearer of the protection device. In some embodiments, the two lenses are magnifying lenses. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a filter to partially block a portion visible light. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a tint to partially block a portion visible light. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a light polarizing film. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses includes a compound to at least partially block ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include Velcro. For example, one of the lens assembly and the eye shield can include (e.g., have fastened to) one side of a Velcro fastener (e.g., hooks or loops), and the other of the lens assembly and the eye shield includes a corresponding side of a Velcro fastener (e.g., hooks or loops). In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include one or more magnets, wherein the lens assembly is releasably couplable to the eye shield using the one or more magnets. In some embodiments, one or more magnets are attached to the lens assembly. Such protection devices can include one or more additional features, for example, any of the features described herein for protection devices, or other features.
Another innovation includes a method of protecting the eyes, mouth, and nose of a user from air-borne material. Embodiments of such methods includes providing a protection device comprising a filter assembly comprising a filter, a seal positioned along a peripheral edge of the filter assembly, the filter assembly and the seal defining a first safety compartment for enclosing a user's mouth and nose, an eye shield assembly having a proximal side and a distal side, the proximal side of the eye shield positioned towards a user's face when the user is wearing the protection device, the eye shield assembly forming an upper portion of the protection device. The eye shield assembly can comprise an optically transparent eye shield coupled to the skirt to form a continuous surface from the filter assembly to a top portion of the eye shield, a skirt extending from the filter assembly and positioned distal to the seal, the skirt comprising a semi-rigid or rigid material, and a frame assembly coupled to the filter assembly and structured to attach the protection device to the head of a user, the frame assembly comprising a left temple arm having a proximal end coupled to the filter assembly; and a right temple arm having a proximal end coupled to the filter assembly, coupling a lens assembly including one or more lenses to the distal side of the eye shield using one or more fasteners.
Embodiments of a method of protecting the eyes, mouth, and nose of a user from air-borne material can include one or more other features. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a magnifying lens. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes two lenses, each of the two lenses positioned to be in front of an eye of a wearer of the protection device. In some embodiments, the two lenses are magnifying lenses. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a filter to partially block a portion visible light. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses of the lens assembly includes a tint to partially block a portion visible light. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include Velcro. For example, one of the lens assembly and the eye shield can include (e.g., have fastened to) one side of a Velcro fastener (e.g., hooks or loops), and the other of the lens assembly and the eye shield includes a corresponding side of a Velcro fastener (e.g., hooks or loops). In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners include one or more magnets, and wherein the lens assembly is releasably couplable to the eye shield using the one or more magnets.
In another innovation, a protection device includes a filter assembly having a proximal side for positioning near a user's face and a distal side, the filter assembly comprising a filter, a proximal layer and a distal layer, the proximal layer and the distal layer each having a plurality of perforations that allow air to pass through, the file assembly configured to hold the filter between the proximal layer and the distal layer, a one-way valve positioned in a center portion of the filter assembly and coupled to the proximal layer of the filter assembly, the valve configured to allow air to pass through the valve from the proximal side of the filter assembly to the distal side of the filter assembly, a seal positioned along a peripheral edge of the filter assembly, the filter assembly and the seal defining a first safety compartment for enclosing a user's mouth and nose, an eye shield assembly having a proximal side and a distal side, and the eye shield assembly forming an upper portion of the protection device, the eye shield assembly comprising a skirt extending from the filter assembly and positioned distal to the seal, the skirt comprising a semi-rigid or rigid material; and an optically transparent eye shield coupled to the skirt to form a continuous surface from the filter assembly to a top portion of the eye shield, wherein the seal is further positioned along a peripheral edge of the eye shield assembly, the eye shield assembly and the seal defining a second safety compartment for enclosing a user's eyes, wherein the first safety compartment is separate from the second safety compartment when worn by a user such that air cannot flow between the first safety compartment and the second safety compartment. The magnification lens is configured to be releasable coupled to the eye shield. The protection device can include one or more fasteners configured to couple the magnification lens to the eye shield. The protection device can also include a skirt extending from the filter assembly and positioned distal to the seal, the skirt comprising a semi-rigid or rigid material; and a frame assembly coupled to the filter assembly and structured to attach the protection device to the head of a user, the frame assembly comprising a left temple arm coupled to the filter assembly; and a right temple arm coupled to the filter assembly. Such protection devices can include one or more additional features, for example, any of the features described herein for protection devices, or other features.
Embodiments of protection devices and methods can include one or more of other features described herein. In some embodiments, the device includes a left ear support on a distal end of the left temple arm distal and a right ear support on a distal end of the right temple arm, the left and right ear supports structured to extend around a portion of the user's ears to hold the protection device securely on the user. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a communication circuit, which may include a microphone which may be positioned on the valve. The communication circuit can include a battery, and/or at least one speaker. In some embodiments, the protection device further comprises left and right ear supports, and the at least one speaker is positioned in one or both of the left and right ear supports. In some embodiments, the communications circuit is configured to communicate with another device via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the protection device further comprises left and right ear supports, wherein at least a portion of the communication circuit is positioned in the left and right ear supports. In some embodiments, the filter includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, and wherein the protection device further comprises UV-C light emitting diode (LED) positioned to emit UV-C radiation on a portion of the distal surface of the filter. In some embodiments, the filter includes a proximal surface and a distal surface, and wherein the protection device further comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LED's) that emit ultraviolet radiation. For example, the device can include one or more UV-C LEDs positioned to emit UV-C radiation on a portion of the distal surface of the filter. In some embodiments including the examples illustrated in
The features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only certain embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. In some instances, the drawings may not be drawn to scale.
Examples and embodiments of a protection device (“device”) for preventing inhalation of undesired airborne materials, substances, dust, pollen, and virus-laden aerosol (all referred to as “material” for ease of description), each device having several aspects (features), no single aspect of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims that follow, some of these aspects are described below. The drawings referred to illustrate certain features that can be included on such devices. In some examples, for clarity of illustration, not all of the features of a particular device are necessarily included in a particular figure. Various illustrated or described devices also have additional features, including features that are illustrated or described elsewhere herein. Illustrations in the drawing sheets presented herein are examples only and should not be taken as limiting.
Masks, respirators, and shields are used to protect a user from exposure to unwanted material. Although such devices may be used in hazardous environments (e.g., medical, construction, etc.) they may not provide the needed protection to fully isolate the mouth and nose such that only filtered air is inhaled. Also, they may not protect a user's eyes, or inadequately protect a user's eyes. When a mask and eye shield are worn separately, there is a risk of exposure in the space between these devices. Also, because the eyes and an eye shield are not fully isolated from the nose and mouth, fogging of the eye shield can occur. In addition, as users are wearing protection devices for long periods of time, communication (e.g., by phone) can be awkward, difficult, or impossible, depending on the device. Most protection devices offer only passive protection (a barrier). In some instances, the level of protection can be increased if active protection is employed (e.g., against virus). Protection devices described herein include features to address these issues and provide other advantages as well, for example, higher comfort, easy use and may have cost advantages compared to other protection devices that complete isolation of a user's eyes, nose and mouth. Such devices are re-usable, where only the filter needs to be disposed of regularly thus decreasing waste, and in particular hazardous waste. Some of these protection devices can include active systems for a higher level of protection from viruses, and can include communication features so the devices do not need to be removed for communication.
Examples of several embodiments of protection devices are described herein.
Certain protection devices disclosed herein are structured to form a first safety compartment that can be positioned around a user's mouth and nose, and seal tightly to a user's face. Air that enters the first safety compartment can only do so by passing through a filter contained in a filter assembly. The filter assembly can include a proximal layer and a distal layer that are configured to be removably attachable and hold a filter therebetween. That is, the filter is sandwiched between the proximal and the distal layer. The filter is removable and replaceable. Various filters can be used in a filter assembly and may be selected based on the environment in which the device will be used (e.g., medical, construction, outside, home use, etc.). The proximal layer and the distal layer can include corresponding and aligned fasteners positioned along the edges of the proximal and distal layers that allow the proximal and distal layers to be connected and disconnected, for example, to change or replace a filter.
Certain protection devices disclosed herein are structured to form a second safety compartment that can be positioned around a user's eyes, preventing the eyes from being exposed to any unwanted material. The second safety compartment is separate from the first safety compartment such that air in one of these safety compartments does not communicate to the other safety department. That is, when the protection device is worn by a user, the first safety compartment is a separate sealed compartment from the second safety compartment.
The devices described herein can include features that address issues with current protection devices. For example, a device can have a communication circuit incorporated into its structure or attached thereon. The communication circuit can include a microphone, speakers and wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) communication channels. In some embodiments, a portion of the communication circuit (e.g., speakers, receiver or transmitter circuits) are on an ear support portion of a temple arm such that when the device is worn the communication circuit is positioned at the back side of the user's ear such that the weight of the communication circuit (even though relatively light) helps to hold the ear support on the user's ear.
Several illustrative embodiments of protection devices are described herein. The following is a list of certain components that are described and enumerated in this disclosure in reference to the above-listed figures. Other components, or aspects of these components, may not be included in the list but are disclosed in the figures and description. Accordingly, any aspect illustrated in the figures, whether or not called out separately herein, can form a portion of various embodiments and may provide basis for claim limitation relating to such aspects, with or without additional description. The enumerated components include:
Referring to
Both the proximal and distal layers 24, 28 have a plurality of openings 36 that allow air to pass through these layers 24, 28 while they provide supporting surfaces to hold the filter 8 and protect the integrity of the filter 8, preventing objects larger than the openings 36 from contacting the filter 8. The openings 36 can be circular (as shown in this example), or have a different shape (e.g., oval, rectangular, star-shaped, etc.). The openings 36 can be arranged in a variety of patterns. The total area of the openings 36 is sufficiently large to support breathing by the user. In some embodiments, some or all of the openings on the proximal layer 24 and the distal layer 28 are aligned to ensure air flow through the filter assembly 5 is unimpeded, except for the filter 8.
The filter 8 includes a proximal surface 9 and a distal surface 10 positioned opposite the proximal surface 9. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is translucent. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is transparent, or clear. In some embodiments, the filter is a transparent and colored (e.g., blue, yellow, orange, green, etc.). The filter 8 is configured to prevent airborne material from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter is configured to prevent 90% of airborne solid particles from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter is configured to prevent about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more than 99% (+/−05%), of airborne solid particles from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is classified as an N95 filter. In some embodiments, the filter is classified as a N99 filter.
The filter 8 may be designed and structured to filter certain types of material, and the filter 8 can be changed based on its use condition. For example, when used in a medical environment under “normal” user exertion conditions, the filter 8 can be designed and constructed to filter viruses and other microscopic material. Such filters may restrict airflow more so than other designs but with the benefit of providing a higher degree of filtering. A filter 8 for use in a construction environment, under moderate or heavy exertion conditions may be designed and constructed to filter out larger materials but allow a less restrictive airflow. Thus, the removable/replaceable filter provides an advantage of being able to select a filter based on the use conditions.
The filter 8 includes an opening 11 which is shaped and sized to fit closely around a one-way valve 38. In this example, the opening 11 is rectangular shaped. However, the opening 11 can be any shape or size that corresponds with the valve 38. The distal layer 28 also includes an opening 13 shaped and sized to fit around the valve 38. The proximal layer 24 also includes an opening 15, the valve 38 being positioned in the opening 15 and coupled to the proximal layer 15. The valve 38 allows for air exhaled from a user to flow through the valve from the proximal side of the filter assembly 5 to the distal side, and prevents air from flowing through the valve from the distal side of the filter assembly 5 to the proximal side. In this example, a single valve 38 is positioned in a center portion of the filter assembly. Other embodiments may include one or more valves positioned on other portions of the filter assembly 5, for example, on one or both sides of the center of the filter assembly 5. The valve 38 can have various configurations. Various designs of valves can be employed. In this example, the valve includes one or more vents 39 that direct an air flow, passing through the valve, in a downward direction. In some embodiments, the valve 38 is translucent or transparent.
In some embodiments, the device 1 includes a microphone 56 coupled to the valve 38. The microphone 56 can be a wireless or wired microphone, and can be part of a communication circuit that is integrated into the device 1. In some embodiments, one or more UV-C LED's 58 can be coupled to the valve 38. The example in
The device 1 also includes a seal 14 positioned along a continuous peripheral edge of the filter assembly 5. The filter assembly 5 and the seal 14 define a first safety compartment 16 (
The device 1 also includes a frame assembly (“frame”) 12 coupled to the filter assembly 5 for attaching the device 1 to the head of a user. The frame 12 includes a left temple arm 44 having a proximal end 60 coupled to an upper portion 64 of the filter assembly 5, and a right temple arm 46 having a proximal end 61 coupled to the upper portion 64 of the filter assembly 5. In this example, the frame 12 also includes a left temple arm brace 68 coupled to the left temple arm 44 at an upper end 70. The left brace 68 extends towards a lower portion 65 of the filter assembly 5. The lower end 69 of the left brace 68 is coupled to the lower portion 65 of the filter assembly 5. The frame 12 also includes a right temple arm brace 71 coupled to the right temple arm 46 at an upper end 73. The right brace 71 extends towards a lower portion 65 of the filter assembly 5. The lower end 72 of the right brace 71 is coupled to the lower portion 65 of the filter assembly 5. The frame 12 can be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., plastic, a polymer, rubber, silicon, etc.). The frame 12, or portions of the frame 12, can be translucent or transparent. The frame 12 also includes a left ear support 48 and a right ear support 50. A portion of the ear supports 48, 50 are configured to be placed on a user's ears, and the ear supports 48, 50 can extend behind a user's ears. In some embodiments including this example, a portion of the ear supports 48, 50 are configured to curve behind a user's ears.
In some examples, a communication circuit 52 can be incorporated into the device 1. In
The device 1 can also include a strap 66 which is structured to hold the device onto a user's head. The strap 66 can attach to the distal end 63 of the right temple arm and the distal end 62 of the left temple arm.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the protection device 2 can include a lens assembly 49 positioned on the eye shield 42 and removably attachable to the eye shield 42, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the lenses 43 are the same, or nearly the same, size of the eye shield 42. In some embodiments, the lenses 43 are the same, or nearly the same, shape of the eye shield 42. In other embodiments, for example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the lens assembly 49 can include a lens 43 that is configured to block light and/or radiation. For example, block visible light and or ultraviolet light. For example, UVA rays and/or UVB rays. In some embodiments, the lens assembly 49 can include a lens 43 that is configured to have a scratch resistant surface. In some embodiments, the lens assembly 49 can include a lens 43 that includes one or more polarizing films. In some embodiments, the lens assembly 49 can include a lens 43 that includes an anti-reflective coating.
Protection device 2 also includes a seal 14 that is positioned along the edge of the filter assembly 5. Similar to protection device 1, the filter assembly 5 and the seal 14 define the first safety compartment 16, partially enclosing a volume that can cover a user's mouth and nose and seal tightly against the user's face, such that any air that enters the user's nose or mouth passes through the filter 8. As shown in
Protection device 3 also includes a skirt 40 that extends from the filter assembly 5 to an eye shield 42. In various embodiment, the skirt 40 can be a rigid, semi-rigid or a pliable material. An upper portion of the skirt 40 is coupled to a lower portion of the eye shield 42 along a bottom edge of the eye shield 42 forming a protective barrier that covers the portion of a user's face between their mouth and nose, and their eyes. The skirt 40 of protection device 3 differs from the skirt of protection device 2 in that in device 3, the skirt 40 extends further to the left and right on the device such that when worn, the skirt 40 extends further around the user's head. Also, the skirt 40 extends around the eye shield 42 to a back edge of the device 3, to seal 14. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the device 3 includes a second safety compartment 18 that encloses a second volume 35. A portion of seal 14, second seal 22, is positioned along a peripheral proximal edge of the second safety compartment 18. The second safety compartment 18 is shaped to be placed over the eyes of a user, enclosing a user's eyes with the second seal positioned against the user's face. When the device 3 is worn, the first safety compartment 16 and the second safety compartment 18 enclose the user's mouth/nose and eyes (respectively) simultaneously, providing protection from inhaling undesired material and protection from exposing eyes to undesired material.
In some embodiments, the protection device 3 can include a lens assembly 49 positioned on the eye shield 42 and removably attachable to the eye shield 42, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the lenses 43 are the same size, or nearly the same size, of the eye shield 42. In some embodiments, the lenses 43 are the same, or nearly the same, shape of the eye shield 42. In other embodiments, the lenses 43 are smaller than the eye shield 42. In some embodiments, the lenses are coupled together by one or more connectors 47, 51 to make them easier to handle, and to put on the protection device 3 and/or remove from the protection device 3. In some embodiments, the lenses 43 are an integrated lens (manufactured to be one piece of material). In some embodiments, the protection device 3 includes one of more structures or fasteners 45 (or lens holders 45) to attach the lenses to the eye shield. In an example, the lens holder 45 includes a magnet, and lens includes metal or a magnet to couple to the lens holder 45 on the protection device. In another example, the lens holder 45 and the lens 43 includes a Velcro fastener. In another example, the lens holder 45 is a structure that extends from the protection device and the lens 43 is positioned behind (e.g., a clip) or onto. In another example, the lens holder 45 is another suitable type of coupling device to holds the lens 43 to the protection device 3. In another example, the lenses are non-rigid (e.g., flexible) and can attach directly to the eye shield. As mentioned above, the lens assembly 49 can include at least one lens 43 configured to block light and/or radiation (e.g., block visible light and or ultraviolet light, including UVA rays and/or UVB rays). Each lens 43 can be configured to have a scratch resistant surface, one or more polarizing films, an anti-reflective coating, and/or one or more layers and/or coatings that can be included on a lens 43.
The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.
Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.
It will also be understood that, when a feature or element (for example, a structural feature or element) is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, 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. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.
Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “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. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features due to the inverted state. Thus, the term “under” may encompass both an orientation of over and under, depending on the point of reference or orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like may be used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.
For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, may represent endpoints or starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” may be disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.
Although various illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may be changed or reconfigured in different or alternative embodiments, and in other embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional or desirable features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for the purpose of example and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims and specific embodiments or particular details or features disclosed.
The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve an intended, practical or disclosed purpose, whether explicitly stated or implied, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
The disclosed subject matter has been provided here with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, despite of the detailed nature of the example embodiments provided here, changes and modifications may be applied to said embodiments without limiting or departing from the generally intended scope. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided here are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full set of equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/491,511, filed Mar. 21, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes and forms a part of this specification. This application also relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/303,459, filed May 28, 2021, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes and forms a part of this specification. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63491511 | Mar 2023 | US |
