BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are various types of neck worn accessories available in the market, such as neck scarves, head scarves, bandana scarves, infinity scarves, and many others. However, these kinds of scarves commonly serve only one purpose, reducing their overall utility. Despite their variations in design and pattern, the basic function of these neck worn accessories remains limited. Some scarves can shield the neck area from the cold, while others serve as a fashion statement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIGS. 7 through 10 are views illustrating the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 1 worn in a plurality of configurations, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 11 illustrates the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 3 worn in a first configuration, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIGS. 12 through 15 are views illustrating the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 1 worn in a plurality of configurations, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 16 illustrates the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 2 worn in a first configuration, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 17 illustrates the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 3 worn in a second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments; and
FIG. 18 illustrates the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 4 worn in a first configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the description with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments described herein are related to a scarf and, in particular, to a reconfigurable scarf that can be reconfigured to create a plurality of apparel accessories.
In one aspect, a reconfigurable scarf is described. The reconfigurable scarf comprises a body defining a first edge, a second edge, and an intermediate portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The intermediate portion is configured to cover at least a portion of one or more of a wearer's neck, shoulder, and upper torso. The reconfigurable scarf includes a fastening mechanism disposed along a length of both the first edge and the second edge of the body. The fastening mechanism is configured to selectively and removably fasten at least a portion of the length of the first edge with at least a portion of the length of the second edge. The reconfigurable scarf is capable of being reconfigured in a plurality of positions and arrangements around at least a portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder, and upper torso to create a plurality of accessories.
In another aspect, the reconfigurable scarf comprises a body defining a first edge, a second edge, and an intermediate portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The intermediate portion is configured to cover at least a portion of one or more of a wearer's neck, shoulder, and upper torso. A two-way zipper is disposed on at least a part of a length of the first edge and the second edge of the body. The two-way zipper has a first zipper pull and a second zipper pull movable along an open-ended zipper track running along at least the part of the length of the first and second edge. The two-way zipper allows the reconfigurable scarf to be unzipped partially or completely on either side without becoming unattached. The reconfigurable scarf is capable of being reconfigured in a plurality of positions and arrangements around at least a portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder and upper torso to create a plurality of accessories.
In yet another aspect, a method of creating a plurality of apparel accessories is described. Said method comprises, in step (a), providing a reconfigurable scarf comprising a body defining a first edge, a second edge, and an intermediate portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The intermediate portion is configured to cover at least a portion of one or more of a wearer's neck, shoulder and upper torso. The reconfigurable scarf further includes a fastening mechanism disposed along the length of the first edge and the second edge of the body. The fastening mechanism is configured to selectively and removably fasten at least a part of the length of the first edge with at least a part of the length of the second edge. The method includes, in step (b), placing said reconfigurable scarf around at least a portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder and upper torso. The method includes, in step (c), adjusting the position and arrangement of the reconfigurable scarf around the portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder and upper torso by fastening at least a first part of the length of the first edge with at least a first part of the length of the second edge using the fastening mechanism of the reconfigurable scarf to create a first accessory. In the next step (d), the first edge is unfastened from the second edge. In the next step (e), the position and arrangement of the reconfigurable scarf are readjusted around the same or a different portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder and upper torso by fastening at least a second part of the length of the first edge with at least a second part of the length of the second edge using the fastening mechanism of the reconfigurable scarf to create a second accessory. The steps (d) and (e) are repeated to create a plurality of accessories.
Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1′, 1″, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, various embodiments of a reconfigurable scarf 100, 200 and 300 are shown and described. Aspects relating to the method of creating a plurality of apparel accessories using the reconfigurable scarves 100, 200 and 300 are described further hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 7 through 18. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the reconfigurable scarves 100, 200 and 300 can have other uses and applications as well, and those that are described here are purely exemplary.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, details related to the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200 and 300 are now described. As shown in FIG. 1, the reconfigurable scarf 100 comprises a body defining a first edge 102, a second edge 104, and an intermediate portion 106 extending between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104. The intermediate portion 106 is configured to cover at least a portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulder, and upper torso. The reconfigurable scarf 100 includes a fastening mechanism 108 disposed along a length of both the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 of the body. The fastening mechanism 108 is configured to selectively and removably fasten at least a part of the length of the first edge 102 with at least a part of the length of the second edge 104. The reconfigurable scarf 100 is capable of being reconfigured in a plurality of positions and arrangements around at least a portion of one or more of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso to create a plurality of accessories.
In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism includes one or more of a two-way zipper, a button and a buttonhole, a snap-fit arrangement including at least two elements, and a hook-and-loop fastener (for example, the one sold under the Trademark of Velcro®). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additionally, or optionally, the fastening mechanism can include other means or methods of fastening the first edge and the second edge of the body of the reconfigurable scarf now known or in the future developed.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, details related to the fastening mechanism 108 are now described. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary reconfigurable scarf 100 wherein the fastening mechanism 108 includes a two-way zipper 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the reconfigurable scarf 100 includes as a fastening mechanism 108, a two-way zipper 110 disposed (for example, in part) along the length of the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 of the body. The two-way zipper 110 has a first zipper pull 112′ and a second zipper pull 112″ movable along an open-ended zipper track 112 running along the length of the first edge 102 and the second edge 104. The two-way zipper 110 allows the reconfigurable scarf 100 to be unzipped partially or completely on either side of zipper track 112 between ends 110′ and 110″ without becoming unattached, thereby creating a plurality of apparel accessories.
FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf 200 wherein the fastening mechanism 208 includes a plurality of buttons 214 on the first edge 202 and a plurality of buttonholes 214′ on the second edge 204. The reconfigurable scarf 200 can be alternated between multiple configurations in each of which one or more of the buttons 214 is fastened to the buttonholes 214′ and the remainder buttons 214 remain unfastened with respect to the buttonholes 214′ to create a plurality of apparel accessories.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf 300 wherein the fastening mechanism 308 includes two parts of a snap-fit arrangement 316 and 316′. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300 alternatively and additionally functions with other types of fastening mechanisms now known or in the future developed.
In some embodiments, the reconfigurable scarf includes a combination of two different fastening mechanisms. FIG. 4, in this regard, illustrates an exemplary reconfigurable scarf 400 including fastening mechanisms, one having a zipper 410 and, a second having a plurality of buttons 414 and a plurality of buttonholes 414′ corresponding to the plurality of buttons 414. Each fastening mechanism is provided on at least a part of the length of the first edge 402 and the second edge 404. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, a first portion of the length of the first edge 402 and the second edge 404 includes the zipper 410 and a second portion of the length of the first edge 402 and the second edge 404 includes the plurality of buttons 414 and the plurality of buttonholes 414′, respectively. In some embodiments, the second portion extends from the first portion in a contiguous manner such that when the first portion and second portion of the first edge 402 are fastened correspondingly with the first portion and the second portion of the second edge 404, the first edge 402 and the second edge 404 are properly retained with respect to each other. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the reconfigurable scarf 400 alternatively and additionally includes various combinations of fastening mechanisms now known or in the future developed and those described herein are purely exemplary.
In some embodiments, the intermediate portion extending between the first edge and the second edge is divided into a plurality of portions, each adjoining portion of the plurality of portions defining a pair of edges. In this regard, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary alternate embodiment of the reconfigurable scarf 500, 600, including the intermediate portion 506, 606, divided into two portions. The two portions define a pair of edges 502, 504, and 602, 604 on the intermediate portion 506, 606 of the reconfigurable scarf 500, 600, respectively.
Each pair of edges includes an auxiliary fastening mechanism configured to selectively and removably fasten at least a portion of the pair of edges. The auxiliary fastening mechanism includes one or more of a two-way zipper, a button and a buttonhole, a snap-fit arrangement, and a hook-and-loop fastener. As shown in FIG. 5, the exemplary reconfigurable scarf 500 includes a first edge 502 adapted to be fastened to a second edge 504 through a fastening mechanism 508 (for example, by way of a two-way zipper 510). The reconfigurable scarf 500 further includes a pair of edges 502′, 504′ disposed on the intermediate portion 506. Said pair of edges 502′, 504′ is adapted to be removably and selectively fastened to each other through a fastening mechanism 508 (for example, a two-way zipper 510′).
FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the exemplary reconfigurable scarf 600 which includes a first edge 602 and a second edge 604, with the first edge 602 adapted to be fastened to the second edge 604 through a fastening mechanism 608, for example, a two-way zipper 610. The two-way zipper 610 has a first zipper pull 612′ and a second zipper pull 612″ movable along an open-ended zipper track 612 running along the length of the first edge 602 and the second edge 604. The two-way zipper 610 allows the reconfigurable scarf 600 to be unzipped partially or completely on either side of zipper track 612 between ends 610′ and 610″ without becoming unattached, thereby creating a plurality of apparel accessories. Further, said reconfigurable scarf 600 includes a pair of edges 602′, 604′ disposed on the intermediate portion 606 (for example, at either ends of the intermediate portion 606). The pair of edges 602′, 604′ is adapted to be removably and selectively fastened to each other through a fastening mechanism 608′, for example, a plurality of buttons 614 disposed on edge 602′ and buttonholes 614′ disposed on edge 604′. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the reconfigurable scarf 500, 600 alternatively is divided into more than two portions and includes more than one pair of edges disposed on the intermediate portion 506, 606 of the body and those described herein are purely exemplary.
Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, a plurality of apparel accessories illustrated on a wearer 700 wearing the reconfigurable scarf of FIG. 1 in a plurality of configurations is described. The method of creating the plurality of apparel accessories is also described.
FIG. 7 illustrates a first apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700, formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a first configuration. In this configuration, the first and second zipper pulls 112′ and 112″ are completely drawn towards the ends 110′ and 110″ of the zipper track 112, respectively. In this exemplary configuration, the intermediate portion 106 of the reconfigurable scarf 100 covers the neck and torso and a portion of the shoulders of the wearer.
FIG. 8 illustrates a second apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700, formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a second configuration. To reconfigure the reconfigurable scarf 100 from the configuration of FIG. 7 to that in FIG. 8, the first edge 102 is unfastened from the second edge 104 by partially drawing the first zipper pull 112′ and the second zipper pull 112″ away from the ends 110′ and 110″ of the zipper track 112, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, this configuration exposes a portion of the neck of the wearer 700 while covering the wearer's torso.
FIG. 9 illustrates a third apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700, formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a third configuration. To create this third apparel accessory from the second accessory shown in FIG. 8, the first edge 102 is further unfastened from the second edge 104 by drawing both the first zipper pull 112′ and the second zipper pull 112″ away from the ends 110′ and 110″ of the zipper track 112, respectively, towards the center of the zipper track 112. The reconfigurable scarf 100 is then readjusted to also cover a portion of wearer's shoulders. As shown in FIG. 9, this configuration covers the shoulders and exposes a portion of the neck as well as the torso of the wearer 700.
FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700, formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a fourth configuration. To form this fourth apparel accessory, the reconfigurable scarf 100 is placed around the wearer's neck and upper torso, followed by adjusting the position and arrangement of the reconfigurable scarf around the wearer's neck and upper torso by drawing the first zipper pull 112′ proximate to the end 110 of the zipper track 112 and drawing the second zipper poll 112″ away from the end 110″ of the zipper track 112. As shown in FIG. 10, this configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's torso bot covers the wearer's neck. Thus, the reconfigurable scarf 100 of FIG. 1 is reconfigured to create a plurality of apparel accessories.
FIG. 11 illustrates a first apparel accessory created using the reconfigurable scarf 300 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 11, the two parts of a snap fit arrangement 316 and 316′ are partially (or exemplarily at least in part) fastened along the length of the first edge 302 and the second edge 304 to create an apparel accessory. This configuration exposes a portion of wearer's torso but covers the wearer's neck. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other apparel accessories could be created using the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 based on the present description.
In some embodiments, the method of creating a plurality of apparel accessories includes folding at least one portion of the body of the reconfigurable scarf onto another portion, exposing an area of the wearer's neck, shoulders, or upper torso. Referring to FIGS. 12 through 15, a plurality of apparel accessories illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 of FIG. 1 in various configurations is illustrated and described. The method of creating a plurality of apparel accessories is also described.
FIG. 12 illustrates a fifth apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a fifth configuration. The apparel accessory of FIG. 12 is created by placing the reconfigurable scarf 100 around at least a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso, and then by adjusting the position and arrangement of the reconfigurable scarf 100 around the portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso by fastening the first edge 102 with the second edge 104—for example, by drawing the first zipper pull 112′ and the second zipper pull 112″ proximate to the ends 110′ and 110″, respectively, of the zipper track 112. In the next step, an upper half of the intermediate portion 106 of the reconfigurable scarf 100 is folded over a lower half of the intermediate portion 106 to arrive at the configuration shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 depicts a sixth apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a sixth configuration. To reconfigure the reconfigurable scarf 100 from the configuration of FIG. 12 to that in FIG. 13, the upper half of the intermediate portion 106 of the reconfigurable scarf 100 is unfolded from above the lower half of the intermediate portion 106 of the reconfigurable scarf 100. In the next step, the first edge 102 is unfastened from the second edge 104 by drawing the first zipper pull 112′ away from the end 110′ of the zipper track 112 and folding the unfastened portion of the first edge 102 and second edge 104 as shown in FIG. 13. This configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulder, and upper torso.
FIG. 14 depicts a seventh apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in a seventh configuration. To reconfigure the reconfigurable scarf 100 from the configuration of FIG. 13 to that in FIG. 14, the folded portions of the reconfigurable scarf 100 are unfolded. In the next step, the reconfigurable scarf 100 is repositioned around at least a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso as shown in FIG. 14. Further, both the first zipper pull 112′ and the second zipper pull 112″ are drawn proximate to the end 110′ of the zipper track 112, followed by folding of a portion of the first edge 102 as shown in FIG. 14. This configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso.
FIG. 15 depicts an eighth apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 100 in an eighth configuration. To reconfigure the reconfigurable scarf 100 from the configuration of FIG. 14 to that in FIG. 15, the folded portions of the reconfigurable scarf 100 are unfolded. In the next step, the reconfigurable scarf 100 is repositioned around the wearer's neck and torso as shown in FIG. 15. Further, both the first zipper pull 112′ and the second zipper poll 112″ are drawn towards the centre of the zipper track 112, followed by the folding of a portion of the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 as shown in FIG. 15. This configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and torso.
FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of an apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 200 of FIG. 2 in a ninth configuration. To create this apparel accessory, the buttons 214 and buttonholes 214′ proximate to the centre of the length of both the first edge 202 and the second edge 204 are fastened, and then the first edge 202 and the second edge 204 are folded as shown in FIG. 16. This configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and torso. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other apparel accessories could be created using the reconfigurable scarf 200.
FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of an apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 300 of FIG. 3 in a tenth configuration. To create this apparel accessory, two parts of the soap fit arrangement 316 and 316′ are partially fastened as shown in FIG. 17. Further, the unfastened portion of the length of both the first edge 302 and the second edge 304 are folded as shown in FIG. 17. This configuration exposes a portion of the wearer's neck, shoulders, and upper torso. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other apparel accessories could be created using the reconfigurable scarf 300.
Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment of an apparel accessory illustrated on the wearer 700 formed by the reconfigurable scarf 400 of FIG. 4 in an eleventh configuration is described. To create this apparel accessory, the reconfigurable scarf 400 is positioned around a wearer's neck, shoulders, and torso, followed by the fastening of all the buttons 414 and buttonholes 414′ and keeping the zipper 410 having zipper pull 412 in an unfastened state. In the next step, a portion of the length of both the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 is folded, as shown in FIG. 18. This configuration completely exposes the wearer's neck while only partially exposing the wearer's torso. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various other apparel accessories could be created using an exemplary reconfigurable scarf 400.
The body of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, natural or synthetic fabrics and leather. Examples of natural fabrics include, but are not limited to, cotton, silk, and wool. Examples of synthetic fabrics include, but are not limited to, polyester, nylon and acrylic. In some embodiments, the body of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is knitted, crocheted, or woven. In some embodiments, the body of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has an inner surface lined with fleece. In some embodiments, the body of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is made of a plurality of layers of fabric. As an example, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 includes a front fabric layer and a rear fabric layer. In some embodiments, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 includes a plurality of embellishments or decorative material on the first edge 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 and 602, the edge 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 and 604 or the intermediate portion 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 and 606 of the body. It will further be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 alternatively and additionally is made of another material now known or in the future developed.
In some embodiments, the material used to make the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is an elastic material. The use of elastic material enables the utility of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 for a plurality of sizes of wearers. It also enables firm retention of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 on the body of the wearer 700. Alternatively, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is made of a non-elastic material and is provided with an elastic material on the edges of the body of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600.
In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 and 606 of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has a uniform width. Alternatively, the intermediate portion 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 and 606 of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has a non-uniform width. As an example, the body of reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has a substantially rectangular shape such that the intermediate portion 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 and 606 of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has a uniform width. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the intermediate portion 106, 206, 306, 406, 506 and 606 of the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 has a uniform width.
In some embodiments, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is in the form of an infinity scarf. In some embodiments, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is a part of a garment or an article of clothing.
Although not limited, the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is made of variable lengths and widths. It will be appreciated that said range is provided purely for illustrative purposes and/or as an example and is not to be viewed as limiting in any way.
The reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 is capable of being used or adapted for use by all genders, age groups, and body sizes, such as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 may not only be used to create a plurality of apparel accessories but also an article of warm clothing to protect against the cold. Based on the exemplary applications described above, it will be appreciated that the reconfigurable scarf 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 can be used in a variety of orientations and positions and thus includes several other uses and applications beyond what is described. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the applications and/or uses described herein are purely exemplary.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A apparatus or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
Patent Application
20250082050
