FIELD
The present disclosure relates to toilet seat covers, and in particular, disposable toilet seat covers.
BACKGROUND
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Toilet seats, especially in public restrooms, are often not as sanitary as users would like. Some restrooms provide paper toilet seat covers that may be placed on top of toilet seats. These covers generally correspond to the size and shape of the toilet seat. These covers have a tendency to move during use and may result in contact between the toilet seat and a user.
SUMMARY
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a toilet seat cover includes a support layer and a sanitary layer. The support layer includes slits for attaching the support layer to a toilet seat. The sanitary layer is coupled to the support layer and is configured as a barrier between a user and the toilet seat.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a toilet seat cover includes a first layer and a second layer coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes at least one flap to couple the second layer to a toilet seat.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a toilet seat cover includes a base and an opening within the base. The base includes slits which are configured to attach the base to a seat of a toilet. The opening permits access to the toilet through the toilet seat cover.
Further aspects and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more other aspects. It should also be understood that the description and specific examples herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example toilet seat cover positioned on a toilet;
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1, positioned on a toilet with a user using the toilet seat cover;
FIG. 3 is a top view of a layer (e.g., a support layer) of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1, positioned on a toilet;
FIG. 5 is another side view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1, positioned on a toilet;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1, with a top layer (e.g., a sanitary layer) of the toilet seat cover folded to illustrate aspects of a bottom layer (e.g., a support layer) of the toilet seat cover;
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1 in a fully folded position;
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1 in a partially folded position;
FIG. 9 is a side view of a user transporting (e.g., carrying) the toilet seat cover of FIG. 1 in the fully folded position;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a toilet seat cover positioned on a toilet;
FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10, positioned on a toilet with a user using the toilet seat cover;
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10, positioned on a toilet;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10, with a front flap of the toilet seat cover in a folded position;
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10 in a partially folded position;
FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10 in a fully folded position; and
FIG. 17 is a side view of a user transporting (e.g., carrying) the toilet seat cover of FIG. 10 in the fully folded position.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts or features throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example embodiment of a toilet seat cover 100 (e.g., a disposable toilet seat cover, etc.) including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The toilet seat cover 100 (broadly, a cover) is configured to be positioned over a seat of a toilet to serve as a barrier between a user and the toilet seat (e.g., to protect a user from germs on the toilet seat, to prevent a user from directly contacting the toilet seat, etc.). The toilet seat cover 100 is disposable and is generally intended for single-use by the user (e.g., is not intended to be reusable, etc.). Thus, the toilet seat cover 100 serves as a sanitary and/or hygienic interface between the user and the toilet seat.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat cover 100 includes a sanitary layer 102 (broadly, a first layer) and a base or support layer 104 (broadly, a second layer) coupled to the sanitary layer 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitary layer 102 is generally positioned above the support layer 104, such that a user may engage with the sanitary layer 102 (e.g., without directly touching the toilet seat) and the support layer 104 engages with the toilet seat. It should be appreciated that the sanitary layer 102 of the toilet seat cover 100 may be formed from any suitable material within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, paper, tissue, laminate (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), other thin, flexible, and/or disposable materials, combinations thereof, etc. And, the support layer 104 of the toilet seat cover 100 may be formed from any suitable material within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, cardboard (e.g., corrugated cardboard), fiberboard, combinations thereof, etc.
The toilet seat cover 100 includes an opening 106 to permit access to the toilet through the toilet seat cover 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 106 is oval-shaped and is generally smaller than the opening of the toilet. In other embodiments, the opening 106 may include other shapes, for example, circular, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the toilet seat cover 100 is intended for use by children, such as toddlers, and is sized for children. In particular, when the user of the toilet seat cover 100 is smaller than an average user (e.g., a toddler, etc.), the size (width, length, etc.) of the opening 106 prevents the user from fitting through and/or falling through the opening 106 of the toilet seat cover 100. Moreover, the opening 106 is positioned on the toilet seat cover 100 such that the placement of the opening 106 is suitable for the height of child users. In addition, for children and other smaller users, the support layer 104 may support at least some of the weight of the user (e.g., in addition to the toilet seat) (e.g., to support users up to 40 lbs., etc.).
With additional reference to FIGS. 3-5, the support layer 104 includes two cuts or slits 108 positioned on opposing sides of the opening 106 of the toilet seat cover 100. The slits 108 are generally curved (e.g., wave-shaped, sinusoidal, etc.) and extend along a length of the toilet seat cover 100. The curved, or wave, shape of the slits 108 allows the toilet seat cover 100 to be compatible with, accommodate, etc. a variety of toilet seat shapes and/or dimensions (e.g., standard toilet seats, non-standard toilet seats, etc.). In particular, the slits 108 enable the toilet seat cover 100 to slide forward over the toilet seat and engage with the toilet seat (e.g., engage with the sides of the toilet seat), for example, to hold the toilet seat cover 100 in place. It should be appreciated that the slits 108 of the toilet seat cover 100 may be formed of any suitable shape within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, curved, straight, any combination thereof, etc.
Each slit 108 defines a tab 110 (e.g., a lip, etc.) in the support layer 104 to hold the cover 100 in place on the toilet seat. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to attach the cover 100 to the seat, the tab 110 is positioned below the seat (e.g., to latch onto the outer edge of the seat), while the rest of the support layer 104 (and the sanitary layer 102) is positioned above the seat. In particular, the top surface of the tab 110 engages with a bottom surface of the toilet seat to hold with toilet seat cover 100 in place on the toilet seat. In other embodiments, both a portion of the support layer 104 (e.g., tab 110) and a portion of the sanitary layer 102 are positioned below the seat and engage with the bottom surface of the toilet seat.
Attaching the toilet seat cover 100 to the seat with the tabs 110 prevents a user of the toilet seat cover 100 (e.g., a child such as a toddler, an adult user, etc.) from inadvertently moving the toilet seat cover 100 to an improper position on the toilet seat (e.g., a position where the user directly contacts the toilet seat, unintended removal of the toilet seat cover, etc.). The engagement of the tab 110 with the toilet seat also ensures that a proper positioning of the toilet seat cover 100 is maintained during use of the cover 100 (e.g., such that the toilet seat cover 100 does not slide, move, etc. as a user engages with the toilet seat cover 100, etc.). In addition, the toilet seat cover 100 is removable from the toilet seat after use by removing the tabs 110 from below the toilet seat (e.g., the toilet seat cover 100 is removably coupled to the toilet seat via the tabs 110).
As can be appreciated, when the support layer 104 is coupled to the toilet seat, a small portion of the toilet seat is exposed (e.g., is not covered by the support layer 104) to allow the tabs 110 to engage the toilet seat. In particular, a top surface of the toilet seat near the outer edge (e.g., directly above where the tab 110 engages with the bottom surface of the toilet) is not covered by the support layer 104. This allows the tabs 110 to sufficiently grip the toilet seat. The more toilet seat that is exposed equates to a greater ability of the tabs 110 to grip the toilet seat and/or prevent the toilet seat cover 100 from slipping, etc., and may be balanced accordingly. Further, in embodiments having curved slits 108 (and corresponding curved tabs 110), the curved shape enables the tabs 110 to easily engage with the toilet seat initially, and then, as the tabs 110 are moved into position about the toilet seat, the level of engagement increases, resulting in a tight fit of the slits 108 around the toilet seat to prevent the toilet seat cover 100 from sliding, moving, etc.
With continued reference to FIG. 3, the toilet seat cover 100 in the illustrated embodiment is generally sized and shaped for use by toddlers and children and is suitable for use with a variety of toilets (e.g., toilets in public restrooms, standard toilets, etc.). Consistent therewith, example dimensions of the toilet seat cover 100 are provided. In particular, the toilet seat cover 100 of the illustrated embodiment has an overall width, W, of 22 inches and an overall length, L, of 18.75 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the opening 106, Wo, is 5 inches and the length of the opening 106 is 7 inches. Moreover, the slits 108 of the support layer 104 of the toilet seat cover 100 have a length, Ls, of 12.5 inches. It should be appreciated that these dimensions are exemplary in nature and in other embodiments, the dimensions of the toilet seat cover and features thereof may have other values.
Further, while the toilet seat cover 100 of the illustrated embodiment generally includes two layers (e.g., a sanitary layer coupled to a support layer), in other embodiments, the toilet seat cover 100 may include a greater number of layers (e.g., for additional support, as an additional barrier between the user and the toilet seat (e.g., a waterproof layer, etc.), to further secure the layers and/or the cover 100 to the toilet seat (e.g., an adhesive layer), etc.). In some embodiments, the toilet seat cover 100 only includes one layer (e.g., a layer similar to support layer 104, etc.) (e.g., toilet seat cover 200, etc.). In particular, in those embodiments, the toilet seat cover 100 includes the support layer 104 (including the slits 108 and tabs 110 to engage with a toilet seat), but does not include another layer in addition to the support layer 104 (e.g., does not include a sanitary layer on top of the support layer 104, etc.). For example, the support layer 104 itself serves as a barrier between the user and a toilet seat, without requiring an additional layer of material between the support layer 104 and the user.
With additional reference to FIGS. 6-9, the toilet seat cover 100 is foldable and, in the illustrated embodiment, is foldable in two directions (e.g., along two fold lines, etc.). The toilet seat cover 100, including each of the sanitary layer 102 and the support layer 104, includes a first fold line 112 and a second fold line 114 which is orthogonal to the first fold line 112. Fold lines 112 and 114 enable the cover 100 (as well as the sanitary layer 102 and the support layer 104) to be folded twice. In this way, the toilet seat cover 100 is foldable into a compact configuration for storage and transport, and can be unfolded for use in two simple movements. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fold line 112 generally passes through a center of toilet seat cover 100 and extends along a length of the cover 100. In other embodiments, the toilet seat cover 100 may be foldable a greater or lesser number of times, along fold line(s) in similar or different configurations, orientations, etc.
As described above, the sanitary layer 102 is coupled to the support layer 104. In particular, the sanitary layer 102 is coupled to the support layer 104, for example, with adhesive 116 (e.g., glue, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive 116 is positioned along the fold line 112 (see FIG. 3) (e.g., is only positioned along the fold line 112, is not positioned at an edge of the support layer 104, etc.). In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, the sanitary layer 102 may be partially lifted from the support layer 104 (e.g., at the sides of the toilet seat cover, etc.) to expose the slits 108. Doing so prevents the sanitary layer 102 from interfering with the slits 108 and/or tabs 110 when a user places the cover 100 on the toilet seat. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sanitary layer 102 covers any portion of the toilet seat that may be exposed, or not covered, by the support layer 104 (e.g., where the tabs 110 of the support layer 104 engage with the toilet seat) and serves as a barrier between the user and the toilet seat.
In some embodiments, the sanitary layer 102 is fully coupled (e.g., fused, glued, etc.) to the support layer 104, for example, with the adhesive 116. In particular, in those embodiments, the adhesive 116 is applied to the entire surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the support layer 104 and/or the entire surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the sanitary layer 102. Further, when the sanitary layer 102 is fully coupled to the support layer 104, the sanitary layer 102 also includes slits which are aligned with and are similar to the slits 108 in the support layer 104 to allow the toilet seat cover 100 to be secured to a toilet seat via tabs, defined by the slits, that include both the sanitary layer 102 and the support layer 104 (e.g., as opposed to tabs 110 that include only the support layer 104). The slits in both the sanitary layer 102 and the support layer 104 may be formed by a die cut. In some embodiments, the sanitary layer 102 may first be coupled to the support layer 104 and then slits in both layers 102, 104 are simultaneously formed by a die cut. Alternatively, the slits may separately be formed in the layers 102, 104 and then the layers 102, 104 are subsequently coupled (e.g., fused, glued, etc.) together.
In these embodiments, when the toilet seat cover 100 is coupled to a toilet seat, tabs of both layers (e.g., sanitary layer 102 and support layer 104) engage with the toilet seat, such that a small portion of the toilet seat may not be covered by the toilet seat cover 100 (or the sanitary layer 102). Even where a portion of the toilet seat is not fully covered by the toilet seat cover 100, the cover 100 (including the sanitary layer 102 and support layer 104) still functions as a barrier between the user (e.g., a toddler) and the toilet seat, in light of the smaller size of the user, who, for example, would not directly touch the exposed portion of the toilet seat.
In some embodiments, the upper surface of the toilet seat cover 100 (e.g., an upper surface of the sanitary layer 102, an upper surface of the support layer 104 in embodiments that do not include the sanitary layer 102, etc.) may include instructional graphics. These instructional graphics include instructions on how to use the toilet seat cover 100, how to attach the toilet seat cover 100 to a toilet seat, how to remove the toilet seat cover 100 from a toilet seat, disposal instructions, etc.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the support layer 104 further includes additional fold lines 118 which additionally facilitate engagement of the tabs 110 with the toilet seat. These additional fold lines 118 are generally parallel to fold line 114 and are spaced to accommodate a height of the toilet seat. In particular, the spacing of the additional fold lines 118 ensures that the tabs 110 of the support layer 104 are able to engage with the bottom surface of the toilet seat (see also FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 7, the additional fold lines 118 extend from the outer edge of the support layer 104 to the slit 108 (e.g., and do not necessarily extend fully across the toilet seat cover 100).
As described above, the toilet seat cover 100 is foldable for transport and storage. The toilet seat cover 100 may additionally be folded, for example, when packaged. FIGS. 8A-8B depict the toilet seat cover 100 in a fully folded (or compact) position and in a partially folded (or partially compact) position, respectively. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8A, the toilet seat cover 100 is folded twice, once in a first direction along the first fold line 112 and once in a second direction (e.g., orthogonal to the first direction) along the second fold line 114. To use the toilet seat cover 100, the cover 100 is first unfolded along the second fold line 114 from the folded position to the partially folded (or partially unfolded) position, which is illustrated in FIG. 8B. As shown, the toilet seat cover 100 remains folded along the first fold line 112 and is unfolded (e.g., flat, etc.) along the second fold line 114. The toilet seat cover 100 may subsequently be unfolded along the first fold line 112 to enable the toilet seat cover 100 to be positioned on a toilet seat (e.g., by positioning tabs 110 around the toilet seat, etc.) for use.
FIG. 9 illustrates a user (e.g., an adult user such as an adult who may assist a child user) transporting or carrying the toilet seat cover in the fully folded position. In some embodiments, the toilet seat covers 100 are packaged (e.g., in the fully folded position) individually or in groups (e.g., a package of multiple toilet seat covers, etc.). In some embodiments, the toilet seat covers 100 are sold and/or dispensed from a dispenser located within a public restroom (e.g., a bathroom machine). In some embodiments, this dispenser includes an integrated waste receptacle to receive used toilet seat covers 100, the packaging of the toilet seat covers 100, other waste, etc.
FIGS. 10-17 illustrate another example embodiment of a toilet seat cover 200 according to the present disclosure. The toilet seat cover 200 of this embodiment is similar to the toilet seat cover previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. For example, the toilet seat cover 200 of this embodiment (broadly, a cover) is configured to be positioned over a seat of a toilet to serve as a barrier between a user and the toilet seat (e.g., to protect a user from germs on the toilet seat, to prevent a user from directly contacting the toilet seat, etc.). The toilet seat cover 200 is disposable and is generally intended for single-use by the user (e.g., is not intended to be reusable, etc.). Thus, the toilet seat cover 200 serves as a sanitary and/or hygienic interface between the user and the toilet seat.
As shown in FIGS. 10-17, the toilet seat cover 200 of this embodiment generally includes a base 204 and an opening 206 within the base 204 to permit access to the toilet through the toilet seat cover 200. The base 204 includes a upper surface 220 and a lower surface 222, such that a user may engage with the upper surface 220 (e.g., without directly touching the toilet seat) and the lower surface 222 at least partially engages with the toilet seat. The opening 206 is generally oval-shaped with an extended region 224 towards the front of the toilet seat cover 200. The opening 206 is generally smaller than the opening of the toilet. In other embodiments, the opening 206 may include other shapes, for example, oval-shaped without the extended region 224, circular, etc. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the toilet seat cover 200 is intended for use by children, such as toddlers, and is sized for children. In particular, when the user of the toilet seat cover 200 is smaller than an average user (e.g., a toddler, etc.), the size (width, length, etc.) of the opening 206 prevents the user from fitting through and/or falling through the opening 206 of the toilet seat cover 200. Moreover, the opening 206 is positioned on the toilet seat cover 200 such that the placement of the opening 206 is suitable for the height of child users. In addition, for children and other smaller users, the support layer 204 may support at least some of the weight of the user (e.g., in addition to the toilet seat) (e.g., to support users up to 40 lbs., etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 12, the base 204 includes multiple segments that are pivotally attached to the base 204, including a front flap 226 and two side flaps 228 (e.g., wings, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the front flap 226 folds down at the front of the toilet, such that the front flap 226 is positioned between a user and the front of the toilet (e.g., to prevent a user's legs from contacting the front of the toilet seat and/or toilet, etc.) (see FIG. 11). The two side flaps 228 fold underneath the base 204 (e.g., between the base 204 and the toilet seat, etc.) and are coupled to the lower surface 222, for example, with an adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.). The base 204 of the toilet seat cover 200 may be formed from any suitable material within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, cardboard (e.g., corrugated cardboard), fiberboard, combinations thereof, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 204, the front flap 226 and the side flaps 228 are all formed from one piece of material (e.g., cut from one piece of cardboard, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more of the flaps may be separate from the base 204 (e.g., formed from a separate piece of material, etc.) and coupled thereto. For example, rather than being pivotally attached to the base 204, the side flaps 228 may be separate from the base 204 and coupled (e.g., with adhesive, etc.) to the lower surface 222 of the base 204.
Each of the side flaps 228 include a slit 208 extending along a length of the side flap 228. The slits 208 are generally curved (e.g., wave-shaped, sinusoidal, etc.). Each slit 208 defines a tab 210 (e.g., a lip, at a peak of the curved slit 208, etc.) in the side flap 228 to hold the toilet seat cover 200 in place on the toilet seat. In particular, as shown in FIG. 13, to attach the cover 200 to the seat, the tab 210 is positioned below the seat (e.g., to latch onto the outer edge of the seat), while the rest of the side flap 228 (and the base 204) is positioned above the seat. In particular, an upper surface of the tab 210 (e.g., adjacent to the lower surface 222 of the base 204, etc.) engages with a lower surface of the toilet seat to hold with toilet seat cover 200 in place on the toilet seat. As can be appreciated, the slits 208 and the tabs 210 of the illustrated embodiment are similar to the slits 108 and the tabs 110 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and engage with a toilet seat in substantially the same way (e.g., despite the slits 208 and the tabs 210 being positioned on the side flaps 228 in this embodiment, etc.).
With additional reference to FIGS. 14-17, the toilet seat cover 200 is foldable and, in the illustrated embodiment, is foldable in multiple directions (e.g., along three fold lines, etc.). The toilet seat cover 200 includes a first fold line 212, a second fold line 214 which is orthogonal to the first fold line 212, and a third fold line 230 between the base 204 and the front flap 226. Fold lines 212, 214, and 230 enable the cover 200 to be folded into a compact configuration for storage (e.g., within packaging, etc.) and transport, and can be unfolded for use in three simple movements. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fold line 212 generally passes through a center of toilet seat cover 200 and extends along a length of the cover 200. In other embodiments, the toilet seat cover 200 may be foldable a greater or lesser number of times, along fold line(s) in similar or different configurations, orientations, etc.
In some embodiments, the side flaps 228 further include additional fold lines 218 which additionally facilitate engagement of the tabs 210 with the toilet seat. These additional fold lines 218 are generally parallel to fold line 214 and fold line 230 and are spaced to accommodate a height of the toilet seat. In particular, the spacing of the additional fold lines 218 ensures that the tabs 210 of the side flaps 228 are able to engage with the bottom surface of the toilet seat (see FIG. 13). In some embodiments, the toilet seat cover 200 additionally includes a sanitary layer (not shown) coupled to the base 204, similar to sanitary layer 102.
FIG. 14 depicts the toilet seat cover 200 in an unfolded position (e.g., with the front flap 226 unfolded, etc.), such that the cover 200 is ready for attachment to a toilet seat. In the unfolded position, the side flaps 228 remain coupled to the lower surface 222 of the base 204. FIG. 15 depicts the toilet seat cover 200 with the front flap 226 folded under the base 204 about the third fold line 230 (e.g., such that the front flap 226 contacts the lower surface 222 of the base 204, etc.). FIGS. 16A-16B depict the toilet seat cover 200 in a partially folded (or partially compact) position and in a fully folded (or compact) position, respectively. In particular, as shown in FIG. 16B, the toilet seat cover 200 is folded multiple times, once in a first direction along the first fold line 212 and once in a second direction (e.g., orthogonal to the first direction) along the second fold line 214. To use the toilet seat cover 200, the cover 200 is first unfolded along the first fold line 212 from the folded position to the partially folded (or partially unfolded) position, which is illustrated in FIG. 16A. As shown, the toilet seat cover 200 remains folded along the second fold line 214 and the third fold line 230 and is unfolded (e.g., flat, etc.) along the first fold line 212. The toilet seat cover 100 may subsequently be unfolded along the second fold line 214 and the third fold line 230 to enable the toilet seat cover 200 to be positioned on a toilet seat (e.g., by positioning tabs 210 around the toilet seat, etc.) for use. FIG. 17 illustrates a user (e.g., an adult user such as an adult who may assist a child user) transporting or carrying the toilet seat cover in the fully folded position.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” as well as the phrase “at least one of” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “lower” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20220160192
