Patent Application
20250031821
The present technology is directed generally to kits for hygiene, wellness, and/or other types of products. Several embodiments are directed to portable women's field kits and associated systems and methods.
Women have some different physical needs than men, like menstruation, nursing, and bathroom accessibility. In certain industries or professions (e.g., construction, skilled trades, transportation) and at certain locations (e.g., jobsites, field workplaces, mobile workplaces), women may be underrepresented, resulting in environments that are predominantly male dominated. This can lead to challenges in addressing women's specific personal care needs. For instance, the availability and accessibility of adequate sanitary facilities, including clean and private restrooms, designated breastfeeding areas, and availability and disposal options for feminine hygiene products, may be insufficient or overlooked.
Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
The disclosure provides a field kit for storing personal care items and associated systems and methods. Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference to
The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements can be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Component details can be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present technology.
The first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 can be made from various types of materials to provide protection (e.g., from water, dirt, mechanical impact) on the personal care items housed in the interior space of the kit 100 and/or durability of the kit 100. For example, the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portion 120 may include materials like plastic, metal, a composite material, or a bio-degradable material, or a combination thereof. Mere by way of example, the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portion 120 may include a plastic material. This may allow a robust structure while maintaining a lightweight characteristic for ease of handling. As another example, the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portion 120 may include a composite material or metal, which may provide a more premium look and feel and additional durability. In some embodiments, the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portion 120 may include a renewable material such as bamboo or other sustainable woods, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portion 120 may include a blend of recyclable materials, thereby minimizing environmental impact and promoting the ethos of recycling. Alternatively, biodegradable materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) may be used, further may reduce environmental impact when the kit 100 reaches the end of its life.
The interior space formed by these body portions may be subdivided into a plurality of compartments 170-1 through 170-9. These compartments 170-1 through 170-9 may be dimensioned and configured to receive and store respective personal care items 172 (individually identified as first through ninth personal care items 172-1-172-9, respectively). Each compartment may be separate and independently accessible, facilitating the organization and easy retrieval of the different personal care items. The personal care items that can be stored in these compartments are not limited and can vary widely, depending on a user's needs. For example, personal care items can include skincare products or cosmetics like moisturizers, serums, lip balm, sunscreen, or cleansers. As another example, personal care items can include oral hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, or mouthwash. As a further example, personal care items can include feminine hygiene or period products including tampons, pads, nursing pads, or disposable underwear, a urination funnel or gel packs. As still a further example, personal care items may include hair or safety related product, such as hair ties, or a hair/neck gaiter/buff. Other possible items may include health and wellness items like sanitizing wipes, disposable gloves, facial tissue, and hand sanitizer. Other possible items may include bathroom hygiene products including seat covers, toilet paper, and air freshener. Other possible items may include grooming tools such as razors, trimmers, nail clippers, tweezers, or a mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror may be placed in a compartment, or affixed to a surface within the kit 100 (e.g., an interior surface of the first body portion 110 or the second body portion 120, the lid 140). In some embodiments, there are multiple mounting components on different surfaces within the kit 100 such that a user may choose to affix the mirror on any one of the surfaces via the corresponding mounting component based on a personal preference or a specific use case.
Below is an example list of the personal care items that a kit 100 can include. The kit 100 may include period products, hair protection products, safety and wellness products, bathroom hygiene products, and other add-on options. Examples of period products include tampons, pads, nursing pads, menstrual symptom relief tabs, personal cleansing wipes, and the like. Examples of hair protection products include hair ties, hair gaiters or bandanas, and the like. Examples of safety and wellness products may include facial tissue, pain killers (e.g., Midol, Aleve), safety pins (e.g., for clothing rips), hand lotion, pocket mirrors, or the like. Examples of bathroom hygiene products may include hand sanitizer wipes, disposable gloves, disposable plastic bags (e.g., for discreetly pack items in/out of the restroom), toilet paper, seat covers, and the like. Examples of add-on options may include nursing pads (e.g., for nursing mothers), urination funnels and gel packs (e.g., for emergency bathroom use, such as for those working out of service vans), and the like. The example list is provided for illustration purposes and not intended to be limiting. The quantity of each item to be included in the kit 100 may relate to the size of the kit 100, the dimensions of individual compartments, a user's preference, a refill frequency, or the like, or a combination thereof.
A feature of the kit 100 described herein is that the housing including both the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 may be devoid of any indicia indicating the presence of the personal care items stored within the kit 100. This feature may enhance the privacy of the contents, as there are no markings or signs indicating the specific contents of the kit 100. This feature may also give the kit 100 a clean and uncluttered appearance.
In some embodiments, the exterior of the kit 100 may include an identification component that can be used to readily identify the person and/or organization to whom the kit 100 belongs (e.g., the name of a user to whom the kit 100 is assigned, the company or other organization that owns the kit 100 and has the authority to assign the kit 100 to one or more users). The identification component can be a decal, sticker, magnet, tag, and/or other item that can attach (e.g., adhere, connect) to the exterior surface of the housing and/or another component (e.g., a handle). The owner's name can be pre-printed on the identification component and/or include a space for placing the user's identifying information (e.g., a sticker may include a pre-printed note stating “The Kit Belongs to” to provide guidance on where the user is encouraged to write his/her/their identity).
The versatility of the kit 100 lies in its ability to store a variety of different personal care items, while maintaining a sleek and minimalistic design. The separate compartments 170-1 through 170-9 may provide a desirable level of organization and convenience. With the additional benefits of using various materials for construction, the kit 100 may offer a versatile and stylish solution for the storage and organization of personal care products, and/or a compact size for portability.
In some embodiments, at least one compartment may be shaped to conform to the shape of the personal care items contained therein, which may allow for efficient use of space and ensure items may fit perfectly or as desired. For instance, a compartment may be shaped to hold a cylindrical container of cream or a rectangular box of facial tissues.
In some embodiments, one or more dividers within at least one of the compartments may further subdivide the compartment for an orderly arrangement of personal care items. For example, a compartment storing skincare products may contain dividers to separately house cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers, thereby preventing any potential mix-up. In some embodiments, the dividers may be configured by a user based on personal preference and/or needs.
In some embodiments, the dividers may include various materials. For example, the dividers may be constructed from the same material as the body portions for uniformity. Alternatively, they may be made from a flexible material such as silicone, offering adjustability to accommodate items of different sizes. In some embodiments, the dividers may be made from a translucent material to allow users to see the compartment's contents without opening it. The shape of the dividers may also vary. In some embodiments, the dividers may be straight, creating square or rectangular sub-compartments. In some embodiments, the dividers may be curved or irregularly shaped, allowing for the accommodation of personal care items with unique shapes.
In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of compartments may include a closure mechanism for selectively securing the compartment. This may be particularly beneficial for compartments containing items that may need additional protection or to prevent accidental spillage during transport. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism may incorporate a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock and unlock the compartment independently. This can be in the form of a traditional key lock, a combination lock, an electronic lock, or a biometric lock such as a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. For example, a biometric lock may be useful for compartments containing expensive personal care items or medication, providing an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a lid 140 for securing the plurality of compartments. The lid 140 may be made from the same material as the body portions for a uniform look or different material to create visual contrast or additional functionality. The lid 140 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. For example, the lid 140 may be made of a transparent material so that a user can see what personal care items are available and stored in which compartment without opening the lid 140. The lid 140 may also have different shapes, such as flat, domed, or angular. In some embodiments, the lid 140 may include a solid cover, increasing privacy of the contents of the compartments. The lid 140 may include transparent materials like glass, acrylic, or clear plastic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the lid 140 may be covered with a temporary decoration like one or more stickers or decals (collectively referred to as “stickers” or a “sticker”) to fully or partially obscure the contents. The stickers may be waterproof or water resistant to impart durability onto the sticker itself and/or provide protection for the lid 140 and the contents within the kit 100. The lid 140 may also include one or more markings 185 associated with the kit 100, such as branding associated with the company providing the kit 100, the designer or manufacturer of the kit 100, a sponsor of the kit 100, and/or a user of the kit 100. The marking 185 may be positioned on the lid 140 (e.g., screen printed, engraved, embossed) or provided as a sticker attached to the lid 140. In some embodiments, the marking 185 may be positioned on an exterior surface or an interior surface of the housing of the kit 100, or provided as a sticker attached to an exterior surface or an interior surface of the housing of the kit 100. In some embodiments, the lid 140 may include a locking mechanism to secure one or more of the compartments. The locking mechanism may include one of a latch and loop system, a key lock, a combination lock, or a more advanced electronic or biometric lock for enhanced security.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a labeling system (e.g., 480 in
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a handle 130 coupled to the first body portion 110 and/or the second body portions 120, which may help the transportation of the kit 100. The handle 130 may be made from a sturdy material like metal, plastic, or leather, and can be either a fixed handle or a retractable one for added convenience.
In some embodiments, at least one compartment may include a hanging mechanism, which may enable the compartment (e.g., when removed from the kit 100) to be hung on a structure (e.g., a wall of a portable bathroom, a sink), thereby obviating the need to put the compartment on an unclean surface (e.g., the floor of a portable bathroom). This may also provide a flexible storage option, particularly useful in compact spaces. The hanging mechanism can be implemented in various ways. For example, the hanging mechanism may include a hook, which can be affixed to the back, side, or top of the compartment. The hook can be designed in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various hanging points. For instance, a compartment with a small, rounded hook may be conveniently hung on a towel rack or a shower caddy rod. Hooks can be made of plastic, metal, or even a strong, durable resin, depending on the weight of the items stored. In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism can be a removable adhesive. This type of mechanism, such as adhesive strips or suction cups, can be attached to a variety of surfaces, such as glass, tile, or painted walls, without causing damage upon removal. This may allow for temporary placement or the ability to frequently move the location of the compartment according to the user's needs. In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism may include a magnet. Merely by way of example, the compartment can be equipped with a small but strong magnet, or a magnetic strip, which may allow it to be securely attached to a metal structure, like a medicine cabinet, a refrigerator, a sink. The use of magnets also allows for easy removal and repositioning. In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism may include a clip and rail system. For example, each compartment can be fitted with a clip, which can slide onto a mounted rail. This system may allow a user to easily arrange and rearrange the compartments as needed, sliding them along the rail for access or space considerations.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include padding material lining an interior surface of at least one of the plurality of compartments for protecting the respective personal care items contained therein. The padding may include foam, fabric, or rubber, or a combination thereof, providing a cushion against potential damage. Foam padding can provide cushioning and is available in various densities to suit different protection levels. For example, memory foam can be used to snugly secure items, and closed-cell foam may provide resistance against moisture. As another example, padding may include cotton or fleece, which can line the interior of compartments to protect delicate items from scratches. A rubber lining can provide shock absorption. This can be in the form of a rubber sheet or small rubber studs lining the compartment floor.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a machine-readable code 150. The machine-readable code 150 may include a Quick Response (QR) code, barcode, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, or a combination thereof. The machine-readable code 150 may include access information to an online fillable order form for replenishing personal care products or ordering optional add-on products, identify the kit 100, or hold user account information. QR code may be printed on the exterior of the kit 100, on the lid 140, an inside surface of the first body portion 110 or the second body portion 120, or inside each compartment. A user can scan the QR code with a smartphone or tablet, which may redirect a smartphone or tablet to an online interface. This code may provide access to an online fillable form to reorder personal care items when they run low, making it convenient to maintain an adequate stock of supplies. For example, scanning the QR code in the compartment holding a specific brand of facial cream can directly lead to the product's order page. A barcode may be affixed to the kit 100 to uniquely identify each kit 100. This barcode may be scanned using a barcode reader to retrieve information about the kit 100, such as its manufacture date, batch number, or other product-specific information. This may be useful for inventory management or product recall scenarios.
An RFID tag may be embedded within the kit 100 or attached to an external surface. The RFID tag may be used to store and retrieve data wirelessly. For instance, the RFID tag may include user account information, allowing a smart storage system to recognize who the kit 100 belongs to and what items it should contain. Each of these machine-readable codes may provide a link between the physical kit 100 and digital information, enhancing functionality and user experience. A user can benefit from a more streamlined process in maintaining and managing their personal care items, resulting in a higher level of convenience and personalization.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include an onboard inventory management assembly. In some embodiments, the inventory management assembly of the kit 100 may include a monitoring device to acquire monitoring data so as to monitor the usage of the personal care items in the kit 100. For example, the monitoring device may include a scale that can estimate the usage or the remaining quantity of a personal care item(s). As another example, the monitoring device may include an imaging device (e.g., a camera) that can capture an image of the interior of the kit 100 on the basis of which the processor may estimate the remaining quantity of a personal care item(s). In some embodiments, the inventory management assembly may include a processor configured to determine inventory information based on the monitoring data. In some embodiments, the monitoring device on the kit 100 may transfer monitoring data to an external computing device that estimates the remaining quantity of a personal care item(s) based on the received monitoring data. Such data transfer may be achieved wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, Z-Wave, Infrared (IR)) or via a wired connection (e.g., a cable) between the kit 100 (e.g., the kit 100 including an electronic storage device and a USB port) and the external computing device (e.g., a mobile device 622 or a server 624 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, to achieve onboard inventory management, each of the personal care items contained in the kit 100 may include a machine-readable code (e.g., a bar code). When the kit 100 is filled, the quantity of each personal care item(s) contained in the kit 100 is recorded. When a user takes one out from the kit 100, the user can scan the machine-readable code on the item using a device (e.g., the mobile device 622) so that the quantity used or remaining in the kit 100 may be tracked. In some embodiments, the onboard inventory management may be achieved via the labeling system (e.g., 480 as illustrated in
The kit 100 may further include instructions regarding use of the kit 100 and/or components therein. For example, such instructions may be presented on a printed insert (e.g., a foldable card) that contains information about the kit 100. Examples of such information include instructions on how to replenish personal care products or order optional add-on products, who to contact, information regarding delivery or pick-up options, order fulfillment time, how to track an order status, kit contents, or the like, or a combination thereof. Additional examples of such information include storage instructions (e.g., suggestions on where to store the kit 100, such as in a service van, job box, dry shack, or personal vehicle), information on who is eligible to receive the kit 100, instructions on how to request the kit 100 as part of the onboarding process or during employment, instructions on how to handle the kit 100 at the time of employment termination, or the like, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a QR code and/or other type of code that can be scanned or otherwise used to access instructions electronically. In some embodiments, a web address can be provided within the kit 100 (e.g., on a sticker adhered within the kit, printed on the interior of the kit 100) that allows the user to access electronic instructions.
In some embodiments, the kit 100 may include a locking mechanism 160 operable to lock and unlock the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120. When the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 are unlocked, the interior space of the kit 100 may be accessible, and when the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 120 are locked, the interior space of the kit 100 may be inaccessible. The locking mechanism 160 may be in the form of a traditional key lock, a combination lock, an electronic lock, or a biometric lock such as a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. For example, a biometric lock may be useful when the kit 100 contains expensive personal care items or medication, providing an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
The lid 540 may be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. In embodiments where the lid 540 is transparent, the lid may be partially or fully covered with a temporary or removable decoration, such as one or more stickers, or a permanent decoration, such as paint, to fully or partially obscure the contents. The sticker may be waterproof or water resistant to impart durability on the sticker itself and/or protect the lid 540 and the contents stored within the kit 500. The lid 540 may include a marking 585 indicating the owner of the kit 500, the manufacturer of the kit 500, and/or other information related to the kit 500 and/or its contents. For example, a marking 585 including a space for placing the user's identifying information (e.g., a sticker that includes a pre-printed note stating “The Kit Belongs to” to provide guidance on where the user is encouraged to write his/her/their identity) may be positioned or attached to an exterior surface of the lid 540, a surface of the second body portion 120, or a surface on the side of the kit 500 between the lid 540 and the second body portion 520. In such embodiments, the kit 500 may further include another body portion 510 in addition to the body portion 520. For example, the other body portion 510 may be similar to or the same as the first body portion 110 as illustrated in
In various embodiments, the underside of the lid 540 may have surface features, such as recesses and/or protrusions, that correspond to one or more of the underlying compartments 570 (
In some embodiments, one or more stickers (e.g., one or more waterproof or water-resistant stickers) may be attached to the lid 540 in the respective recessed regions 545 to obscure a view of the items 572 within the kit 500 through the lid 540. As illustrated in
The surface features on the outward-facing surface of the lid 540 may also facilitate the stacking of the kit 500 with another device (e.g., another kit that is different from, the same as, or similar to the kit 500). For example, as illustrated in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the kit 500 may include a categorization system 580 (individually identified as first through fifth categories 580-1 through 580-5, respectively) indicating the type of product(s) a compartment holds. The categorization system 580 may include one or more labels (e.g., stickers) affixed to a portion of the kit 500. For example, the lid 540 may have a sticker for each of the compartments 570 indicating the type of products in each compartment 570 to allow a user to conveniently learn (at least roughly) what personal care items 572 are available and stored in which compartment without opening the lid 540. Each label 580 may be affixed on positions of the lid 540 that correspond to the respective location of the associated compartment 570. For example, when the lid 540 is closed, the labels 580 are located above their corresponding compartments 570. In some embodiments, the categorization system 580 may include one or more labels (e.g., stickers) affixed to the bottom portions of the compartments 570 to facilitate the operation of placing items 572 in the corresponding compartments 570. The categorization system 580 may be part of a labeling system of the kit 500 similar to that described elsewhere in the present disclosure (e.g., labeling system 480 of
With respect to the components of the mobile device 622, and the server 624, each of these devices may receive content and data via input/output (I/O) paths. Each of these devices may also include processors and/or control circuitry to send and receive commands, requests, and other suitable data using the I/O paths. The control circuitry may comprise any suitable processing, storage, and/or I/O circuitry. Each of these devices may also include a user input interface and/or user output interface (e.g., a display) for use in receiving and displaying data. For example, as shown in
As referred to herein, a “user interface” may comprise a human-computer interaction and communication in a device, and may include display screens, keyboards, a mouse, and the appearance of a desktop. For example, a user interface may comprise a way a user interacts with an application or a website. A notification may comprise any content.
Each of the mobile device 622 and the server 624 may also include electronic storages. The electronic storages may include non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of the electronic storages may include one or both of (i) system storage that is provided integrally (e.g., substantially non-removable) with servers or client devices, or (ii) removable storage that is removably connectable to the servers or client devices via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storages may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronic storages may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). The electronic storages may store software algorithms, information determined by the processors, information obtained from servers, information obtained from client devices, or other information that enables the functionality as described herein.
The system 1000 may also include communication paths 626, 628, and 632. Communication paths 626, 628, and 632 may include the Internet, a mobile phone network, a mobile voice or data network (e.g., a 5G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), a cable network, a public switched telephone network, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, Z-Wave, Infrared (IR), or other types of communications networks or combinations of communications networks. Communication paths 626, 628, and 632 may separately or together include one or more communications paths, such as a satellite path, a fiber-optic path, a cable path, a path that supports Internet communications (e.g., Internet Protocol television (IPTV)), free-space connections (e.g., for broadcast or other wireless signals), or any other suitable wired or wireless communications path or combination of such paths. The computing devices may include additional communication paths linking a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together. For example, the computing devices may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as the computing devices.
The kit 600 may include a machine-readable code 650. The machine-readable code 650 may include a Quick Response (QR) code, barcode, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, or a combination thereof. The machine-readable code 650 may include access information to an online fillable order form for replenishing personal care products or ordering optional add-on products, identify the kit 600, or hold user account information. When a user scans the code 650 using the mobile device 622, the mobile device 622 can decode the information encoded in the machine-readable code 650 and transmit a request to the server via the network (e.g., 632) based on the decoded information. This request signals the server to retrieve an online fillable order form associated with the scanned code 650. The server then transmits this identified form to the mobile device 622 from which the request was sent, allowing the user of the mobile device 622 to fill out the form.
In some embodiments, the form may be customizable based on the decoded information. For example, the code 650 may include user information, and the server 624 may configure its options in the form based on the user information (e.g., demographic information, position, a current assignment of the user) encoded in the code 650.
The server 624 may also be configured to store information inputted into the fillable form by the user. This stored information can then be used for various purposes, such as data analysis, customer service, inventory management, product recall management, order fulfillment tracking, or user tracking.
The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of the present technology.
The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
While particular embodiments of the present technology have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this technology and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this technology. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the technology is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to technologies containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B and C,” (i.e., the same phrase with or without the Oxford comma) unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by context, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either A or B or C, any nonempty subset of the set of A and B and C, or any set not contradicted by context or otherwise excluded that contains at least one A, at least one B, or at least one C. For example, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}, and, if not contradicted explicitly or by context, any set having {A}, {B}, and/or {C} as a subset (e.g., sets with multiple “A”). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C each to be present. Similarly, phrases such as “at least one of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B or C” refer to the same as “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}, unless differing meaning is explicitly stated or clear from context.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/515,799, filed Jul. 26, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63515799 | Jul 2023 | US |
