Special baby/toddler jacket with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist called Anourique

Abstract

A special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist. It provides an immediate convenience, safety, and security option for any parents of a new born baby, infant, or toddler. Key features include a blanket of a breathable material, seasonal options (thicker for fall and winter, thinner for spring and summer), removable, washable, and replaceable. The device will block wind, sun, rain, and any other adverse weather condition. The jackets are also made of versatile material that is seasonally appropriate. This jacket device allows parents to travel with a lighter load so there is no need to carry car seat everywhere and it is easier to run errands faster and more efficiently. The device will be a benefit to keep the child from catching a cold, getting sunburn, or having bugs flying into the child's personal space.

Claims

1. A special baby/toddler apparel called Anourique comprised of: (a) an apparel made of a durable, rain repellent material; (b) a means for covering the baby/toddler, the means further comprised of a durable, rain repellent and breathable material; (c) at least two means for removably attaching the means for covering to the apparel; and (d) the apparel further comprised with a pouch that has an inner compartment, a means to close the pouch, and a means to removably attach the means for covering to the inner pocket wherein the means for covering is stored in the inner pouch for use and wherein the cover can extend out of the pouch and over the head of the baby/toddler to keep the baby/toddler dry while the baby/toddler can still breathe freely through the material of the means for covering.

2. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the apparel is selected from the group consisting of a jacket, a coat, a hoodie, a sweatshirt, and a sweater.

3. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the means for covering the baby/toddler apparel is selected from the group consisting of a cover, a blanket, and a shawl.

4. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the material for the apparel is selected from the group consisting of a natural, a synthetic and a combination natural and synthetic fabric.

5. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 4 wherein the natural fabric for the material for the apparel is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, fleece, hemp, jute, denim, and silk.

6. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 4 wherein the synthetic fabric for the material for the apparel is selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and aramids.

7. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 4 wherein the combination of natural and synthetic fabric for the material for the apparel is selected from the group consisting of a recycled blend of polyester, cotton and nylon and a combination of cotton, wool, fleece, hemp, jute, denim, silk, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and aramids.

8. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the material for the means for covering is selected from the group consisting of a natural, a synthetic and a combination natural and synthetic fabric.

9. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 8 wherein the natural fabric for the material for the means for covering is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, fleece, hemp, jute, denim, and silk.

10. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 8 wherein the synthetic fabric for the material for the means for covering is selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and aramids.

11. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 8 wherein the combination of natural and synthetic fabric for the material for the means for covering is selected from the group consisting of a recycled blend of polyester, cotton and nylon and a combination of cotton, wool, fleece, hemp, jute, denim, silk, polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and aramids.

12. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the at least two means for removably attaching 30/50 the means for covering to the apparel is selected from the group consisting of a snap, a button, a clasp, a zipper, and a hook and loop like Velcro.

13. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the means 37 to close the pouch is selected from the group consisting of a snap, a button, a clasp, a zipper, and a hook and loop like Velcro.

14. The special baby/toddler apparel device of claim 1 wherein the means to removably attach the cover means to the apparel in the pouch is selected from the group consisting of a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro.

15. A special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique comprised of: (a) a jacket made of a durable, rain repellent material; (b) a cover for covering the baby/toddler, the cover being further comprised of a durable, rain repellent and breathable material; (c) at least two snaps for removably attaching the means for covering to the apparel; and (d) the jacket further comprised with a pouch that has an inner compartment, a means to close the pouch, and a means to removably attach the cover to the inner pocket wherein the cover is stored in the inner pouch for use and wherein the cover can extend out of the pouch and over the head of the baby/toddler to keep the baby/toddler dry while the baby/toddler can still breathe freely through the material of the cover.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of a special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist of a jacket or other apparel. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special baby/toddler jacket. It is understood, however, that the special baby/toddler jacket device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0027] FIGS. 1 A through 1C are sketches of a special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head of a toddler or infant; a prototype or sample of a special baby/toddler jacket; and a toddler using the special baby/toddler jacket.

[0028] FIGS. 2 A through 2D are sketches of the special baby/toddler jacket with components and features noted.

[0029] FIGS. 3 A through 3D are sketches of a prototype or sample of a special baby/toddler jacket with the components and features shown from front and back view and with and without the cover.

[0030] FIGS. 4 A through 4D are additional sketches of a prototype or sample of a special baby/toddler jacket with the components and features shown from front and back view and with and without the cover.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a sketch of a prototype for a toddler using the special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a sketch of a toddler using the special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head.

[0033] FIGS. 7 A through 7E are sketches of prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0034] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 Ref # Description 30 a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head and to attach at the waist of a toddler or infant 90 33 a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist 35 using 35 the special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist 36 pouch 36 with an inner compartment 36A and closeable end 36B 36A inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36 36B closeable end 36B of the pouch 36 37 a means 37 for closing and openably securing the pouch 36 at the closable end 36B 38 a means 38 for holding one end of the mans for covering/blanket 40 inside the inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36, the means 38 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a zipper, a hook and loop like Velcro RTM, or the like 39 alternative inside pouch 39 40 cover, blanket, or shawl 40 made of a rain repellant, breathable and ventilated material 42 42 a durable, rain repellant and breathable material 42 45 means 45 affixed to the cover 40 to removably attach the cover 40 to the jacket/apparel 50 at the receivable means 55, the means 45 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro RTM 50 apparel 50 such as a jacket, coat, hoodie, sweatshirt, or sweater for a toddler 90 51 apparel fastener 51 such as a zipper, snaps or loops 52 hood 52 for a jacket 50 55 the receivable means 55 affixed to the apparel/jacket 50 to attach to the means 45 on the cover 40, the means 55 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro RTM 70 prior Art 70 Patent 5,077,837 by Senser - Convertible Outerwear Garment 71 prior Art 71 Patent 9,498,007 by Rizk - Child's Outerwear Garment 72 prior Art 72 Patent 5,535,449 by Dickey - Outer Wrap clothing 73 prior Art 73 Patent 6,266,822 by Joyce - Sleepwear and secured Blanket-like Member 74 prior Art 74 Patent 5,781,946 by McEntire et al. - Attachable Blanket/seat cover for portable infant car seat or apparatus 90 a toddler or infant 90 95 a head 95 of a toddler or infant 90

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] This invention relates to a special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist. The field of the present invention relates to water-resistant blankets and coats. In particular, apparatus and methods are described herein for use when temporarily outdoors as a water and wind-resistant coat or blanket. The present invention is related to clothing, and more particularly to an article of outer wrap clothing for children. It can relate in general to an infant blanket/seat cover, specifically to such infant blanket/seat cover which is used for comfort and wrapping an infant at the same time placing such infant in an infant car seat or in an infant apparatus used to hold an infant in a safe manner while in transit by automobile, baby stroller or any other type of apparatus used as a means to transport an infant from place to place. This invention relates to children's garments and, in particular, to a child's outerwear garment designed for maximum safety when used with the restraint belts of a car seat.

[0036] The advantages for the Special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0037] A. Is breathable/ventilated and comfortable material; [0038] B. Is easy to wash/keep clean; [0039] C. Is made of a Durable material and fabric; [0040] D. Is easy to put on and take off; [0041] E. Guards against extreme weather conditions; [0042] F. Provides protection from sun rays; [0043] G. Is extremely convenient; [0044] H. Has the ability to change colors of blankets being used; [0045] I. Is removable hoodie/blankets; [0046] J. Can be Eco-friendly using materials adapted to the environment; [0047] K. Has versatility with its plurality of uses; [0048] L. Is easy to put on and take off; [0049] M. Has the ability to transport child made easier and more convenient than a standard jacket or blanket; [0050] N. Allows parents to travel with a lighter load (i.e. no need to carry car seat everywhere); [0051] O. Gives parents an opportunity to complete the running of their errands both faster and more efficiently; and [0052] P. Helps to keep the child from catching a cold, getting sunburn, or bugs flying into the child's personal space as he or she is shielded from all these things.

[0053] The preferred embodiment of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 is comprised of: (a) an apparel made of a durable, rain repellent material 42; (b) a means for covering 40 the baby/toddler, the means further comprised of a durable, rain repellent and breathable material 42; (c) at least two means for removably attaching 30/50 the means for covering to the apparel; and (d) the apparel further comprised with a pouch 36 that has an inner compartment 36A, a means 37 to close the pouch, and a means 38 to removably attach the means for covering 40 to the inner pocket wherein the means for covering is stored in the inner pouch for use and wherein the cover can extend out of the pouch and over the head of the baby/toddler to keep the baby/toddler dry while the baby/toddler can still breathe freely through the material of the means for covering.

[0054] There is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a complete description and operative embodiment of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-7 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0055] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special baby/toddler jacket 30. It is understood, however, that the special baby/toddler jacket device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of apparel such as jackets, hoodies and coat Devices are still understood by one skilled in the art of toddler and infant protective apparel to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0056] FIGS. 1A through 1C are sketches of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head 95 of a toddler 90 or infant; a prototype 33 or sample of a special baby/toddler jacket; and a toddler 90 using 35 the special baby/toddler jacket 30. In these sketches are shown: a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head and to attach at the waist of a toddler or infant 90; a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head of a toddler 90 and to attach at the waist; an example of using 35 the special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a protective cover 40; a toddler or infant 90; and a head 95 of a toddler or infant 90

[0057] FIGS. 2A through 2D are sketches of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 with components and features noted. Portrayed in these sketches are: a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head and to attach at the waist of a toddler or infant 90; a pouch 36 with an inner compartment 36A and closeable end 36B; an inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36; a closeable end 36B of the pouch 36; a cover, blanket, or shawl 40 made of a rain repellant breathable and ventilated material 42, a rain repellant and breathable material 42; a means 45 affixed to the cover 40 to removably attach the cover 40 to the jacket/Non-Provisional apparel 50 at the receivable means 55, the means 45 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro; a garment or apparel 50 such as a jacket, hoodie, sweatshirt, sweater for a toddler 90; an apparel fastener 51 such as a zipper, snaps or loops; a hood 52 for a jacket 50; and the receivable means 55 affixed to the apparel/jacket 50 to attach to the means 45 on the cover 40, the means 55 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro; a toddler or infant 90; a head 95 of a toddler or infant 90

[0058] FIGS. 3A through 3D are sketches of a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 with the components and features shown from front and back view and with and without the cover 40. Demonstrated here are: a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head of a toddler 90 and to attach at the waist; a pouch 36 with an inner compartment 36A and closeable end 36B; an inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36; a closeable end 36B of the pouch 36; an alternative inside pouch 39; a cover, blanket, or shawl 40 made of a rain repellant, breathable, and ventilated material 42, a rain repellant and breathable material 42; a means 45 affixed to the cover 40 to removably attach the cover 40 to the jacket/apparel 50 at the receivable means 55, the means 45 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro; a garment or apparel 50 such as a jacket, hoodie, sweatshirt, sweater for a toddler 90; an apparel fastener 51 such as a zipper, snaps or loops; a hood 52 for a jacket 50; and the receivable means 55 affixed to the apparel/jacket 50 to attach to the means 45 on the cover 40, the means 55 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro; a toddler or infant 90; a head 95 of a toddler or infant 90

[0059] FIGS. 4A through 4D are additional sketches of a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 with the components and features shown from front and back view and with and without the cover. Again are seen the following features and components: a prototype or sample 33 of a special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head of a toddler 90 and to attach at the waist; an example of using 35 the special baby/toddler jacket called Anourique with a protective cover 40; a pouch 36 with an inner compartment 36A and closeable end 36B; an inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36; a closeable end 36B of the pouch 36; an alternative inside pouch 39; a cover, blanket, or shawl 40 made of a rain repellant, breathable, and ventilated material 42, a rain repellant and breathable material 42; a means 45 affixed to the cover 40 to removably attach the cover 40 to the jacket/apparel 50 at the receivable means 55, the means 45 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro; a garment or apparel 50 such as a jacket, hoodie, sweatshirt, sweater for a toddler 90; an apparel fastener 51 such as a zipper, snaps or loops; a hood 52 for a jacket 50; and the receivable means 55 affixed to the apparel/jacket 50 to attach to the means 45 on the cover 40, the means 55 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a loop of a hook and loop like Velcro. Also one can see the means 37 for closing and openably securing the pouch 36 at the closable end 36B and a means 38 for holding one end of the blanket 40 inside the inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36, the means 38 being such as a snap, a button, a clasp, a zipper, a hook and loop like Velcro, or the like.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a sketch of a prototype for a toddler using the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head. This shows the front and back with and without a cover 40. The other referenced items are labeled and shown above with FIGS. 3 A through 3 D and 4 A through 4D.

[0061] Materials and features anticipated are: The durable and breathable/ventilated plus rain repellent material 42a fabric with repelling sheen on the exterior surface and a soft texture on the inner surface. The anticipated materials are: natural materials like cotton, wool, fleece, hemp, jute, denim, and silk; synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, aramids; or a recycled blend of polyester, cotton or nylon, or a combination of the above stated fabrics. The means for attaching 38, 45, 55include a metal, plastic or composite snap with a male stud/female socket half; a button and button hole/aperture; a metal or plastic clasp made of a hook and eye combination; a zipper; and a hook and loop like Velcro. One of the key driving components of this is to allow parents to travel with a lighter load (i.e. no need to carry car seat everywhere), as well as an opportunity to complete the running of their errands both faster and more efficiently. Finally, it will also be a benefit of helping to keep the child from catching a cold, getting sunburn, or bugs flying into the child's personal space as he or she is shielded from all.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a sketch of a toddler using the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head. This is discussed below in the operations section.

[0063] FIGS. 7A through 7E are sketches of prior art. Here former patents and applications for various infant cover garments are shown. These include: prior Art 70 U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,837 by SenserConvertible Outerwear Garment; prior Art 71 U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,007 by RizkChild's Outerwear Garment; prior Art 72 U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,449 by DickeyOuter Wrap clothing; prior Art 73 U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,822 by JoyceSleepwear and secured Blanket-like Member; and prior Art 74 U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,946 by McEntire et al.Attachable Blanket/seat cover for portable infant car seat or apparatus. As can be seen, the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist is a unique combination and use as described herein.

[0064] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the special baby/toddler jacket 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of infant and toddler apparel and protective shawls, blankets and cover devices and their uses well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0065] The special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the special baby/toddler jacket 30. The preferred embodiment of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 is comprised of: (a) an apparel made of a durable, rain repellent material 42; (b) a means for covering 40 the baby/toddler, the means further comprised of a durable, rain repellent and breathable material 42; (c) at least two means for removably attaching 30/50 the means for covering to the apparel; and (d) the apparel further comprised with a pouch 36 that has an inner compartment 36A, a means 37 to close the pouch, and a means 38 to removably attach the means for covering 40 to the inner pocket wherein the means for covering is stored in the inner pouch for use and wherein the cover can extend out of the pouch and over the head of the baby/toddler to keep the baby/toddler dry while the baby/toddler can still breathe freely through the material of the means for covering.

[0066] The device and product started as simply an idea of baby in blanket. It is to allow parents of new born babies, toddlers, and infants to be given the great convenience of having a blanket available to shield the child from any kind of weather conditions (i.e. snow, rain, chill in the air, excessive sunlight, etc.) when they are carrying the child from the car into the house, church, grocery store, or wherever. The basis of this idea is to alleviate the need of always having to carry the child in the car seat and try to keep the blanket over the child in lieu of carrying a heavy seat, diaper bag, and other belongings. The Anourique device is conceived by the essential addition of the blanket conveniently attached (via snaps or other means) inside the child's jacket (located at the collar position on the inside or out of the jacket) with the ability for the blanket/cover to be unrolled and pulled comfortably to cover the child's frontal area from their head to their waist position. With an effort to keep the blanket from blowing off in the wind, additional snaps/securing means are located at or near the waist-line to secure the cover and keep the child warm or free of the weather condition needing to be avoided.

[0067] The special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head 95 and to attach at the waist, operates as follows: first, the cover 40 is in the inner compartment 36A of the pouch 36; next, the pouch top flap 37 is opened by disengaging the means to secure 38; one remembers that the cover 40 at one end is connected to the pouch 36 by a means 37B for securing; then, the cover 40 is un-rolled and extends cape-like behind the infant 90; further, the cover 40 can now be attached at the back of the jacket 50 with securing means 45; alternatively, the cover 40 can be extended over the head 95 of the infant 90 and secured to the front means 55 for securing. To replace the cover into the pouch, the steps are simply reversed.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a sketch of a toddler 90 using 35 the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover 40 to protect the head 95. Here the cover 40 is in operation. The components shown here are: the cover 40; the apparel or jacket 50; the means 45 to fasten the cover 40 to the jacket 45; and the toddler 90 plus the head 95 of the toddler.

[0069] With this description it is to be understood that the special baby/toddler jacket 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the special baby/toddler jacket 30 called Anourique with a cover to protect the head and to attach at the waist are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0070] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0071] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0072] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0073] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0074] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.