ICE BAG SYSTEM

Abstract

An ice bag system is provided. The ice bag system includes an ice bag and a seal bar. The ice bag defines a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two side gussets. The top defines a spout, the bottom defines a bottom opening, and the two side gussets each define a gripping gusset. The bottom opening extends across an entire width of the bottom. The seal bar is attached to the bottom of the ice bag to seal the bottom openings.

Claims

1. An ice bag system comprising: an ice bag defining a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two side gussets, wherein the top defines a spout, the bottom defines a bottom opening, and the two side gussets each define a gripping gusset, wherein the bottom opening extends across an entire width of the bottom; and a seal bar attached to the bottom of the ice bag to seal the bottom opening.

2. The ice bag system of claim 1, wherein the gripping gussets each include at least one fold that defines a gripping surface of the ice bag.

3. The ice bag system of claim 2, wherein the gripping gussets each further include at least one seam that further defines the gripping surface of the ice bag.

4. The ice bag system of claim 3, wherein the at least one seam includes two seams.

5. The ice bag system of claim 4, wherein the two seams attach the gripping gussets to the front and the back of the ice bag.

6. The ice bag system of claim 1, wherein the sealing bar is configured to be slid onto the bottom of the ice bag to seal the bottom opening.

7. The ice bag system of claim 6, wherein the bottom of the ice bag is configured to be folded prior to sliding the seal bar onto the bottom of the ice bag to further seal the bottom opening.

8. An ice bag system comprising: an ice bag defining a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two side gussets, wherein the top defines a spout, the bottom defines a bottom opening, the two side gussets each define a gripping gusset, and the ice bag defines a visual indicator configured to enable a user to view a volume of liquid within the ice bag, wherein the bottom opening extends across an entire width of the bottom; and a seal bar attached to the bottom of the ice bag to seal the bottom opening.

9. The ice bag system of claim 8, wherein the gripping gussets each include at least one fold that defines a gripping surface of the ice bag.

10. The ice bag system of claim 9, wherein the gripping gussets each further include at least one seam that further defines the gripping surface of the ice bag.

11. The ice bag system of claim 10, wherein the at least one seam includes two seams.

12. The ice bag system of claim 11, wherein the two seams attach the gripping gussets to the front and the back of the ice bag.

13. The ice bag system of claim 8, wherein the sealing bar is configured to be slid onto the bottom of the ice bag to seal the bottom opening.

14. The ice bag system of claim 13, wherein the bottom of the ice bag is configured to be folded prior to sliding the seal bar onto the bottom of the ice bag to further seal the bottom opening.

15. A method of cooling an object, the method comprising: providing an ice bag system comprising an ice bag and a seal bar, the ice bag defines a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two side gussets, wherein the top defines a spout, the bottom defines a bottom opening, and the two sides each define a gripping gusset, wherein the bottom opening extends across an entire width of the bottom; opening the bottom opening; filling the ice bag with a cooling medium through the bottom opening; sealing the bottom opening with the seal bar; and positioning the ice bag system proximate the object to cool the object.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising sliding the seal bar onto the bottom of the ice bag.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising folding the bottom of the ice bag prior to sliding the seal bar onto the bottom of the ice bag.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising removing the seal bar from the bottom of the ice bag prior to opening the bottom opening.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the cooling medium comprises ice.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the cooling medium comprises water, and wherein the method further comprises freezing the water into ice.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an ice bag in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view, viewed from the left, of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view, viewed from the right, of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a filled configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view, viewed from the left, of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view, viewed from the right, of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an empty configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the ice bag shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the seal bar shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of cooling an object in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to, among other things, a versatile ice bag system 100. The system 100 includes an expandable, leak-proof ice pack optimized to significantly enhance the cooling duration of contents within insulated containers. Notably the system 100 described herein outperforms traditional ice bags that may leak and may not cool for extend periods of time. The ice bag system 100 is adaptable, capable of holding and freezing various mediums, including liquids and ice cubes, and reducing the temperature of adjacent food or beverages. The system 100 functions not only as a cooling agent but also as a leak-proof drinking container, offering dual utility.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-17, the system 100 includes an ice bag 102 and a seal bar 104. The seal bar 104 seals a bottom 106 of the ice bag 102 and is capable of sliding off and on the ice bag 102 as described herein. The ice bag 102 includes a front 108, a back 110, a top 112, the bottom 106, a pop-out spout 114 attached to the top 112, two side gussets 116, and a bottom opening 118. The bottom opening 118 enables a user to fill the ice bag 102 with ice, or some other cooling medium, and the pop-out spout 114 enables the user to drink from the ice bag 102 as the ice melts. As such, the system 100 described herein doubles as an ice bag to keep food cool and as a drinking bag.

[0032] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the ice bag 102 in a filled configuration, FIGS. 8-14 illustrate the ice bag in an empty configuration with the seal bar 104 attached, FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the ice bag 102 in an open configuration, FIG. 17 illustrates the ice bag 102 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the seal bar 104 can slide off or on the ice bag 102 to seal the bottom opening 118 or open the bottom opening 118. The user can fill the ice bag 102 with ice and the ice can keep adjacent food cold. Additionally, the pop-out spout 114 enables the user to drink water or other liquids stored in the bag from the ice bag 102 as the ice within the ice bag 102 melts.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the pop-out spout 114 includes a drinkable, closable spout attached to the top 112 of the ice bag 102. The pop-out spout 114 may be any type of drinkable, closable spout that enables the ice bag 102 described herein to operate as described herein.

[0034] On the opposite side of the ice bag 102, the bottom 106 includes the bottom opening 118 and the seal bar 104. The seal bar 104 is designed to be removed and reattached to the ice bag 102, ensuring a watertight seal whenever required. The seal bar includes an outer body 120 and an inner shaft 122. The outer body 120 defines a cylindrical shaft and the inner shaft 122 includes a shaft positioned within the cylindrical shaft. The distance between the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122 is sufficient to receive the ice bag 102 and, more specifically, to receive the ice bag 102 such that the ice bag 102 wraps around the inner shaft 122. The ice bag 102 may include a fold that enables the seal bar 104 to be easily slid onto the bottom 106 of the ice bag 102. The folded bottom 106 of the ice bag 102 is inserted in between the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122. The seal bar 104 then smoothly slides in across the bottom 106, ensuring secure closure and a watertight seal. The seal bar 104 ensures the bag's contents remain protected and free from any potential leakage. The fold is designed to facilitate the insertion of the seal bar 104, ensuring a secure and watertight seal. The fold simplifies the process of sealing the bag 102, guaranteeing the contents remain protected and free from any potential leakage. Specifically, the fold is maneuvered by the user in between the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122. This action allows for the secure insertion of the seal bar 104, ensuring a robust and watertight seal that safeguards the contents of the embodiment. This design feature underscores the user-friendly nature of the invention, making it easy to operate and highly effective in maintaining the freshness and coldness of its contents.

[0035] The innovative seal bar 104 is tailored for easy operation and reusability. This mechanism is designed for quick detachment and reattachment, enabling the user to fill the bag with various freezable substances, including liquids to be frozen or pre-formed ice cubes. Once secured, the sealing bar 104 establishes a strong, leak-resistant enclosure, ensuring the integrity of the ice bag's 102 contents during freezing, storage, and use. This design effectively prevents spillage, maintaining a clean and efficient cooling process.

[0036] Furthermore, the side gussets 116 enhance the ice bag system's 100 ergonomic design and ease of handling. The side gussets 116 improve grip and overall usability by defining gripping gussets on both sides of the ice bag 102 when the ice bag 102 is in an expanded or filled state. The side gussets 116 define at least one fold 130 that defines a gripping surface of the ice bag 102. The side gussets 116 also include two seams 132 that attach the side gussets 116 to the front 108 and the back 110. Additionally, the side gussets 116 enable the ice bag 102 to expand and increase the internal volume of the ice bag 102. This design not only optimizes storage capacity but also underscores the ice bag's 102 flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various applications. The ability to expand and contract as needed ensures that the ice bag 102 can accommodate different quantities of ice, liquids, or other contents while maintaining its form and functionality.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-17, the side gussets 116 are shaped such that the side gussets 116 form a top point 124 near the top 112 of the ice bag 102 and form a bottom point 126 near the bottom 106 of the ice bag 102. The top point 124 and the bottom point 126 define the ends of the side gussets 116 and enable the side gussets 116 to expand and fold back down such that the ice bag 102 expands as shown in FIGS. 1-7 and collapses as shown in FIGS. 8-14. As such, the shape of the side gussets 116 enable the ice bag 102 to expand and collapse as illustrated in FIGS. 1-17.

[0038] The filled configuration depicted in FIGS. 1-7 serves as a clear indicator of the embodiment's remarkable ability to expand its internal space. By unfolding the side gussets 116, the embodiment can significantly increase its storage capacity, accommodating a greater quantity of ice cubes or other contents. This flexible design allows users to adapt the embodiment to their specific cooling needs, making it an indispensable companion for various activities and environments. The illustration effectively conveys how the bag's space can be effortlessly expanded, making it a versatile and adaptable choice for various scenarios, from outdoor excursions to daily activities. The side gussets 116 facilitate horizontal expansion of the bag when filled with ice or liquid, effectively averting structural damage or rupture of the embodiment during filling and/or use.

[0039] The bottom opening 118 may extend across at least a portion of, and in some versions, across an entire width of the bottom 106 of the ice bag 102 to enable the user to easily and quickly fill the ice bag 102 with ice. The bottom opening 118 may thus create a wide, unobstructed mouth opening that enables easy and quick filling of the ice bag 102. This wide opening allows users to pour liquids, including beverages, water, and ice, directly into the container with ease, reducing the risk of spillage during the pouring process.

[0040] Additionally, the ice bag 102 may include a transparent section 128 that acts as a liquid volume indicator, providing a visual representation of the liquid's volume. The ice bag 102 may also include detailed sealing instructions printed on the bag 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] When positioned within a cooler, embodiments of the present disclosure function as highly effective dry freezer packs, ensuring the preservation of food and beverages in a fresh, dry, and cold state. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure include leak-proof technology, reducing the chances of any potential leakage.

[0042] The present disclosure describes a versatile ice bag system that is universally adaptable for use with a wide range of insulated containers, regardless of their capacity. Its design and functionality are optimized for efficiency in both small personal coolers and larger commercial-grade containers, making it an essential accessory for various applications, from individual use to large-scale event catering.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a multifunctional containment system with superior storage capabilities for a variety of substances. In addition, this system 100 may include an integrated visual indicator, which facilitates the monitoring of the quantity of any contents, including but not limited to water, ice, beverages, and other thermal-sensitive materials. The integrated visual indicator is designed to be universally recognizable and can adapt to display volume in different measurement units, enhancing the user's ability to manage content levels effectively.

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a flexible dispensing interface designed to facilitate the direct consumption of fluids from the system 100. The flexible dispensing interface is not restricted to a pop-out spout but includes a range of attachable and retractable dispensing mechanisms, adaptable for various liquids and flow rates, thereby accommodating a multitude of pouring and drinking preferences. Furthermore, the flexible dispensing interface is engineered to provide easy access and hygienic use for a variety of settings, from individual hydration needs to group-serving scenarios.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bag with at least one gusset 116 that enables easy grip, ensuring convenience in long outdoor activities. In the illustrated embodiment, the ice bag 102 includes two side gussets 116. In alternative embodiments, the ice bag 102 may include any number of side gussets 116 including one, three, four, or more side gussets 116. The side gussets 116 are strategically positioned and engineered to enable lateral expansion of the bag when filled with ice or liquid, preventing any structural damage or rupturing. The side gussets 116 also allow the bag to be resized, making it adaptable to different sizes. Furthermore, the side gussets offer the flexibility to roll the bag into a compact form, enabling convenient storage in various spaces. This reliable structural integrity makes the bag exceptionally robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the demands of various scenarios, from outdoor excursions to daily activities. In essence, the side gussets provide the bag with adjustability and versatility, making it a flexible solution for a wide range of applications.

[0046] The embodiments of the present disclosure introduce an innovative containment solution that significantly enhances the preservation of temperatures within the system 100. This solution is designed to maintain or lower the temperature of contents, potentially outperforming existing cooling methods and other cooling methods that are not limited to the use of ice, thereby extending thermal control for an extended period and being adaptable to various environmental conditions and user requirements.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure are constructed using materials that adhere to the highest standards of safety and sustainability for direct food contact, including but not limited to BPA-Free plastics. These materials are selected to balance sleek design with durability and superior thermal efficiency, suitable for a variety of applications and consumer preferences.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a versatile cooling bag system designed for immediate application. This system accommodates a variety of cooling elements, including pre-frozen ice cubes or other freezable substances, allowing for rapid deployment. Unlike traditional ice packs that necessitate pre-freezing, this innovative system enables users to load it with ready-to-use cooling elements and also allows for the option of filling and freezing on demand, catering to both instant and preparatory cooling strategies.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a flexible container system that allows for the encapsulation of various liquids, which can then be solidified into cooling elements of diverse shapes and sizes. This system is not limited to the creation of standard ice blocks but is adaptable to user-defined configurations and quantities, enabling personalized space management solutions.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a cooling bag with an advanced layered structure that may further include a thermally conductive gel or equivalent cooling agent that is securely encased between inner and outer walls. This design facilitates enhanced thermal efficiency with the use of chemicals currently used in ice packs, providing superior cooling retention compared to traditional ice bags. The inclusion of such materials is devised to optimize temperature control for prolonged periods, ensuring consistent cooling performance under various conditions while still maintaining the advantages of storage of preformed ice cubes or frozen water inside the bag.

[0051] The design of the system 100 embraces a range of dimensions and colors, providing diverse options to meet varying user needs and preferences. Additionally, an embodiment of the disclosed system 100 integrates a gel material within its structure, offering an alternative method for extended cooling potential when freezing the disclosed product.

[0052] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the seal bar 1800. The seal bar 1800 is substantially similar to the seal bar 104 except that the seal bar 1800 further includes at least one hook clip 1802 that enables the seal bar 1800 to be further attached to the ice bag 102 while the ice bag 102 is rolled up. More specifically, in some embodiments, as the ice in the ice bag 102 melts and is consumed, the ice bag 102 can be rolled up to save space. The hook clip 1802 can attach the seal bar 1800 to the side gussets 116 to maintain the ice bag 102 in such a rolled up configuration. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the seal bar 1800 may include two hook clips 1802 positioned on either side of the seal bar 1800. The seal bar 1800 is designed for effortless removal and reattachment, ensuring a watertight seal whenever required. The seal bar 1800 includes the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122. The outer body 120 defines a cylindrical shaft with a hole in the center and the inner shaft 122 includes a shaft positioned within the cylindrical shaft. The ice bag 102 may include a fold that enables the seal bar 1800 to be easily slid onto the bottom 106 of the ice bag 102. The folded bottom 106 of the ice bag 102 is inserted in between the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122. The seal bar 1800 then smoothly slides in across the bottom 106, ensuring secure closure and a watertight seal. The seal bar 1800 ensures the bag's contents remain protected and free from any potential leakage. The fold is designed to facilitate the insertion of the seal bar 1800, ensuring a secure and watertight seal. The fold simplifies the process of sealing the bag 102, guaranteeing the contents remain protected and free from any potential leakage. Specifically, the fold is maneuvered by the user in between the outer body 120 and the inner shaft 122. This action allows for the secure insertion of the seal bar 1800, ensuring a robust and watertight seal that safeguards the contents of the embodiment. This design feature underscores the user-friendly nature of the invention, making it easy to operate and highly effective in maintaining the freshness and coldness of its contents.

[0053] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1900 of cooling an object. The method 1900 includes providing 1902 an ice bag system comprising an ice bag and a seal bar. The ice bag defines a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two side gussets. The top defines a spout, the bottom defines a bottom opening, and the two sides each define a gripping gusset. The bottom opening extends across an entire width of the bottom. The method 1900 also includes opening 1904 the bottom opening. The method 1900 further includes filling 1906 the bag with a cooling medium through the bottom opening. The method 1900 also includes sealing 1908 the bottom opening with the seal bar. The method 1900 further includes positioning 1910 the ice bag system proximate the object to cool the object.

[0054] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term exemplary used herein means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and not preferred or advantageous over other examples. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0055] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0056] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Terminology and Interpretative Conventions

[0057] Any methods described in the claims or specification should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless stated otherwise. Also, the methods should be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any order unless stated otherwise.

[0058] Spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, front, back, and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

[0059] Articles such as the, a, and an can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word or when used without a preceding either (or other similar language indicating that or is unequivocally meant to be exclusivee.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x or y means one or both x or y).

[0060] The term and/or shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x and/or y means one or both x or y). In situations where and/or or or are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.

[0061] The terms have, having, include, and including should be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. The use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by consisting or consisting essentially of.

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be 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 be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0063] All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

[0064] All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).

[0065] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general 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 in a manner that is 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 in this document shall mean or similar language (e.g., this term means, this term is defined as, for the purposes of this disclosure this 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 in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0066] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.