HERB MULTITOOL
20250261687 ยท 2025-08-21
Inventors
Cpc classification
A24F9/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
An herb multitool includes a first feature configured to scoop herbs from a first structure, a second feature configured to pack the herbs in a second structure, and a third structure configured to clean one or more herbs from at least one of the first structure or the second structure.
Claims
1. An herb multitool comprising: a first feature configured to scoop herbs from a first structure; a second feature configured to pack the herbs in a second structure; and a third feature configured to clean one or more herbs from at least one of the first structure or the second structure.
2. The herb multitool of claim 1 further comprising a fourth feature configured to pack the herbs in a third structure, wherein the second feature and the fourth feature are different sizes.
3. The herb multitool of claim 2 further comprising: a central portion; and a plurality of arms comprising: a first arm extending from the central portion, wherein the first feature is disposed at a first arm distal end of the first arm; a second arm extending from the central portion, wherein the second feature is disposed at a second arm distal end of the second arm; a third arm extending from the central portion, wherein the third feature is disposed at a third arm distal end of the third arm; and a fourth arm extending from the central portion, wherein the fourth feature is disposed at a fourth arm distal end of the fourth arm.
4. The herb multitool of claim 3 further comprising a fifth feature configured to secure the second structure, the fifth feature being disposed at a midway point of one of the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, or the fourth arm.
5. The herb multitool of claim 4, wherein: the first feature is a scoop; the second feature is a first packer; the third feature is a pick; the fourth feature is a second packer that is larger than the first packer; and the fifth feature forms a channel or recess in a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms to secure the second structure.
6. The herb multitool of claim 3, wherein one or more of the plurality of arms are modular and configured to receive detachable or interchangeable attachments for one or more of scooping, packing, or cleaning.
7. The herb multitool of claim 6, wherein the detachable or interchangeable attachments comprise features configured for one or more of: herb preparation comprising at least one of the scooping, the packing, or the cleaning; handling or securing smoking accessories; providing maintenance, storage, or utility functions; or performing additional tasks related to smoking sessions.
8. The herb multitool of claim 1 further comprising a plastic body, wherein at least one of the second feature or the third feature comprises metal to provide heat resistance and durability.
9. The herb multitool of claim 8, wherein at least one metal component is disposed on the second feature or the third feature to provide the heat resistance and the durability.
10. The herb multitool of claim 3, wherein the central portion of the herb multitool or one or more of the plurality of arms of the herb multitool comprises a surface configured to display an identifier.
11. The herb multitool of claim 3, wherein the herb multitool is substantially symmetrical, and wherein the plurality arms are substantially evenly distributed around a central axis of the herb multitool.
12. A method comprising: scooping, using a first feature of an herb multitool, first herbs from a first structure; transferring, using the first feature, the first herbs to a second structure; packing, using a second feature of the herb multitool, the first herbs in the second structure; and cleaning, using a third feature of the herb multitool, one or more herbs from at least one of the first structure or the second structure.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising packing, using a fourth feature of the herb multitool, second herbs in a third structure, wherein the second feature and the fourth feature are different sizes.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising securing, using a fifth feature of the herb multitool, the second structure, the fifth feature being disposed at a midway point of one of a plurality of arms of the herb multitool.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the herb multitool comprises modular arms that have detachable features that are interchangeable based on size or type of herbs and structures.
16. An herb multitool comprising: a plurality of arms comprising: a first arm and a second arm that are disposed along a first axis; and a third arm and a fourth arm that are disposed along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis; and a plurality of features configured to one or more of scoop, pack, or clean herbs, the plurality of features comprising: a first feature disposed at a distal end of the first arm and a second feature disposed at a distal end of the second arm, wherein the first feature and the second feature are disposed along the first axis; and a third feature disposed at a distal end of the third arm and a fourth feature disposed at a distal end of the fourth arm, wherein the third feature and the fourth feature are disposed along the second axis.
17. The herb multitool of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of arms comprises a fifth feature that is configured to secure a container to receive the herbs.
18. The herb multitool of claim 16, wherein the plurality of features comprise: a scoop configured to scoop the herbs from a first container into a second container; a first packer configured to pack the herbs into the second container; and a pick configured to clean one or more herbs from one or more of the first container or the second container.
19. The herb multitool of claim 18, wherein the plurality of features further comprise a second packer that has a different size than the first packer.
20. The herb multitool of claim 16 further comprising a central portion, wherein the plurality of arms extend from the central portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to an or one embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
[0005]
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0007] Embodiments described herein are related to herb multitools.
[0008] Herbs are widely used for various purposes. For example, herbs include seasonings in culinary applications and as consumables in smoking accessories. Herbs may be removed from a first structure and placed in a second structure. Herbs may include seasoning, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, medical herbs, etc.
[0009] Conventionally, herbs may be scooped out of a first structure using a first tool, the scooped herbs may be packed into a second structure using a second tool, and the herbs may be scraped out of one or more structures and/or aerated using a third tool. If the second structure is a different size, a fourth tool may be used. A fifth tool may be used to secure the second structure during the packing of the second structure. Tools may include random objects that are available (e.g., a scoop, a pencil, a miniature toy sword, etc.). Some of the tools (e.g., pencil, etc.) may not be hygienic and may contaminate the herbs and/or one or more structures. One or more of the tools may not be cleaned, may be lost, or may become damaged.
[0010] Preparing these herbs often involves multiple steps, such as grinding, scooping, transferring, packing, and cleaning. Traditionally, users rely on a combination of single-function toolssuch as spoons, packing sticks, or random objects like pencilsto perform these tasks. However, these conventional tools are often unhygienic, cumbersome to use, or poorly suited to the specific requirements of herb preparation.
[0011] There is a growing demand for compact, multifunctional tools that address the challenges of herb preparation. Users seek tools that are hygienic, easy to use, and capable of performing multiple tasks while remaining portable and durable. Additionally, there is a need for designs that cater to diverse user groups, including those with accessibility needs. Conventional tools require fine motor control, making conventional tools difficult for individuals with dexterity challenges, such as those with neuropathy, arthritis, or other conditions affecting grip strength and precision. Users with these conditions often struggle with handling small tools, exerting force to pack herbs, or maintaining a steady grip during the process. Conventional products fail to accommodate these needs, leaving a gap in the market for an ergonomic, all-in-one tool that simplifies herb preparation without requiring extensive dexterity.
[0012] The components, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide an herb multitool. The herb multitool of the present disclosure may provide solutions to the shortcomings of conventional systems. The herb multitool of the present disclosure may solve the problems of conventional systems by integrating multiple featuressuch as scooping, packing, and/or cleaninginto a single, ergonomic design.
[0013] An herb multitool may include a first feature configured to scoop herbs from a first structure, a second feature configured to clean the herbs from one or more structures (e.g., the first structure, the second structure), and a third feature configured to pack the herbs in a second structure. Each of the features may be disposed at a distal end of a corresponding arm that extends from a central portion of the herb multitool.
[0014] In some embodiments, the herb multitool of the present disclosure is designed for the preparation, handling, and packing of herbs into a structure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to devices that integrate multiple functions-such as scooping, packing, and cleaning-into a single tool for use in smoking accessories, culinary applications, and herbal preparation. The herb multitool of the present disclosure is configured to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges, such as those with neuropathy, arthritis, or other conditions that affect fine motor skills, providing a user-friendly and ergonomic solution for herb preparation.
[0015] The components, systems, and methods disclosed herein have advantages over conventional solutions. The herb multitool of the present disclosure may have features that are used to perform separate functions compared to separate random objects that are conventionally used to perform the separate functions. The herb multitool of the present disclosure may be more easily cleaned that separate random objects that are conventionally used. This allows the herb multitool to be more hygienic and to avoid contamination of herbs and/or structures. The herb multitool may have features that are easier to clean, less easily lost, and/or less easily damaged than random objects that are conventionally used. The herb multitool of the present disclosure better accommodates accessibility needs (e.g., is an ergonomic, all-in-one tool that simplifies herb preparation without requiring extensive dexterity) compared to conventional solutions.
[0016] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe an herb multitool that has five features, in some embodiments, the herb multitool has two or more features, three or more features, four or more features, five or more features, or greater than five features.
[0017]
[0018] Herbs may refer to a portion of a plant that has been processed. A portion of a plant may include one or more of a leaf, a leafy green, a flowing part, bud, stalk, stem, seeds, bark, root, fruit, inner bark, cambium (e.g., growth tissue in stems and roots of plants), resin, pericarp (e.g., walls of plant ovary), seed walls, plant tissue, dust, by-products, etc. The portion of the plant may be proceed by one or more of drying, grinding (e.g., finely-grinding), curing, aging, oxidation, degradation, air-curing, fire-curing, flue-curing, heat-curing, sun-curing, fermenting, sweating, mixing with other products (e.g., cohesive agent, binder, humectant, flavor, preservatives), etc. In some embodiments, herbs may include a ground leaf or bud of a plant. In some embodiments, the herbs may include one or more of ground tobacco, ground cannabis, ground hemp, seasoning, spices, etc.
[0019] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is a tool that scoops, packs, and cleans. In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is a tool that includes a scooping feature, a packing feature, and a cleaning feature. In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is a smoker article (e.g., multifunction smoker article) including a scoop (e.g., shovel, bottom and side walls that taper to the distal end and an open top), a pick (e.g., a pointed feature, tapered feature, pointed feature), a packer (e.g., blunt feature, non-pointed feature, substantially round perimeter, substantially hexagonal perimeter, larger or substantially the same width as the arm 110), and a cone holder (e.g., channel or recess). In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is three-dimensionally (3D) printed as one continuous part. In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is formed by injection molding. In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is made of metal (e.g., aluminum) via one or more operations (e.g., molding, machining, extrusion, casting, forging). In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes two or more parts that are joined (e.g., screwed, adhered, etc.) together (e.g., metal pick screwed into the plastic main body of the herb multitool 100). In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes one or more metal parts (e.g., metal pick, entire herb multitool 100 is metal, etc.).
[0020] In some embodiments, a hybrid design of the herb multitool 100 may also be employed, where the body of the herb multitool is made of plastic, while specific features (e.g., pick and packer tips) are made of metal (e.g., protective portion 350 of
[0021] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes a central portion 102.
[0022] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes one or more arms 110. The one or more arms 110 may extend from the central portion 102.
[0023] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes one or more features 120. Each feature 120 may be disposed at a distal end of a corresponding arm 110. In some embodiments, a feature 120C is configured to scoop herbs from a first structure, a feature 120B is configured to clean the herbs from one or more structures (e.g., the first structure, the second structure), and feature 120A is configured to pack the herbs in a second structure. In some embodiments, feature 120D is configured to pack the herbs in a third structure, where feature 120D and feature 120A are different sizes.
[0024] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 may include modular arms with detachable or screw-on attachments (e.g., removable portion 140 of
[0030] The modular attachments may be sold individually or as part of a kit, allowing users to customize the multitool to suit their specific needs. This versatility provides a comprehensive solution for herb preparation, accessory management, and maintenance tasks commonly encountered by users. In some embodiments, the modular attachments may include locking mechanisms (e.g., screw-locks, snap-locks, or magnetic locks) to ensure the attachments remain secure during use.
[0031] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 further includes a feature 120E that is configured to secure the second structure or the third structure. The fifth structure may be disposed at a midway point of one of the arms 110.
[0032] In some embodiments, one or more first arms 110 (e.g., arm 110A and arm 110C) are disposed along a first axis of the herb multitool 100 and one or more second arms 110 (e.g., arm 110B and arm 110D) are disposed along a second axis of the herb multitool 100. The first axis and the second axis may be substantially perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, arm 110B is substantially perpendicular to arm 110A, arm 110C is substantially perpendicular to arm 110B, arm 110D is substantially perpendicular to arm 110C, and arm 110A is substantially perpendicular to arm 110D.
[0033] In some embodiments, herb multitool 100 has two features 120 (e.g., a scoop and a packing feature). In some embodiments, herb multitool 100 has three features 120 (e.g., scoop, packing feature, and a pick). In some embodiments, herb multitool 100 has four features (e.g., scoop, a first packing feature, a pick, and a second packing feature). In some embodiments, herb multitool 100 has five features (e.g., a scoop, a first packing feature, a pick, a second packing feature, and a securing feature).
[0034]
[0035] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 may be produced in various shapes and configurations, including but not limited to symmetrical, compact, or elongated designs. These variations may offer improved ergonomics, portability, or aesthetic appeal based on user preference.
[0036]
[0037] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is a 5-in-1 multitool that is used for packing herbs (e.g., seasonings, tobacco, hemp, cannabis, etc.) into various structures (e.g., glass bowls, rolling papers, vaporizers, one-hitters, etc.).
[0038] The herb multitool may have features 120A-E.
[0039] Feature 120A may be a larger packer. Feature 120A may have a slightly rounded, blunt end used for packing herbs into structures (e.g., glass bowls, larger diameter structures, etc.).
[0040] Feature 120D may be a smaller packer. Feature 120D may be a rounded rod that is used for packing herbs into structures (e.g., paper cones, smaller diameter structures, etc.).
[0041] In some embodiments, feature 120A and/or feature 120D may be used to grind up herbs.
[0042] Feature 120C may be a scoop that is configured to shovel herbs from a first structure (e.g., container) to a second structure (e.g., glass bowl, paper cone, rolling paper, vaporizer, one-hitter, etc.). In some embodiments, feature 120C is a scoop that fits in seasoning containers (e.g., metal square tins of seasoning). In some embodiments, a portion of a plant (e.g., a leaf, a bud, etc.) is placed in a grinder, the grinder is used to grind the portion of the plant into herbs (e.g., powder, and feature 120C is used to scoop the herbs out of the grinder.
[0043] Feature 120B may be a pick that is configured for generating airflow through the herbs (e.g., aerate the herbs disposed in a structure) and/or may be used to clean structures (e.g., remove herbs from corners of structures, the first structure, the second structure). In some embodiments, feature 120B is used to remove herbs that are stuck in a container or grinder. In some embodiments, feature 120B is used to unclog a vaping device.
[0044] Feature 120E may be a holder (e.g., filter holder, cone holder) that is configured to secure a structure (e.g., paper cone) to assist with packing. In some embodiments, feature 120E forms a channel through the herb multitool 100. The channel may be used to secure the herb multitool 100 on a keychain, lanyard, etc. In some embodiments, feature 120E forms a hexagonal channel. In some embodiments, a screwdriver head (e.g., that has a hexagonal perimeter) is configured to be secured in the feature 120E to use the herb multitool 100 as a screwdriver.
[0045] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes customizable branding surfaces (e.g., identifier 130 of
[0046] In some embodiments, a first structure includes a canister portion (e.g., chamber) and a grinder portion (e.g., teeth, protrusions). The canister portion may be a bottom portion of the first structure and the grinder portion may be a top portion of the first structure. The canister portion and the grinder portion may be secured together to enclose one or more portions (e.g., leaf, bud, etc.) of one or more plants. The grinder portion may be used (e.g., by spinning the grinder portion, by moving the teeth of the grinder portion relative to the canister portion) to process (e.g., grind) the one or more portions of the one or more plants to produce herbs (e.g., ground plant product, powder). The herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120C (e.g., scoop, scooping feature) to scoop the herbs out of the first structure (e.g., canister portion) into a second structure. The herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120B (e.g., pick, cleaning feature) to cause herbs to be unstuck from the first structure (e.g., from corners of the canister portion, from recesses of the grinder portion). Then the herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120C (e.g., scoop, scooping feature) to scoop the unstuck herbs from the first structure to place in the second structure.
[0047] The herb multitool 100 may be used to complete the entire process of herb preparation, including one or more of (e.g., in the order shown or in a different order, with one or more additional operations or one or more less operations): [0048] Scooping: using feature 120C to gather herbs from a first structure, such as a grinder or container; [0049] Packing: Using feature 120A or 120D to compress the herbs into a second structure, such as a bowl, cone, or pipe; and [0050] Clearing: After use, feature 120B can be used to clear ash or residue from the second structure.
[0051] This step-by-step process eliminates the need for multiple tools, providing users with an efficient and streamlined experience.
[0052] In some embodiments, the second structure is a pipe, bowl, bong, cone, wrapped paper, canister (e.g., seasoning canister, spice canister), bottle (e.g., seasoning bottle, spice canister), box (e.g., seasoning box, spice box), etc. In some embodiments, the second structure may be placed in the feature 120E (e.g., holder, holding feature, J-holder, filter holder, cone holder, etc.) of the herb multitool 100.
[0053] The herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120A and/or feature 120D (e.g., packer, packing feature) to pack the herbs into the second structure. Feature 120A may be used if the second structure meets a first threshold size (e.g., pipe, bowl, bong, etc.) and feature 120D may be used if the second structure meets a second threshold size (e.g., cone, wrapped paper, etc.). The second threshold size may be smaller than the first threshold size.
[0054] The herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120B (e.g., pick, cleaning feature) to cause aeration (e.g., making holes) in the packed herbs in the second structure. In some embodiments, the packed and aerated herbs may be ignited in the second structure (e.g., for inhaling of the smoke, for medicinal purposes, for recreational purposes, etc.). After the herbs have used (e.g., burned), the herb multitool 100 may be secured and moved by a user to cause feature 120B (e.g., pick, cleaning feature) to clean the residue of the used herbs from the second structure.
[0055] In some embodiments, an herb multitool 100 includes a first feature 120C configured to scoop herbs from a first structure, a second feature 120D configured to pack the herbs in a second structure, and/or a third feature 120B configured to clean one or more herbs from at least one of the first structure or the second structure.
[0056] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 further includes a fourth feature 120A configured to pack the herbs in a third structure, where the second feature 120D and the fourth feature 120A are different sizes.
[0057] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 further includes: a central portion 102; and arms 110. The arms 110 may include a first arm 110C extending from the central portion 102, where the first feature 120C is disposed at a first arm distal end of the first arm 110C; a second arm 110D extending from the central portion 102, where the second feature 120D is disposed at a second arm distal end of the second arm 110D; a third arm 110B extending from the central portion 102, wherein the third feature 120B is disposed at a third arm distal end of the third arm 110B; and a fourth arm 110A extending from the central portion 102, wherein the fourth feature 120A is disposed at a fourth arm distal end of the fourth arm 110A.
[0058] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 further includes a fifth feature 120E configured to secure the second structure. The fifth feature 120C may be disposed at a midway point of one of the arms (e.g., arm 110C).
[0059] In some embodiments, the first feature 120C is a scoop (e.g., shovel, bottom and side walls that taper to the distal end and an open top), the second feature 120D is a first packer (e.g., blunt feature, non-pointed feature, substantially hexagonal perimeter, substantially the same width as the arm 110D), the third feature 120B is a pick (e.g., a pointed feature, tapered feature, pointed feature, tapers from width of arm 110B to a substantial point), the fourth feature 120A is a second packer (e.g., blunt feature, non-pointed feature, substantially round perimeter, larger width than arm 110A) that is larger than the first packer, and the fifth feature 120E forms a channel or recess in a corresponding arm (e.g., arm 110C) to secure the second structure.
[0060] In some embodiments, two or more of the arms 110 have substantially the same size (e.g., width, height, and/or length).
[0061] In some embodiments, one or more of the arms 110 are modular and configured to receive detachable or interchangeable attachments for one or more of scooping, packing, or cleaning. In some examples, one or more of the arms 110 may have threading that interfaces with threading of the central portion 102. In some examples, one or more of the arms 110 may magnetically connect to the central portion 102. In some examples, one or more of the arms 110 and the central portion 102 are configured to fasten together. In some embodiments, the detachable or interchangeable attachments include features configured for one or more of: herb preparation comprising at least one of scooping, packing, or cleaning; handling or securing smoking accessories; providing maintenance, storage, or utility functions; and/or performing additional tasks related to smoking sessions.
[0062] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes a plastic body (e.g., central portion 102 and/or one or more of arms 110). At least one of the features (e.g., second feature 120D or the third feature 120B) includes metal to provide heat resistance and durability. In some embodiments, at least one metal component (e.g., metal cap) is disposed on the second feature 120D or the third feature 120B to provide the heat resistance and the durability.
[0063] In some embodiments, the central portion 102 of the herb multitool 100 or one or more of the arms 110 of the herb multitool 100 includes a surface configured to display an identifier 130 (e.g., see
[0064] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 is substantially symmetrical. The arms 110 may be substantially evenly distributed around a central axis of the herb multitool 100.
[0065] In some embodiments, a method includes: scooping, using a first feature 120C of an herb multitool 100, first herbs from a first structure; transferring, using the first feature 120C, the first herbs to a second structure; packing, using a second feature 120D of the herb multitool 100, the first herbs in the second structure; and cleaning, using a third feature 120B of the herb multitool 100, one or more herbs from at least one of the first structure or the second structure. In some embodiments, the method further includes packing, using a fourth feature 120A of the herb multitool 100, second herbs in a third structure, where the second feature 120D and the fourth feature 120A are different sizes. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing, using a fifth feature 120E of the herb multitool 100, the second structure, the fifth feature 120E being disposed at a midway point of an arm 110 of the herb multitool 100.
[0066] In some embodiments, the herb multitool 100 includes modular arms 110 that have detachable features that are interchangeable based on size or type of herbs and structures.
[0067] An herb multitool 100 may include arms 110 and features 120. The arms 110 may include a first arm and a second arm that are disposed along a first axis; and a third arm and a fourth arm that are disposed along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The features 120 may be configured to one or more of scoop, pack, or clean herbs. The features 120 may include: a first feature disposed at a distal end of the first arm and a second feature disposed at a distal end of the second arm, wherein the first feature and the second feature are disposed along the first axis; and a third feature disposed at a distal end of the third arm and a fourth feature disposed at a distal end of the fourth arm, wherein the third feature and the fourth feature are disposed along the second axis. At least one of the arms 110 may include a fifth feature 120E that is configured to secure a container to receive the herbs.
[0068] The features 120 may include: a scoop configured to scoop the herbs from a first container into a second container; a first packer configured to pack the herbs into the second container; and a pick configured to clean one or more herbs from one or more of the first container or the second container. The features may include a second packer that has a different size than the first packer. The herb multitool 100 may include a central portion 102 and the arms 110 may extend from the central portion 102.
[0069]
[0070] Feature 120A (e.g., larger packer) may have a diameter (e.g., height and width) of about 9 mm (e.g., see
[0071] Feature 120C (e.g., scoop) may have a height of about 6 millimeters (mm) (e.g., see
[0072] Feature 120E (e.g., securing feature, portion of arm forming a channel or recess) may have a height (e.g., see
[0073] The herb multitool 100 may have a length (e.g., see
[0074] In some embodiments, the dimensions of herb multitool 100 are 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% than the dimensions shown in
[0075] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations can vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0076] The terms over, under, between, disposed on, support, and on as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.
[0077] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, some embodiments, or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase in one embodiment, some embodiments, or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term or is intended to mean an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. When the term about, substantially, or approximately is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%.
[0078] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be altered so that certain operations are performed in an inverse order so that certain operations are performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations are in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
[0079] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.