Watercraft Accessory

Abstract

Generally, an apparatus including a base removably mountable to a vehicle or craft and configured to secure a cooler and/or a paddle. Specifically, a watercraft accessory including a base removably mountable to a watercraft and configured to secure a paddle and/or a cooler.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a cooler having a cooler interior space defined by a cooler sidewall upwardly extending from a cooler bottom wall to a cooler sidewall rim defining a cooler opening into said cooler interior space, and a cooler top wall coupled to said cooler sidewall, said cooler top wall adapted to close said cooler opening to enclose said interior space, said cooler sidewall defining a cooler exterior surface; a base having a base interior space defined by a base sidewall upwardly extending from a base bottom wall to a base sidewall rim defining a base opening to said base interior space, said base sidewall configured to receive said cooler exterior surface through said base opening into said base interior space, said base sidewall mateably engages said cooler exterior surface to retain said cooler in said base.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first catch part coupled to said base and a second catch part coupled to said cooler, said first catch part matable engages said second catch part to secure said cooler in said base.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first catch part disengageable from said second catch part to release said first catch part from said second catch part to allow removal of said cooler from said base.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first catch part comprises a pair of first catch parts coupled on opposite sides of said base, wherein said second catch part comprises a pair of second catch parts coupled on opposite sides of said cooler, wherein said first pair of catch parts correspondingly mateably engage said second pair of catch parts to secure said cooler in said base.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said pair of first catch parts disengageable from said pair of second catch parts to release said cooler from said base.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of slots disposed in opposite sides of said base side wall, each of said pair of slots having a closed end proximate said base bottom wall and upwardly extending to an opening at said base sidewall rim.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said pair of slots configured to receive a cord with a cord medial portion disposed across said base bottom wall and having opposite end portions extending outside of said base, each of said end portions configured to attach to a watercraft to secure said base to said watercraft.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said pair of slots comprises a pair right angle slots each having slot first portion proximate said base bottom wall and upwardly extending to an opening at said base rim and a slot second portion extending from said slot first portion adjacent said base bottom wall to a slot second portion closed end.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said pair of right angle slots configured to receive a cord in said slot first portion and slidingly receive said cord in said slot second portion with a cord medial portion disposed across said base bottom wall with opposite end portions extending outside of said base, each of said end portions configured to attach to a watercraft secure said base to said watercraft.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of slots disposed in each one of opposite sides of said base side wall, wherein each of said pair of slots disposed in each one of opposite sides of said base sidewall having a closed end proximate said base bottom wall and upwardly extending to an opening in said base rim.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said pair of slots disposed in each of said opposite base sidewalls configured to receive a cord with a cord medial portion disposed across said base bottom wall and opposite end portions extending outside of said base, each of said end portions configured to attach to a watercraft to secure said base to said watercraft.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cord diagonally disposed across said base bottom wall.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said cord comprises a pair of cords each having a cord medial portion disposed diagonally across said base bottom wall, said pair of cords cross in a central area of said base bottom wall, wherein opposite end portions of each of said pair of cords extend outside of said base, wherein each of said end portions configured to attach to a watercraft to secure said base to said watercraft.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cord or each of said pair of cords comprise an elastically resilient cord.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of elastomer feet coupled to said base bottom wall and extending away from said base interior space, said plurality of elastomer feet configured to resiliently engage a watercraft.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said plurality of elastomer feet comprise a plurality of elastomer cups.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said plurality of elastomer cups each having a round concave surface extending to generally circular flexible cup rim.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said plurality of elastomer cups each comprise a suction cup.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a paddle holder coupled to said base sidewall, said paddle holder configured to receive a paddle.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said paddle holder comprises a generally semicircular trough which receives a paddle shaft.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein semicircular trough having opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges resiliently spread upon forcible urging of said paddle shaft to receive said paddle shaft.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a snap-fit structure coupled to one of said opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges, said snap-fit structure configured to form a removable snap-fit connection between said paddle holder and said paddle shaft.

24. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising one or more cup holders coupled to said base sidewall.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said one or more cup holders connect to said paddle holder.

26-72 (canceled)

Description

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Generally, with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D and 6A-6F, illustrative embodiments are depicted of an apparatus (1), methods of making an apparatus and methods of using an apparatus. Particular embodiments of the apparatus (1) can be secured to a watercraft (2) as a watercraft accessory (3) (as shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B); however, the illustrative examples depicted are not intended to preclude use of the apparatus (1) mounted, secured, or disposed on other types of vehicles, crafts or devices, or used separate from the vehicle, craft, watercraft or device.

[0028] For the purposes of this invention in which the apparatus (1) is secured to a watercraft (2), the term watercraft (2) means a vessel adapted to travel on water, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples of a watercraft include: uninflatable or inflatable yachts, boats, canoes, kayaks, dinghys, fishing boats, paddleboards, docks, and flotation devices.

[0029] Again, with general reference to FIG. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D and 6A-6F, embodiments of the invention can include a base (4). The base (4) can have a base interior space (5) defined by a base sidewall (6) upwardly extending from a base bottom wall (7) to a base sidewall rim (8) defining a base opening (9) to the base interior space (5). In particular embodiments, a pair of slots (10a, 10b) can be disposed in opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4), each of the pair of slots (10a, 10b) having a slot closed end (11) proximate the base bottom wall (7) and upwardly extending to a slot opening (12) in the base sidewall rim (8). Each of the pair of slots (10a, 10b) can be configured to receive a cord (13) through the slot opening (12). The cord (13) received within the pair of slots (10a, 10b) disposes a cord medial portion (13a) across the base bottom wall (7) with opposite cord end portions (13b, 13c) extending outside of the base (4).

[0030] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D, and 6C-6D, in particular embodiments the pair of slots (10a, 10b) can comprise a pair right angle slots (14a, 14b) each having a slot first portion (15) having a slot first portion end (16) proximate the base bottom wall (7) and upwardly extending to a slot first portion opening (17) in the base rim (8) and a slot second portion (18) extending from the slot first portion (15) adjacent the base bottom wall (7) to a slot second portion closed end (19). The pair of right angle slots (14a, 14b) can each be configured to receive a cord (13) in the slot first portion (15) and slidingly receive the cord (13) in the slot second portion (18). The cord (13) received within the pair of right angle slots (14a, 14b) disposes the cord medial portion (13a) across the base bottom wall (7) with opposite cord end portions (13b, 13c) extending outside of the base (4).

[0031] Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D, and 6C-6D, a pair of slots (10a, 20a and 10b, 20b) can be disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4). Each of the pair of slots (10a, 20a and 10b, 20b) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4) can have a slot closed end (11) proximate the base bottom wall (7) and upwardly extending to a slot opening (12) in the base sidewall rim (8). Each of the pair of slots (10a, 20a and 10b, 20b) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) can be configured to receive a cord (13) having a cord medial portion (13a) disposed across the base bottom wall (7) with opposite cord end portions (13b, 13c) extending outside of said base (4).

[0032] Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D, and 6C-6D, in particular embodiments, the pair of slots (10a, 20a and 10b, 20b) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4) can comprise a pair right angle slots (14a, 21a and 14b, 21b) each having slot first portion (15) having a slot first portion end (16) proximate the base bottom wall (7) and upwardly extending to a slot first portion opening (17) in the base sidewall rim (8) and a slot second portion (18) extending from the slot first portion (15) adjacent the base bottom wall (7) to a slot second portion closed end (19).

[0033] Each pair of right angle slots (14a, 21a and 14b, 21b) can be configured to receive a cord (13) in the slot first portion (15) and slidingly receive the cord (13) in the slot second portion (18). The cord (13) received within each pair of right angle slots (14a, 21a and 14b, 21b) disposes a cord medial portion (13a) across the base bottom wall (7) with opposite cord end portions (13b, 13c) extending outside of the base (4). In having a pair of slots (10a, 20a and 10b, 20b) or a pair of right angle slots (14a, 21a and 14b, 21b) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4), the cord (13) can be disposed orthogonally across the base bottom wall (7) or diagonally across the base bottom wall (7).

[0034] For the purposes of this invention, the term cord (13) means a flexible material having a medial portion disposed between at least a pair of opposite ends, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples of cords whether comprised of a single strand or fiber or several braided or woven strands or fibers whether of natural or synthetic origin include as examples: straps, string, rope, cable, bungee cord, shock cord, stretch cord, elastic cord, and rubber cord.

[0035] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, in regard to particular watercraft (2) or other craft or devices, the cord (13) may be integral to, already affixed to, or affixed by the user to a watercraft exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. In the illustrative examples, a watercraft (2) in the form of a paddleboard (23) can be purchased having the cord (13) affixed as deck rigging (24) in which the cord (13) is or can be attached or drawn through hardware (25), such as rings or hooks, affixed to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft, or device. The cord (13) can be disposed in or laced in or drawn through the hardware (25). The cord (13) can be laced as diagonal or crisscross lacing as shown in the example of the Figures or in one or more of: crisscross lacing, bar lacing, double back lacing, diagonal lacing, hash lacing, ladder lacing, and combinations thereof.

[0036] Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 4A-4C, in particular embodiments, the pair of slots (10a, 10b) can be disposed in the base sidewalls (6a, 6b) at locations that coordinate with the configuration of the deck rigging (24) affixed to a particular watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. Thereby, the cords (13) of the deck rigging (24) can be drawn upward and the base (4) inserted under the cord(s) (13) which are then correspondingly received in the pair(s) of slots (10a, 10b). The cord(s) (13) then manually tensioned or by elastic tension of the cord (13), secure the base (4) to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device.

[0037] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, as to particular watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device the deck rigging (24) may be entirely lacking or may only include hardware (25) without an affixed cord (13). The hardware (25) may be obtained and affixed to the exterior surface of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. The cord (13) may be obtained or made with a cord medial portion (13a) with opposite end portions (13b, 13c) configured to attach to the hardware (25) affixed to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. The base (4) can be disposed on the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device and the cord(s) (13) can be received in the pair(s) of slots (10a, 10b) disposed in opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4) with the cord medial portions (13a) disposed orthogonally or diagonally across the base bottom wall (7) with the cord end portions (13b, 13c) extending outside of the base (4). The cord end portions (13b, 13c) can be attached to the hardware (25) affixed to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. The cords (13) can be manually tensioned or can be elastically tensioned to secure the base (4) to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft, or device.

[0038] For the purposes of this invention, the term configured to attach means having a structure capable or adapted of being coupled, joined or mated directly or indirectly to the exterior surface (22) of a watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing includes: a cord end portion(s) (13b, 13c) adapted to directly connect with the exterior surface (22) of a watercraft (2) using as illustrative examples: a suction device, threaded fastener, adhesive surface, and mateable hook and loop; or having the cord end portion(s) (13b, 13c) adapted to tie or knot to hardware affixed to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device; or a cord end portion(s) (13b, 13c) terminating in a fastener (26) which can removably attached to the hardware (25) affixed to the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device, including as illustrative examples: a clasp, clip, buckle, twist lock, carabiner, hook, eyelet, trigger clip, crocodile clip, split ring, and combinations thereof.

[0039] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5C, 5D and 6B-6F, in particular embodiments, one or a plurality of elastomer feet (27) can be coupled to the base bottom wall (7) and extending away from said base interior space (5). The one or plurality of elastomer feet (27) can be configured to resiliently engage the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft, or device. In particular embodiments, the one or the plurality of elastomer feet (27) can comprise a plurality of elastomer cups (27a) configured to resiliently compress between the base bottom wall (7) and the exterior surface (22) of the watercraft (2), vehicle, craft or device. As depicted, the plurality of elastomer cups (27a) can each have a round concave surface (27b) extending to generally circular flexible cup rim (27c). In particular embodiments, the plurality of elastomer cups (27a) can comprise a plurality of suction cups (28).

[0040] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 5A, 5B, 6C and 6D, a paddle holder (29) can be coupled directly or indirectly to a base sidewall (6). In particular embodiments, the base (4) and the paddle holder (29) can comprise an integrated structure molded in one piece. The paddle holder (29) can be configured or adapted to receive a paddle (30). While the paddle holder (29) shown in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 2A depict a paddle holder (29) configured to receive a paddle shaft (30a) of a paddle (30), in particular embodiments, the paddle holder (29) may be adapted to or configured to receive one or more of the paddle shaft (30a), the paddle handle (30b) or the paddle blade (30c), and combinations thereof.

[0041] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6C and 6D, in particular embodiments, the paddle holder (29) comprises a generally semicircular trough (31) coupled to a base sidewall (6). The generally semicircular trough (31) adapted to or configured to receive the paddle shaft (30a) of a paddle (30). The generally semicircular trough (31) can have opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges (31a, 31b). The paddle holder (29) can be formed or molded to allow the trough edges (31a, 31b), upon forcible urging of the paddle shaft (30a), to spread apart to receive the paddle shaft (30a) in the paddle holder (29). In other embodiments, a snap-fit structure (32) can be coupled to one or both of the opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges (31a, 31b). The snap-fit structure (32) can be adapted to or configured to form a removable snap-fit connection between the paddle holder (29) and the paddle shaft (30a) of the paddle (30).

[0042] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C and 6D, one or more carriers (33) can be coupled to the base sidewall (6). In particular embodiments, the paddle holder (29) can be omitted, and the one or more carriers (33) can be coupled to the base sidewall (6). In other particular embodiments, the carriers (33) can be coupled to the paddle holder (29) coupled to the base sidewall (6). The base (4) and the one or more carriers (33), or the base (4), the paddle holder (29) and the carriers (33) can comprise an integrated structure formed or molded in one piece. The one or more carriers (33), as shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 1A and 2A, define an open top cylinder (33a) defining a generally cylindrical interior space (33b) configured to receive generally cylindrical containers (34), such as soda cans or drinking bottles; however, the carrier(s) (33) can be otherwise configured as a food carrier, a drink carrier, a cup carrier, a beverage carrier, a cell phone carrier which can be configured to hold square, rectangular, or other geometric structures of food or beverage containers (34), or otherwise configured to receive accessories such as cell phones, wallets, keys.

[0043] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A-4C, 5A-5D and 6A-6F, particular embodiments can include a cooler (35) having a cooler interior space (36) defined by a cooler sidewall (37) upwardly extending from a cooler bottom wall (38) to a cooler sidewall rim (39) defining a cooler opening (40) into the cooler interior space (36). In particular embodiments, a cooler top wall (41) can be coupled to the cooler sidewall (37). The cooler top wall (41) can be adapted to or configured to close the cooler opening (40) to enclose the cooler interior space (36). In particular embodiments, the cooler sidewall (37) and a cooler top wall peripheral margin can be coupled or joined by mated parts of a fastener (42), such as: a zipper, a resealable sliding channel, Ziploc, hook and loop, Velcro and combinations thereof. The cooler sidewall (37) defines the configuration of a cooler exterior surface (43).

[0044] For the purposes of this invention the term cooler (35) means a container for holding or storing one or a plurality of objects, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, the cooler (35) can comprise an insulated container for keeping food or drinks cool, including as illustrative examples: foam coolers, soft-sided coolers, hard plastic coolers, injection molded or rotomolded coolers, metal coolers, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, one or more pockets (44) can be affixed to the cooler sidewall (37) or cooler top wall (41). The pocket (44) can be formed from a water impermeable material (45) with a resealable opening (46). The pocket (44) can define a watertight interior space (47) in which objects can be kept. In other embodiments, the pocket (44) can be formed from a mesh material (48) characterized by mesh openings (49) that allow the pocket (44) to breathe, exchange or shed air, heat, moisture and water.

[0046] Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 3 and 5A and 5B, embodiments of the base sidewall (6) can define a base interior space (5) adapted or configured to receive the cooler (35). The cooler exterior surface (43) can pass through the base opening (9) into the base interior space (5). In particular embodiments, the base sidewall (6) and the cooler exterior surface (43) can be configured to mateably engage to retain the cooler (35) in the base (4).

[0047] Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 3 and 5A and 5B, particular embodiments can include a first catch part (50) coupled to the base (4) and a second catch part (51) coupled to the cooler (35). The first catch part (50) can mateably engage the second catch part (51) to secure the cooler (35) in the base (4). The first catch part (50) can disengage from the second catch part (51) to release the first catch part (50) from the second catch part (51) to allow removal of the cooler (35) from the base (4). In the examples shown in the Figures, the first catch part (50) can comprise a pair of first catch parts (50a, 50b) coupled on opposite base sidewalls (6a, 6b) of the base (4) and the second catch part (51) can comprise a pair of second catch parts (51a, 51b) coupled on opposite cooler sidewalls (37a, 37b) of the cooler (35). The first pair of catch parts (50a, 50b) can correspondingly mateably engage the second pair of catch parts (51a, 51b) to secure the cooler (35) in the base (4). The pair of first catch parts (50a, 50b) can disengage from the pair of second catch parts (51a, 51b) to release the cooler (35) from the base (4).

[0048] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an inventive watercraft accessory and methods of producing and using such inventive watercraft accessory.

[0049] As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

[0050] It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a holder should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of holdingwhether explicitly discussed or notand, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of holding, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a holder and even a means for holding. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0051] In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

[0052] All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term about, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from about one particular value to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term about generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent substantially means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent substantially, it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0053] Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term a or an entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms a or an, one or more and at least one can be used interchangeably herein.

[0054] Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term coupled or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directly coupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, depending upon the embodiment.

[0055] Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term integrated when referring to two or more components means that the components (i) can be united to provide a one-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as a one-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole. Said another way, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connected together so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity of the piece or unit.

[0056] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the apparatuses herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

[0057] The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

[0058] The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The elements following an open transitional phrase such as comprising may in the alternative be claimed with a closed transitional phrase such as consisting essentially of or consisting of whether or not explicitly indicated the description portion of the specification.

[0059] Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.