Towelette Applicator Tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-tanning, sunscreen or lotion towelette applicator tool configured to be used for applying self-tanners and lotions to any area of the body. As per one embodiment, the applicator tool includes a long distal handle portion with a shank, including a curved portion and an arm portion connected to a bushing for mounting a roller. Other embodiments disclose a curved handle, a telescoping handle and a shank including two L-shaped arms. The tool includes a roller that includes a slot and a cavity into which a towelette can be wrapped on the roller and secured thereto. The roller can be made from memory foam and can have a single layer or two layers of different foam densities for providing support to the roller during use.

Claims

1. An applicator tool for use with a towelette, the applicator tool comprising: a shaft, wherein said shaft comprises a long distal handle portion, a proximal handle portion, and a shank portion; wherein said long distal handle portion is removably attached to said proximal handle portion; wherein said proximal handle portion comprises a cavity configured to receive said long distal handle portion; wherein said proximal handle portion includes a smooth exterior surface; wherein said shank portion comprises a first ergonomic bent portion for enabling a user to use said applicator tool over the user's shoulders and back; wherein said shank portion further comprises a first L-shaped arm extending from said first bent portion; and a bushing connected to said first L-shaped arm for providing a means for rotation of an applicator roller, wherein said applicator roller is mechanically coupled to said bushing whereby said bushing enables said applicator roller to rotate freely.

2. The applicator tool of claim 1, wherein said applicator roller is cylindrical in shape and comprises a central opening to wrap around said bushing.

3. The applicator tool of claim 2, wherein said applicator roller comprises a narrow longitudinal slot along the length of said applicator roller and extending from an exterior surface of said applicator roller to a cavity.

4. The applicator tool of claim 3, wherein said longitudinal slot extends to an interior distance of about one third of a diameter of said applicator roller.

5. The applicator tool of claim 4 further comprising the towelette wrapped around said applicator roller, wherein a pair of terminal edges of said towelette are secured into said longitudinal slot and said cavity.

6. The applicator tool of claim 5, wherein said towelette includes a lotion selected from a group consisting of an oil, a self-tanner, a sunscreen, a topical medication, a cream and a moisturizer.

7. The applicator tool of claim 5, wherein said shank portion further comprises a second ergonomic bent portion and a second L-shaped arm extending from said second bent portion, wherein said bushing is connected to said first L-shaped arm and said second L-shaped arm for providing a means for rotation of said applicator roller.

8. An applicator tool for use with a towelette, the applicator tool comprising: a shaft, wherein said shaft comprises a long distal handle portion, a proximal handle portion, and a shank portion; wherein said shank portion comprises a first ergonomic bent portion for enabling a user to use said applicator tool over the user's shoulders and back; wherein said shank portion further comprises a first L-shaped arm extending from said first bent portion; a bushing connected to said first L-shaped arm for providing a means for rotation of an applicator roller, wherein said applicator roller is mechanically coupled to said bushing whereby said bushing enables said applicator roller to rotate freely; wherein said applicator roller comprises an outer layer formed of a first foam material and an inner layer formed of a second foam material; and further wherein said first foam material surrounds said second foam material.

9. The applicator tool of claim 8, wherein said second foam material is denser than said first foam material.

10. The applicator tool of claim 9, wherein said first foam material includes a first volume and said second foam material includes a second volume, and further wherein said first volume is less than said second volume.

11. The applicator tool of claim 10, wherein said applicator roller is cylindrical in shape and comprises a central opening to wrap around said bushing.

12. The applicator tool of claim 11, wherein said applicator roller comprises a narrow longitudinal slot along the length of said applicator roller and that extends from an exterior surface of said applicator roller to a cavity.

13. The applicator tool of claim 12, wherein said longitudinal slot extends to an interior distance of about one third of a diameter of said applicator roller.

14. The applicator tool of claim 12 further comprising the towelette wrapped around said applicator roller, wherein a pair of terminal edges of said towelette are secured into said longitudinal slot and said cavity.

15. The applicator tool of claim 14, wherein said towelette further comprises a lotion selected from a group consisting of an oil, a self-tanner, a sunscreen, a topical medication, a cream, and a moisturizer.

16. The applicator tool of claim 15, wherein said outer layer repels said lotion.

17. An applicator tool for use with a towelette, the applicator tool comprising: a shaft, wherein said shaft includes a long distal handle portion, a proximal handle portion, and a shank portion; wherein said shank portion comprises a first ergonomic bent portion for enabling a user to use said applicator tool over shoulders and back; wherein said shank portion further comprises a first L-shaped arm extending from said first bent portion; a bushing connected to said first L-shaped arm for providing a means for rotation of an applicator roller, wherein said applicator roller mechanically coupled to said bushing whereby said bushing enables said applicator roller to spin freely; wherein said applicator roller includes an outer layer formed of a first foam material and an inner layer formed of a second foam material; wherein said first foam material surrounds said second foam material; wherein said applicator roller includes a narrow longitudinal slot along the length of said applicator roller extending from an exterior surface of said applicator roller to a cavity; and a towelette wrapped around said applicator roller, wherein terminal edges of said towelette secured into said longitudinal slot and said cavity.

18. The applicator tool of claim 17, wherein said second foam material is denser than said first foam material.

19. The applicator tool of claim 18, wherein said first foam material includes a first volume and said second foam material includes a second volume, and further wherein said first volume is less than said second volume.

20. The applicator tool of claim 18, wherein said first foam material includes a first volume and said second foam material includes a second volume, and further wherein said first volume is greater than said second volume.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first potential embodiment of the self-tanning towelette applicator device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second potential embodiment of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a third potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a fourth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a fifth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a sixth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a user using an embodiment of the suntan lotion (i.e. sunscreen) applicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] and

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the user using another embodiment of the suntan lotion applicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a suntan lotion (i.e. sunscreen) or self-tanner applicator tool that can be used for solving problems associated with conventional applicators. There is also a long felt need in the art for a lotion applicator tool that is convenient and easy to use. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an applicator tool that enables a person to easily apply suntan lotion or self-tanners to hard-to-reach body areas. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion applicator tool that enables a user to easily apply lotions and self-tanners. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a suntan lotion or self-tanner applicator that eliminates blotchy and uneven applications of lotion and self-tanners on the body. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a suntan lotion or self-tanner applicator that maintains full and optimal coverage of the skin when applying the lotion or self-tanner with the use of towelettes. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a suntan lotion or self-tanner applicator that prevents individuals from having to ask others for help to apply lotion or self-tanner to the body.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel suntan lotion or self-tanner towelette applicator device. The applicator tool further comprising a curved handle including a detachable handle portion. The detachable handle portion is integrated to a shank portion, the shank portion including a curved portion and a L-shaped arm, the L-shaped arm extends from the curved portion to a bushing, an applicator roller attached to the bushing such that the roller is configured to freely rotate around the bushing wherein the roller includes an exterior slot running along the length of the roller and an interior cavity within the roller. The roller is configured to receive and wrap a suntan or self-tan towelette thereon with terminal ends or edges of the towelette fed down the slot and housed in the cavity for a smooth operation. Further, the roller is made from a foam material that does not absorb (i.e. repels) material or lotions contained on the towelette and does not scratch the skin of the user.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a suntan lotion (i.e. sunscreen) or self-tanning towelette applicator device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The self-tanning towelette applicator device 100 is designed as a multipurpose applicator tool for use with a suntan lotion (i.e. sunscreen) or a self-tanning towelette and configured for wiping the towelette on hard-to-reach areas of the body of a user. More specifically, the device 100 includes a shaft 102 removably attached to a bushing 104. The shaft 102 includes a long distal handle portion 106, a proximal handle portion 108 and a shank portion 110. The long distal handle portion 106 is removably attached to the proximal handle portion 108 with the proximal handle portion 108 including a cavity 112 configured to receive the long distal handle portion 106. The proximal handle portion 108 includes a smooth surface that does not irritate the skin of the user during use of the applicator device 100 on the body of the user.

[0031] The shank portion 110 includes an ergonomic bent portion 114, thereby enabling a user to use the applicator device 100 over shoulders and back without scratching skin of the user. Further, the shank portion 110 includes a L-shaped arm 116 in continuation from the bent portion 114. The L-shaped arm 116 extends to connect to the bushing 104 thereby providing a means for rotation.

[0032] An applicator roller 118 is mechanically coupled to the bushing 104 and the bushing 104 enables the roller 118 to spin freely without any binding. The applicator roller 118 is cylindrical, including a central opening 120 to wrap around the bushing 104. The applicator roller 118 includes a narrow longitudinal slot 122 along the length of the roller 118 and extending from the surface 1180 of the roller 118 to a cavity 124 preferably positioned at a distance of one third of the diameter of the roller 118. In another embodiment, the cavity 124 is positioned at a distance equivalent to half of the radius of the roller 118. A towelette 126 is wrapped around the roller 118 and is fed into the slot 122 and into the cavity 124. The cavity 124 is configured to assist the extrusion from tearing and provides a cavity for extra balled up towelettes to be housed. In use, any lotion or oil can be applied to the towelette, thereby enabling a uniform application on the body of the user without help of any other user.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the applicator tool 200 includes a shank portion 202 that includes a first L-shaped arm 204 and a second L-shaped arm 206. The first L-shaped arm 204 extends to a first opening 208 of the bushing 210 and the second L-shaped arm 206 extends to a second opening 212 of the bushing 210. The applicator roller 214 is mounted to the bushing 210 such that the roller 214 is freely rotatable around the bushing 210.

[0034] The L-shaped arms 204, 206 have curved or bent portions 216, 218 that extend from a proximal handle portion 220. The proximal handle portion 220 is removably attached to a long distal handle portion 222 for handling the tool 200 for using the tool 200 for applying a lotion, self-tanner, or oil on the skin.

[0035] As in the first embodiment, a towelette 126 can be applied to the applicator roller 214 such that towelette 126 is wrapped around the roller 214 and fed down the slot 223 and into the cavity 225.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, in the present embodiment, the roller 300 includes a circular cross-sectional surface 302. The roller 300 is formed of a foam material that possesses memory foam attributes and includes spring back qualities for retaining the towelette. Further, the foam material does not absorb (i.e. repels) the oil, lotion or other material of the towelette and holds the tubular form after repeated use. Further, the foam roller is cheap to extrude. The roller 300 includes a slit 304 along the longitudinal length that divides the roller 300 into two symmetrical halves. A self-tanning towelette is wrapped around the roller 300 and fed down the slot/slit 304. The towelette is folded in half before being wrapped around the roller 300. The slit 304 terminates into a cavity 306 that is used for housing extra balled up or overlapped towelette(s). The roller 300 includes a central opening/core 308 that enables the roller 300 to spin freely on the bushing and the shaft. The foam roller 300 of the present embodiment can be made of a single foam material having uniform density throughout the roller 300.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a third potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, in the present embodiment, the roller 400 is tubular and includes a circular cross-sectional surface 402 (and an opposing circular surface opposite to the surface 402, not illustrated). The roller 400 includes an outer layer 404 formed of a foam material that possesses memory foam attributes and has spring back qualities for retaining the towelette. Further, the outer layer 404 of foam material does not absorb (i.e. repels) oil, lotion, self-tanners or other material of the towelette and holds the tubular form after repeated use. The roller 400 includes an inner layer 406 of a foam material that is denser than the foam of the outer layer 404. The inner layer 406 is a harder body surrounded by a relatively softer outer layer 404, and provides a better clamping force on the towelette wrapped around the roller 400. In the present embodiment, the outer layer 404 and the inner layer 406 are in the form of concentric circles. A slit 408 along the longitudinal length of the roller 400 that divides the roller 400 into two symmetrical halves. A self-tanning towelette is wrapped around the roller 400 and fed down the slot/slit 408. The towelette can be folded in half before being wrapped around the roller 400. The slit 408 terminates into a cavity 410 that is used for housing extra balled-up or overlapping towelettes. The roller 400 includes a central opening/core 412 that enables the roller 400 to spin freely on the bushing and the shaft of the applicator tool of the present invention. In one potential embodiment, the outer layer 404 of the foam material surrounds the inner layer 406, wherein a volume of the outer layer 404 comprises from about 20% to about 30% of the volume of the roller 400, and the inner layer 406 comprises from about 70% to about 80% of the volume of the roller 400.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a fourth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, in the present embodiment, the roller 500 is tubular and includes a circular cross-sectional surface 502 (and an opposing circular surface opposite to the surface 502, not illustrated). The roller 500 includes an outer layer 504 formed of a foam material that possesses memory foam attributes and has spring back qualities for retaining the towelette. Further, the foam material does not absorb (i.e. repels) oil, lotion, self-tanner or other material of the towelette and holds the tubular form after repeated use. The roller 500 includes an elliptical inner layer 506 of a foam material that is denser than the foam of the outer layer 504. The inner layer 506 is a harder body surrounded by a relatively softer outer layer 504 and provides a better clamping force on the towelette wrapped around the roller 500. A slit 508 along the longitudinal length of the roller 500 that divides the roller 500 into two symmetrical halves. A self-tanning towelette is wrapped around the roller 500 and fed down the slot/slit 508. The towelette can be folded in half before being wrapped around the roller 500. The slit 508 terminates into a cavity 510 that is used for housing extra balled-up or overlapping towelettes.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the slit 508 extends through the outer layer 504 to the inner layer 506. Preferably, the inner layer 506 is positioned in the roller 500 to partially surround the slit 508 and completely enclose the cavity 510. The roller 500 includes a central opening/core 512 that enables the roller 500 to spin freely on the bushing and the shaft of the applicator tool of the present invention. In one exemplary arrangement, the outer layer 504 of the foam material surrounds the inner layer 506, wherein a volume of the outer layer 504 comprises from about 70% to about 75% of the volume of the roller 500, and the inner layer 506 comprises from about 25% to about 30% of the volume of the roller 500.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a fifth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, in the present embodiment, the roller 600 is tubular and includes a circular cross-sectional surface 602 (and an opposing circular surface opposite to the surface 602, not illustrated). The roller 600 includes an outer layer 604 formed of a foam material that possesses memory foam attributes and includes spring back qualities for retaining the towelette. Further, the foam material does not absorb (i.e. repels) oil, lotion, self-tanner or other material of the towelette and holds the tubular form after repeated use. The roller 600 includes a circular inner layer 606 of a foam material that is denser than the foam of the outer layer 604. The inner layer 606 is a harder body surrounded by a relatively softer outer layer 604, and provides a better clamping force on the towelette wrapped around the roller 600. A slit 608 along the longitudinal length of the roller 600 divides the roller 600 into two symmetrical halves. A self-tanning towelette is wrapped around the roller 600 and fed down the slot/slit 608. The towelette can be folded in half before being wrapped around the roller 600. The slit 608 terminates into a cavity 610 that is used for housing extra balled-up or overlapping towelette.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the slit 608 extends through the outer layer 604 to the inner layer 606. Preferably, the inner layer 606 is positioned in the roller 600 to partially surround the slit 608 and completely enclose the cavity 610. The roller 600 includes a central opening/core 612 that enables the roller 600 to spin freely on the bushing and the shaft of the applicator tool of the present invention. In another exemplary arrangement, the outer layer 604 of the foam material surrounds the inner layer 606, wherein a volume of the outer layer 604 comprises from about 85% to about 90% of the volume of the roller 600, and the inner layer 606 comprises from about 10% to about 15% of the volume of the roller 600.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a sixth potential embodiment of the applicator roller used in various embodiments of the self-tanning towelette applicator tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, in the present embodiment, the roller 700 is tubular and includes a circular cross-sectional surface 702 (and an opposing circular surface opposite to the surface 702, not illustrated). The roller 700 includes an outer layer 704 formed of a foam material that possesses memory foam attributes and has spring back qualities for retaining the towelette. Further, the foam material does not absorb (i.e. repels) oil, lotion, self-tanner, or other material of the towelette and holds the tubular form after repeated use. The roller 700 includes an oval inner layer 706 of a foam material that is denser than the foam of the outer layer 704 and disposed on one side of the slit 708. The inner layer 706 is a harder body surrounded by a relatively softer outer layer 704, and provides a better clamping force on the towelette wrapped around the roller 700. The slit 708 is disposed along the longitudinal length of the roller 700 that divides the roller 700 into two symmetrical halves. A self-tanning towelette is wrapped around the roller 700 and fed down the slot/slit 708. The towelette can be folded in half before being wrapped around the roller 700. The slit 708 terminates into a cavity 710 that is used for housing extra balled-up or overlapping towelettes. In the present embodiment, the slit 708 extends through the outer layer 704 to the cavity 710. In the present embodiment, the slit 708 includes a first metal (or any hard material) arm 716 wherein the inner layer 706 is positioned in the roller 700 besides the metal arm 716 and the roller 700 includes an embedded spring 714 positioned adjacent to a second metal layer 718. The spring 714 is used for creating a torsional force to hold the wrapped towelette between the arms 716, 718. The roller 700 includes a central opening/core 712 that enables the roller 700 to spin freely on the bushing and the shaft of the applicator tool of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a user using another embodiment of the suntan lotion and self-tanner applicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the applicator tool 800 includes a curved handle 802 removably attached to a shank 804. The handle 802 includes a gripped surface 806 for a user 810 to grasp 814 the tool 800 for use. The curved handle 802 is ergonomically designed enabling the user 810 to easily reach hard-to-reach areas such as an individual's back 816 without scratching and touching shoulders 812. The applicator roller 808 is removably attached to the shank 804 and is configured to apply suntan lotion (i.e. sunscreen) and self-tanner onto the body. The arcuate shaped handle 802 includes a curved configuration near the gripped surface 806 enabling a smoother movement and operation.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the user using another embodiment of the suntan lotion and self-tanner applicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the applicator tool 900 includes a curved handle 902 including a detachable portion 904 which is integrally attached to a shank 906. The handle 902 includes a gripped surface 908 for a user 810 to grasp 814 the tool 900 for use. The curved handle 902 is ergonomically designed enabling the user 810 to easily reach hard-to-reach areas such as an individual's back 816 without scratching and touching shoulders 812. The applicator roller 910 is removably attached to the shank 906 and is configured to apply suntan lotion applicator on the body. The arcuate shaped handle 902 includes a curvilinear configuration near the gripped surface 908 enabling a smoother movement and operation. The detachable handle portion 904 helps in packaging and shipping of the suntan lotion applicator tool 900. This enables shipping in a smaller package, thus, reducing overall cost.

[0045] The applicator rollers of various embodiments can vary in diameter and length. The diameter of the rollers may vary to wrap towelettes of various dimensions offered in the market. The applicator tool of various embodiments does not have clips or protruding components, thereby eliminating potentially harm, hurt or scratches to a user using the applicator tool. The applicator tool is lightweight, portable and can be used with towelettes having any type of lotion, oil, self-tanner, sunscreen, topical medication, cream, moisturizer or any other similar substance.

[0046] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “applicator tool”, “applicator device”, “suntan towelette applicator”, and “self-tanning towelette applicator” are interchangeable and refer to the self-tanning towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the self-tanning or lotion towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the self-tanning or lotion towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 as shown in the FIGS. is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the self-tanning or lotion towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the self-tanning or lotion towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 are important design parameters for user convenience, the self-tanning or lotion towelette applicator 100, 200, 800, 900 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features, and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0049] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.