FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and a method for collecting pet feces in a simple and clean way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of prior art patents and patent applications had attempted to address the problem of collecting pet feces including the following publications:

US Patent no. 7090268; titled "Dog waste catcher and holder", discloses a dog Waste catcher and holder comprising: a loop shaped device; a carrying rod; means of securing the loop shaped device to an end of the carrying rod in parallel fashion; and a plastic bag placed inside the loop shaped device, wherein an upper portion of the bag is folded over the loop shaped device and bag ends are tied to the end of the rod.

US patent publication no. US 20080048463; titled "Dog waste collection device"; discloses a bag-scoop device to collect dog waste. The scoop part is a flat construct Which readily folds and squeezes into a disposable scoop or shovel.

US Patent no. US 4194777; titled "Dog Waste Scoop"; discloses an implement for picking up dog feces; the device including a long handle which at one end has two pivoted scoop-shaped jaws so to form a mouth therebetween, each jaw having an adhesive pad for holding a cell-phone sheet across the mouth and around the jaw lips for receiving the feces without contaminating the implement, and a pull rod through the handle for conveniently spreading the jaws apart.

US Patent no. US 8177270; titled "Dog feces collecting device and method of use thereof"; discloses a dog feces collecting device includes two loops and a plurality of connecting members for holding the two loops together forming a plurality of bag- clamping sections each comprising two loop segments. A rim portion of a bag is inserted between the two loop segments of each bag-clamping section. The two loops are hinged connected to a telescopic shaft.

US Patent no. US 5236237; titled "Dog feces collection device"; discloses an open ended container that is carried on the end of a handle; and that connection is by a bail- wire, of a general U-shape, whose ends are rotatably mounted on the container side walls, the bail-wire's central or bight portion of the bail being rotatably connected to the handle by a pivotal connection which is also slidable. These features and their details provide that an easy swinging effort by the dog's owner will cause the container to swing to a reception condition in which the handle's scooper member is on the far side of the feces, and the container is in a position with its open end facing the feces. Then, by a pull upwardly on the handle, the feces is pushed toward and into the container; and then, merely by the owner's continuousness of the upward pull of the handle, the container swings to its carrying or at-rest condition, with its open end up, and with the feces safely carried in the bottom of the container. It is an easy and quick one-hand movement by the owner, with no danger of soiling his hands or shoes

US Patent no. US 8096597; titled "Apparatus and method for collecting and disposing pet waste by incineration"; discloses an apparatus for pet waste disposal including a portable waste collection receptacle disposed on a handle, characterized by a heat source mounted together with the waste collection receptacle, capable of incinerating waste disposed in the waste collection receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Prior art devices in the field of dog feces collecting and handling requires that the user buy designed bags or replace batteries or clean the device after every use. Thus, devices of the art are expensive heavy or cumbersome to use. Some devices of the art are light and cheep but demand the user to bend over or kneel when operating them. Some devices of the art use a disposable part that needs replacement every time it is used. Some devices of the art require cleaning after every use.

There is therefore a need to simply and effectively address the problem of picking up the pets feces in a clean and easy manner. The current invention answers the need of collecting and handling pet feces using a simple and light-weight device which is easy to carry, simple to use, and cheap to operate.

Using the current invention, there is no need to buy special bags as most plastic bag, for example degradable sandwich bags, or supermarket bags, or any other household bag may be used.

The current invention requires no maintaining or constant cleaning.

The novelty of this device is in its simplicity of construction, the method of mounting the bag, the methods of using the device, and the method of discarding the bag after use.

The inventive pet feces pick up device has a pole and a head section connected at an angle to the pole. The head section has a bag ring and a base with a V shaped slot. To prepare the device for operation, a bag is inserted into the ring and the end of the bag is locked in the flexible V shaped slot such that the fringes of the bag cover the ring, thus preventing contact of feces with the ring when picking up the feces.

The device allows picking up pet feces from loose or hard surface without bending or touching the feces or the bag.

The bag is discarded with the feces in it leaving the device clean.

The pole may be telescopic or may be used for carrying supply of bags. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a pet feces pick up device comprising: a pole for holding the pet feces pick up device; a bag ring connected at an angle to said pole, said bag ring is sized such that a plastic bag inserted into said bag ring can be folded outwards over said ring and cover said ring with its fringes; and a bag insertion hole ending in a V shaped slot, said bag insertion hole is sized such that the end of said plastic bag inserted into said bag ring can be inserted into said bag insertion hole and be fixed in said V shaped slot such that said plastic bag inserted into said bag ring is kept tight over said bag ring.

In some embodiments the V shaped slot is located at the base of said bag ring, and said base of said bag ring is connecting said bag ring to said pole.

In some embodiments the V shaped slot is located in proximity to at least one void at base of said bag ring, such that the side of said V shaped slot close to said at least one void is in a form of flexible member that can flex outwards when said end of said plastic bag is inserted into said V shaped slot.

In some embodiments the V shaped slot is located two voids at base of said bag ring, such that the that both sides of said V shaped slot are in the form of flexible members that can flex outwards when said end of said plastic bag is inserted into said V shaped slot.

In some embodiments the pole is telescopic.

In some embodiments the bag ring is circular.

In some embodiments the bag ring has at least one straight edge.

In some embodiments the bag ring has at least two straight edges.

In some embodiments the bag ring has at least one corner. It is another objective of the current invention to provide a method of picking up pet feces comprising: providing a pet feces pick up device, said a pet pick up device comprising: a pole for holding the pet feces pick up device; a bag ring connected at an angle to said pole; and a bag insertion hole ending in a V shaped slot; inserting a plastic bag into said bag ring; outwardly folding said plastic bag such that the fringes of said plastic bag cover said bag ring; inserting the end of said plastic bag into said bag insertion hole; pulling and tightening said end of said plastic bag in said V shaped slot such that said plastic bag is tight over said bag ring; and holding said pole of said pet pick up device, and maneuvering said picking up pet to pick up pet feces into said plastic. In some embodiments the step of holding said pole of said pet pick up device, and maneuvering said picking up pet to pick up pet feces into said plastic is performed while the person holding said pole is standing up.

In some embodiments the method further comprises discarding said plastic bag with the pet feces in it by: releasing said plastic bag from said V shaped slot; and shaking said pet feces pick up device to let said plastic bag fall from said bag ring. In some embodiments the pet feces pick up device is not in contact with the pet feces.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

Figure 1 schematically depicts an isometric view of a pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of a section of the pet feces pick up device seen in figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 3 schematically depicts an isometric view of the head section of the pet feces pick up device seen in figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention together with a feces collection bag.

Figure 4 A schematically depicts a step in mounting a feces collection bag on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 4B schematically depicts another step in mounting a feces collection bag on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 4C schematically depicts a feces collection bag mounted on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 5 schematically depicts an isometric view of a pet feces pick up device, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 6 schematically depicts an enlarged view of a section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag holding clip, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 7A schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag locker, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 7B schematically shows the head section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag locker seen in figure 7A in closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention. Figure 8A schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 8B schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring of figure 8A, seen here in closed state, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and "having" together with their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those

embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings may not be to scale. For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawing. Repeated elements may be marked on only one or few of the drawings.

Figure 1 schematically depicts an isometric view of a pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

The pet feces pick up device 10 is made of a pole 20 made of metal, bamboo fiber glass or plastic or any other tough material that is in a fixed length or elongating by means of folding or telescopic connection 21 or screwing or any other mechanical or electronic manner.

For example, pole 20 may comprise a plurality of sections, for example pole sections 19a, 19b and 19c which can be telescopically collapsed. In this example thinnest pole section 19c can fit into middle pole section 19b which fits into the larger handle section 19a. This figure shows pole 20 in its extended state. Extended state may be maintained by fasteners 18a and 18b. In some exemplary embodiments extending the pole 20 requires pulling the head section 40 away from the handle section 19a. In some exemplary embodiments the sections are spring loaded and the pole extends by releasing a locking mechanism. In some exemplary embodiments the spring loaded fasteners 18a and 18b keep pole 20 in its extended state. Collapsing the sections one into the other may require pressing a release button 17 on handle section 19a.

Alternatively, pole sections may be joined together in other ways, for example by screwing one section to the next. It should be noted that the number of pole sections may be smaller or larger than the three seen herein.

Alternatively, pole 20 may be made as one unit. Head section 40 may be part of pole 20, or a separate piece attached to pole 20.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, pole 20 is between 30 cm in length for comfortable holding, and up to lm in length. Shorter or longer pole may be used.

The head section 40 comprises a bag ring 30. Bag ring 30 may be metallic or made of plastic or any other suitable material. The bag ring 30 is fixed to the pole 20.

Preferably, bag ring 30 is fixed to the pole 20 at an angle 98 to the pole, such that bag ring 30 may be positioned parallel to the ground while the person holding pole 20 at its handle section 19a is standing up. Using a short pole 20, bag ring 30 may be positioned parallel to the ground (close to horizontally) while the person holding the pole 20 at its handle section 19a may need to bend down. Angle 98 may be for example between 105 to 165 degrees, for example 135 degrees. Additionally, angle 98 is chosen such that bag ring 30 may be positioned normal to the ground (close to vertically) while the person holding the pole 20 at its handle section 19a is standing up.

Optionally, bag ring 30 may be pulled out or separated from the pole 20, for example by separating head section 40 from pole 20, for example by pressing head section release button 97.

Optionally, bag ring 30, or head section 40 may fold on the pole 20 by any means, mechanical or electric including the removal of the bag ring 30 and repositioning it on the pole 20 for compact storage of the device. For example a hinge (not seen in these figures) may be used to connect head section 40 to pole 20. Optionally, the angle between bag ring 30 an pole 20 may be adjusted by fixing the hinge in the desired angle.

In the embodiment depicted in figures 1, 3 and 4A-C, bag ring 30 is circular.

However, bag ring 30 may take other forms. For example bag ring 30 may be oval. Referring to figure 5, modified bag ring 30a may have at least one straight edge, for example front edge 96a. Additionally, bag ring 30a may have at least one additional straight edge, for example side edge 96b and/or side edge 96c.

Typically, bag ring 30 is 2-5 inch in diameter. However, other sizes may be used. At the base 99 of bag ring 30 is a V shaped slot 41 used for fixing bag 50 to bag ring 30.

It should be noted that the shape of bag ring 30 and 30a seen in these figures are non-limiting illustrations. For example, the bag ring may not be a complete ring but may be open structure, for example an open shape such as crescent shaped. In a crescent shaped structure, a straight edge is formed when the bag 50 is stretched over the open section of the crescent. An example of an open shape may be seen in figure 8A.

Figures 2, 3 and 4A to 4C give more details of the base 99 of bag ring 30, the V shaped slot 41, and the method of mounting bag 50 to ring 30.

Figure 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of the base 99 section of the pet feces pick up device seen in figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 3 schematically depicts an isometric view of the head section of the pet feces pick up device seen in figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention together with a feces collection bag.

Figure 4A schematically depicts a step in mounting a feces collection bag on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 4B schematically depicts another step in mounting a feces collection bag on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 4C schematically depicts a feces collection bag mounted on the head section of the pet feces pick up device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

As can be seen, V shaped slot 41 is the narrowing end of bag insertion hole 44 through which the end 45 of bag 50 is inserted (as seen in figure 4C).

Optionally, at least one side 42a of V shaped slot 41 is in proximity to a void 43a, such that the side 42a of V shaped slot 41 is in a form of flexible member that can flex outwards when the end 45 of bag 50 is inserted into V shaped slot 41. Preferably, both sides 42a and 42b of V shaped slot 41 are in proximity to voids 43a and 43b respectively, such that the sides 42a and 42b of V shaped slot 41 are in a form of flexible members that can flex outwards when the end 45 of bag 50 is inserted into V shaped slot 41. Optionally at least one side 42a and/or 42b of V shaped slot 41 is serrated to better hold the end 45 of bag 50.

As can be seen in figure 4C, when the end 45 of bag 50 is pulled tight through hole 44 and then locked in V shaped slot 41, the fringes 51 of bag 50 covers ring 30. Thus, when using pet feces pick up device 10, ring 30 is not in contact with the pet feces and remain unsoiled once bag 50 with the feces it is discarded.

To prepare the pet feces pick up device 10 for operation, the user mounts the bag 50 on ring 30 as seen in figures 4 A to 4C.

The user first inserts bag 50 into ring 30 as seen in figure 4A.

The user than folds the upper side of the bag 50 over the ring 30 creating fringe 51 as seen in figure 4B.

The user then insert the end 45 of bag 50 into hole 44 as seen in figure 4B.

The user then pulls the end 45 of bag 50 and locks it in V shaped 41 as seen in figure 4C.

Preferably, bag 50 is under tension as it is pulled back on the ring 30 so that the ring is well covered and the ring cannot touch the feces at any time.

When the bag is properly in place and its position is fixed, the user can pick up the feces into bag 50. Several methods may be used:

The user may drug the feces on the ground or under branches for a better position to get the ring and bag under the feces and pick it up.

On soft soil or grass, the user may use the bag-covered ring as a shovel to lift the feces into the bag.

On hard and flat surface such as on hard soil, on a road or on a pavement, the user may use the bag-covered ring as a lacrosse-stick, and with a swift motion lift the feces into the bag.

To release the bag 50 from ring 30, the user just has to pull the end 45 of bag 50 out of the V slot 41 and shake the pet feces pick up device 10 gently over dumpster. As the bag 50 slides down and out of ring 30, the ring remains covered for as long as the bag is on it and thus remains clean.

Figure 5 schematically depicts an isometric view of a modified pet feces pick up device 10a, in accordance with another slightly modified exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Straight edges 96a, 96b and 96c of bag ring 30a are advantageous when pet feces pick up device 10a is used for lifting pet feces from a flat and hard surface such as pavement, road or hard soil. In this case, bag ring 30a is placed nearly vertically with a straight edge close to the hard surface. The pet feces pick up device 10 is used as a lacrosse-stick, and with a swift motion the user lifts the feces into the bag.

Corners 95a and 95b may be advantageous when modified pet feces pick up device 10a is used for lifting pet feces from a soft surface such as loose soil, sand, leaf covered ground or grass. In this case, one corner 95a or 95b may be used for digging under the feces.

Typically, bag ring 30a is 5 to 15 cm wide and 5 to 25 cm long. However, other sizes may be used.

To strengthen the neck 81 of modified head section 40a of modified pet feces pick up device 10a while minimizing the material used (and hence minimizing the production cost), at least one stiffening ridge 71b is used where the head section 40a is bent by angle 98. Optionally, three stiffening ridges 71a, 71b and 71c are used.

It should be noted that any type of plastic bag (provided that it is large enough) may be used with the current invention. For example, plastic bags used in

supermarkets to bag purchased groceries may be used. Such reusing of plastic bags is not only economical (as typical user has plenty of them for free) but also ecological.

Pet feces pick up device 10a seen here with a short handle 20a. However, telescopic pole such as seen in figure 1 may be used. Optionally, telescopic poles such as used in folding umbrellas may be used.

Optionally, handle 20 or 20a is hollow and may be used for carrying few plastic bags in it.

Pet feces pick up device 10, or 10a may further comprise an optional means of illumination to ease the use of the device at night.

In one optional embodiment, the means of illumination is an integral illuminator 56a built into the pet feces pick up device. For example integral illuminator may have a battery 55a inside handle 20a, an optional transparent cover 57a to protect lamp (for example LED) 58a, and an on/off switch 59a on the surface of handle 20a.

In another optional embodiment, the means of illumination is an external flashlight 56b attached to the pet feces pick up device. Flashlight 56b is having an on/off switch 59b and a lamp 68b. External flashlight 56b may be permanently attached to the pet feces pick up device. Alternatively, external flashlight 56b may be removably attached to the pet feces pick up device, for example using a clip or fastener 53.

Preferably, lamp 58a or 58b are adjusted such that the beam of light projected from them illuminates bag ring 30 or 30a and some area around it, and preferably in front of it to ease viewing the pet feces as it is collected.

Figure 6 schematically depicts an enlarged view of a section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag holding clip, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, clip 66 replaces the function of V shaped slot 41. The end of bag 50 is inserted into the opening 61 between clip 66 and head section 40, and pulled tight into narrow slot 62.

Optionally clip 66 is an integral part of head section 40. Alternatively, clip 66 is a separate part attached to the ring 30 or head section 40.

Clip 66 may be made of flexible material to hold the end 45 of bag 50. For example, clip 66 may be made of spring material such as metallic spring.

Alternatively, clip 66 may be made of a spring loaded member. Such clip may be in a form similar to a clothespeg or a clothespin, for example as discloses US patent 4614008; titled "Spring biased clothes pin"; to Brill et al.

Figure 7A schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag locker, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

In some cases it may be desired to close bag 50 after the feces was collected, for example to avoid foul smell from spreading. In some cases it may be desired to close bag 50 after the feces was collected, for example to exchange the full bag with a new one in order to collect additional pet feces. In some cases, closed bag 50 with the feces in it may be carried to be disposed at a location away from the feces collection site.

To achieve this goal, pet feces pick up device with bag closure apparatus 10c is fitted with heating element 730, seen here in an open, cold state 730a. Heating element 730 is preferably a flexible, spring-like member that in its natural open state 730a conforms to the shape of modified bag ring 30c.

Pet feces pick up device with bag closure apparatus 10c further comprises a battery 55c and a bag closure switch 59c, for example in the modified neck 40c.

Plastic bag 50 is inserted into the modified ring 30c while the heating element is in the open state 730a, and locked in place into V slot 41 as already been disclosed. Picking up pet feces is performed as already been disclosed.

Figure 7B schematically shows the head section of the pet feces pick up device having a bag locker seen in figure 7A in closed state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current invention. To close plastic bag, heating element 730 is pulled by a pulling mechanism 770 to take its closed state 730b. Additionally, bag closure switch 59c is activated to case electrical current from battery 55c to heat heating element 730 in its closed state 730b to temperature that caused plastic bag 50 to be welded shut. Optionally heating element 730 is coated with non-stick material such as Teflon to prevent the melted plastic from adhering to heating element 730.

To release bag 50, the heating element 730 is brought back to its open state 730a. Pulling heating element 730 is to its closed state 730b and returning it to its open state 730a may be done automatically by a motor inside pulling mechanism 770. Alternatively, pulling mechanism 770 may be manual.

Optionally heating element 730 is in a shape of a noose or a snare.

It should be noted that while the pet feces pick up device having a bag locker 10c is seen here with a round bag ring, other shapes of bag rings may be used.

Figure 8A schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 8B schematically depicts a head section of the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring of figure 8A, seen here in closed state, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

To assist in collecting pet feces, the bag ring 30d of pet feces pick up device having a folding ring lOd is replaced with two fingers 830a and 830b. Fingers 830a and 830b are connected to neck 8 Id of a modified head section of pet feces pick up device having a folding ring lOd via a hinge 800. Hinge 800 is actuated by opening mechanism 810 to change the configuration of fingers 830a and 830b from the open state seen in figure 8A to the closed state seen in figure 8B. Opening mechanism 810 may be a mechanical mechanism actuated by lever 820. Alternatively, opening mechanism 810 may be a motorized.

Plastic bag 50 is mounted on bag ring 30d while fingers 830a and 830b are at the open state seen in figure 8A. Then, in order to collect feces, bag ring 30d is brought near the pet feces, and opening mechanism 810 is actuated to bring fingers 830a and 830b from the open state seen in figure 8 A to the closed state seen in figure 8B.

In that way, the user holding the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring lOd brings the bag to the feces and by closing fingers 96b 96c the bag raps around the feces as the fingers are closing on it. When the user lifts the pet feces pick up device having a folding ring lOd, the feces is already in the bag.

Later when the user opens the fingers after he have lifted the device, the device returns to the configuration of figure 8A, with the feces inside the bag. It should be noted that while the pet feces pick up device having folding ring lOd is seen here with an open round bag ring, other shapes of bag rings may be used.

It should be noted that heating elements may be integrated into one or both fingers 830a and 830b to weld shut the plastic bag while fingers 830a are in the closed state. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific

embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.