Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to treatment devices and treatment systems for treating potable liquids.

Background

[0003] Commonly, individuals obtain purified water by purchasing purified water contained in single use plastic bottles. Although this often provides users with an easily portable source of purified water, producing, distributing, and disposing of plastic bottles results in environmental harm. Additionally, regularly purchasing purified water in single use plastic bottles results in great expense to the purchaser. Purified water contained in single-use plastic bottles may additionally have detrimental health consequences, as plastic bottles may slowly off-gas into the contained water at a rate proportional to temperature. This may result in the water containing bisphenoi-A, a harmful substance. As a result of these shortcomings, there exists a need for a less expensive, healthier, and more environmentally friendly source of purified water.

[0004] Tap water, while cheaper than the water contained in single use plastic bottles, often includes potentially harmful impurities, such as chlorine. Although not the only potentially harmful impurity often contained within tap water, chlorine is of particular note due to the fact that it may create halogenated organic compounds, which are potential carcinogens, in the water. As a result, there exists a need to treat tap water in a way that reduces the content of potentially harmful impurities, such as chlorine, from the water.

[0005] Existing systems for treating tap water are not entirely satisfactory. Certain existing systems include bottles that implement a filter configured to treat liquids as they exit the bottle to a user's mouth, often through a cap or through a straw. These systems are not entirely satisfactory for several reasons. First, the filters require a manufacturer's specific container; they are not easily adaptable to non-proprietary containers. Second, these systems often include non-biodegradable materials, leading to unnecessary waste.

[0006] Additionally, many existing products implement non-disposable filters designed for multiple uses. Such non-disposable filters may become ineffective or contaminated through repeated use. Because if is often difficult to remember to replace such filters, users often inadvertently drink contaminated or non-purified water from these products. [0007] These systems also have several features that may prevent contained liquid from being adequately purified. For example, they often leave carbon dust in the purified liquid and are susceptible to bacteria growth that may also contaminate the purified liquid. Additionally, they use plastic housings that may off-gas contaminants into the purified liquid.

[0008] Other existing systems involve large, multi-serving containers with a filter attached to a dispenser of the container. Examples of such products are marketed under the Brita® and Pur® brand names. These systems are often large and difficult to transport. Additionally, the treatment process is often impossible using anything but a collection of separate, interoperable, and proprietary components distinct to that particular product and/or manufacturer. These systems are also often difficult to properly clean. Additionally, because it is quite easy to forget the proper time to change the filter in these devices, they may lead to improper treatment by using a spent filter. The filters in these devices are often encased in plastic, which may lead to improper treatment for the reasons discussed above. Additionally, the filters used in these devices are often not recycled, producing unnecessary waste. As a result, there exists a need for an easily portable filtration solution that is easily adaptable to a wide array of containers, particularly those that are not specifically designed for use with a particular filtration system.

[0009] Additionally, known liquid treatment devices designed to treat tap water often involve installing additional plumbing and/or sink hardware within a user's home. These installations can lead to a great deal of cost and effort on the part of the user. Further, it is difficult to know when to change filters in known systems, and a failure to replace the filters may lead either to inadequate treatment or to additional expense on the part of the user. Additionally, conventional systems such as these are tied to the faucet.

[0010] In these and other known liquid treatment devices, the filters are intended to be used repeatedly and may be difficult to replace. This poses the risk of using a filter that is contaminated or has developed biological growths due to overuse or prolonged non-use. Thus, there exists a need for disposable treatment devices that are appropriate for a single use and that may easily be removed from the liquid container. Additionally, there is a need for biodegradable treatment devices that reduce the environmental impact of their waste.

[0011] As a result, there exists a need for improved treatment devices that addresses one or more of these shortcomings. Treatment devices addressing one or more of the limitations discussed above are described below.

Summary

[0012] A treatment device for treating a potable liquid when submerged into the potable liquid, the treatment device including a porous enclosure enclosing an interior and filter media disposed in the interior of the porous enclosure and configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid entering the porous enclosure to yield a purified liquid that exits the porous enclosure, the filter media including activated carbon. In some examples, the treatment device is unaffixediy disposed in the potable liquid and/or is disposable. In some examples, the treatment devices include one or more pockets in the interior of the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, treatment devices may include a strip incorporating filter media.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet unaffixediy disposed within a container containing a potable liquid.

[0014] Fig, 2 is a top plan view of the treatment device embodied as a treatment packet shown in Fig, 1.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment device embodied as a treatment packet shown in Fig. 1 taken about the line 3-3 illustrating two pockets enclosed by the treatment packet,

[0016] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet.

[0017] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment packet shown in Fig. 4 taken about the line 5-5.

[0018] Fig, 6A is a top view of the treatment packet shown in Fig. 4.

[0019] Fig, 6B is a top view of the treatment packet shown in Fig. 5A in a manipulated configuration.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a third example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet,

[0021] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment packet shown in Fig. 8 taken about the line 7-7 illustrating the interior of a pocket enclosed by the treatment packet.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method for treating a potable liquid.

[0023] Fig, 10 is a perspective view of an example of a treatment device embodied as a treating strip.

[0024] Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment device shown in Fig. 10 taken about the line 1 1-1 1.

[0025] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a second example of a treatment device embodied as a treating strip.

[0026] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment device shown in Fig. 12 taken about the line 13-13. [0027] Fig. 14 is a section view of a treatment system with a treatment device detachably coupled to a bottom seam of a cup.

[0028] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the treatment system of Fig. 14.

[0029] Fig. 16 is a section view of a treatment system with a treatment device fixedly coupled to a bottom seam of a cup.

[0030] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the treatment system of Fig. 18.

[0031] Fig. 18 is a section view of a treatment system with a treatment device coupled to a base of a cup.

[0032] Fig. 19 is a plan view of the treatment system of Fig. 18.

[0033] Fig. 20 is a section view of a treatment system with a treatment device coupled to a sidewali of a cup.

[0034] Fig. 21 is a plan view of the treatment system of Fig. 20.

[0035] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a treatment system with a treatment device defining a pocket.

[0036] Fig. 23 is a section view of the treatment system of Fig. 22.

[0037] Fig. 24 is a plan view of the treatment system of Fig. 22.

[0038] Fig. 25 is an exploded view of a treatment system including a container, a lid, and a treatment device secured to the lid.

[0039] Fig. 28 is a section view of a treatment system including a treatment device incorporated into the sidewa!!s of a container.

Detailed Description

[0040] The disclosed treatment devices will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

[0041] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various treatment devices are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example,

[0042] With reference to Figs. 1 -3, a first example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet, treatment packet 100, will now be described. Treatment packet 100 is a disposable water treatment device configured to treat a potable liquid 102 when unaffixedly within a container 101 defining an opening 103 and submerged in potable liquid 102. Treatment packet 100 includes an enclosure 1 10, filter media 130, and a mineral enhancer 140.

[0043] As Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate, disposable enclosure 1 10 is configured to be removably disposed within potable liquid 102. As Figs 2 and 3 show, enclosure 1 10 includes pores 1 12 and a collection of pockets including a first pocket 123 and a second pocket 127. Enclosure 1 10 is configured to be selectively disposed within container 101 and is permeable by potable liquid 102. As Fig. 3 illustrates, enclosure 1 10 is primarily made of a porous enclosure material 199 and defines an exterior surface 198.

[0044] As Fig. 3 illustrates, enclosure 1 10 includes an upper body 1 14 stitched to a lower body 1 18 and encloses an interior 1 15 in the space between upper body 1 14 and lower body 1 16. As Fig. 2 illustrates, upper body 1 14 and lower body 1 16 are made of a porous cellulose- based paper which are natural materials that provide flexibility. Because upper body 1 14 and lower body 1 16 are made of a cellulose-based paper, enclosure 1 10 is biodegradable. This disclosure separately contemplates use of cellulose-based materials and paper materials for enclosure materials; this disclosure contemplates non-ce!iuiose-based paper enclosures, and vice versa. This disclosure specifically contemplates the environmental benefit of implementing natural and/or biodegradable construction materials, such as paper. However, other examples may implement a fibrous borosiiicate glass upper and lower bodies, or bodies made of other porous materials.

[0045] Enclosure 1 10 includes pores 1 12 exposed to potable liquid 102 and configured to allow potable liquid 102 to enter and exit interior 1 15. The size of pores 1 12 may control the rate at which potable liquid 102 flows in and out of interior 1 15. Pores 1 12 range in size from one to ten microns; however, pores may be any size that generally allows passage of potable liquid 102 while restricting passage of filter media, in some embodiments, a smaller pore size may be selected to maximize the time in which liquid remains contained within interior 1 15 and in contact with filter media to increase the contact time with the filter media, thereby improving filtration.

[0046] As Fig. 2 shows, enclosure 1 10 defines a collection of attachment areas 125, at which upper body 1 14 and lower body 1 16 are stitched to one another. Although stitching is specifically illustrated, other attachment means, such as machine-pressing, stapling, or adhesion may be used. Interior 1 15 is separated into a collection of pockets, including first pocket 123 and second pocket 127, by stitching together upper body 1 14 and lower body 1 16 at attachment areas 125. Although a certain number of pockets are shown, this disclosure specifically contemplates treatment packets with more pockets and with multiple spaced pocket layers to increase enclosure surface area and available filter media to the a liquid to be filtered, [0047] As Fig. 3 illustrates, treatment packet 100 includes filter media 130 disposed within interior 1 15. Filter media 130 is composed in whole or in part of one or more filter materials selected for their ability to remove selected impurities from liquid. Specifically, filter media 130 includes a filter material comprising activated carbon granules 132 disposed in first pocket 123. As Fig. 1 illustrates, filter media 130 is disposed in each pocket.

[0048] Filter media 130 fills approximately 1/3 of an enclosure volume defined by enclosure 1 10. Filling first pocket 123 with granular activated carbon at this ratio allows potable liquid 102 to efficiently flow through enclosure 1 10 into first pocket 123 and mix with the filter media. The ideal ratio of total pocket volume to media volume should approximate two to one or three to one. Filling at these ratios additionally maximizes the media surface area available to the liquid, thus augmenting treatment. However, this ratio is not specifically required. This disclosure considers pockets substantially full of the media to increase the amount of filter media available, as well as well as substantially empty pockets to increase the flexibility of enclosure 1 10.

[0049] Enclosure 1 10 may be folded around filter media 130 as a result of implementing a granular filter media 130 and a flexible enclosure 1 10. By folding enclosure 1 10, treatment packet 100 may be easier to insert into a container with a small opening, such as a standard disposable water bottle or reusable water bottles. As previously mentioned, enclosure 1 10's flexibility may be increased by decreasing the amount of filter media disposed within enclosure 1 10's pockets.

[0050] Granulated activated carbon is chosen as a potential filter media largely because it reduces the chlorine content of a liquid to which it is exposed. Though not required, the activated carbon used is of premium quality, preferably from coconut shells. Additionally, the activated carbon may be selected to have an increased hardness.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, filter media may include an ion-exchange resin. The ion- exchange resin may be placed in the interior of a pocket in a similar manner to the granular activated carbon. Ion exchange resins may additionally or alternatively be impregnated in enclosure material. Ion exchange resins may additionally or alternatively be attached to the interior and/or exterior surfaces of enclosures, such as exterior surface 198 and interior surface 196. Ion-exchange resins are an organic polymer substance, which often take the form of small, solid beads. However ion-exchange resins may be implemented in liquid form without any container as well. Ion-exchange resins include pores on their surface that trap and release ions that treat the liquid through an ion-exchange process. This disclosure specifically contemplates using any known or later developed type of ion-exchange resin.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, filter media may also include high purity copper-zinc formuiations, such as KDF 55 and KDF 85. Copper-zinc formulations treat liquid by an oxidation/reduction process by exchanging electrons to bond with chlorine and other metals in the water to create harmless substances. Such copper-zinc formulations may be used to remove chlorine, mercury, nickel, lead, chromium, and other dissolved metals from the purified liquid. Copper-zinc formulations may be included to control bacteria levels in the purified liquid.

[0053] Granulated activated carbon, ion-exchange resins, and high-density copper formulations are specifically discussed as filter materials due to their water treatment characteristics. This disclosure contemplates filter media including any combination of the three. This disclosure additionally contemplates filter media that include any combination of additional or alternative water treatment implements, which may include, but are not limited to carbon, ion- exchange resins, mineral nanofibers such as nanoalumina, manufactured nanofibers, polypropylene, polyester, and/or other polymer substrates. This disclosure also specifically contemplates filter media including one or more filter materials.

[0054] As Fig. 3 illustrates, treatment packet 100 additionally includes second pocket 127 spaced from first pocket 123. Second pocket 127 includes a second filter media 128 including an ion-exchange resin. This disclosure discusses first pocket 123 and second pocket 127 individually with each pocket including different single-composition filter media. However, first pocket 123 and second pocket 127 are discussed as a microcosm of treatment packet 1 QG's plurality of pockets illustrated in Fig. 2. First pocket 123 and second pocket 127 illustrate that treatment packets may include diverse filter medias disposed in each of a treatment packet ^' s pockets. In some embodiments, each pocket will include the same filter media; however, various other embodiments may include disparate filter media disposed in the pockets.

[0055] As Fig. 3 shows, treatment packet 100 includes mineral enhancer 140 disposed within first pocket 123. Mineral enhancer 140 defines a dissolvable tablet containing a mineral deemed to have health benefits when consumed in a liquid. Mineral enhancer 140 is disposed within enclosure 1 10 and is configured to dissolve into potable liquid 102 as treatment packet 100 purifies potable liquid 102. As a result, mineral enhance 140 imbues the purified liquid with the minerals' health benefits. [0058] The mineral enhancer may include calcium, magnesium, and/or potassium. However, mineral enhancers are not specifically confined to these minerals. Minerals contained within the mineral enhancer may be selected to be of the highest quality form. With regard to a mineral enhancer including calcium, citrate or hydroxyapatite forms should be used. The mineral enhancer may include selected minerals in any quantity and/or potency, specifically including amounts appearing naturally in untreated spring water.

[0057] Looking to Fig. 3, treatment packet 100 additionally includes a electrolyte supplement 197 disposed within first pocket 123. The electrolyte supplement may comprise a collection of one or more of sodium, potassium and/or magnesium and is configured to dissolve or partially dissolve into potable liquid 102 to imbue potable liquid 102 with electrolyte balancing characteristics.

[0058] Mineral enhancer 140 and electrolyte supplement 197 are displayed as tablets for illustrative purposes. Their particular form is not a requirement of the subject matter of this disclosure, and they may take any shape and/or may exist as discrete granules.

[0059] Figs. 4-8B illustrate a second example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet configured to be placed in a potable liquid, treatment packet 200, which includes an first porous enclosure 212 and a second porous enclosure 214. First porous enclosure 212 extends longitudinally from a top 291 to a bottom 292 and laterally from a first side 293 to a second side 294. Second porous enclosure 214 similarly extends longitudinally from a bottom 295 to a top 296 and laterally from a first side 297 to a second side 298. Treatment packet 200 Includes a series of attachment points 225 that attach first porous enclosure 212 to second porous enclosure 214. Attachment points 225 attach first side 293 to first side 297, second side 294 to second side 298, and bottom 292 to bottom 295. In this manner, treatment packet 200 defines a pocket interior 290, into which liquid may flow. This provides a greater surface area in which the liquid is in contact with treatment packet 200 and any contained filter media. First porous enclosure 212 is primarily made of a porous enclosure material and defines an exterior surface and an interior surface, similar to enclosure 1 10.

[0060] As Fig. 8A and 6B show, first porous enclosure 212 is flexible and includes a midpoint 213 may be manipulated to space first porous enclosure 212 from second porous enclosure 214. Second porous enclosure 214 is similarly flexible and similarly Includes a midpoint 215, which may be manipulated in the same manner.

[0061] Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a third example of a treatment device embodied as a treatment packet, treatment packet 300. Treatment packet 300 is a disposable, single-pocket design that resembles a single-use tea bag. Treatment packet 300 implements many of the concepts discussed in this disclosure in a substantially similar manner to treatment packet 100 and treatment packet 200. Treatment packet 300 includes a disposable enclosure 310 enclosing an interior defining a pocket 323. Enclosure 310 is primarily made out of a porous enclosure material and defines an exterior surface and an interior surface, similar to enclosure 1 10. As Fig. 7 shows, a collection of attachment points 325 secure enclosure 310 around pocket 323. As Fig. 8 illustrates, pocket 323 includes filter media 330 defining activated carbon granules, substantially similar to first pocket 123.

[0082] In other treatment packet examples, such as those similar to treatment packet 100, treatment packet 200, or treatment packet 300, filter media may additionally or alternatively be impregnated within the enclosure material, in other examples, filter media may additionally or alternatively be attached to the exterior and/or inferior surfaces of the enclosure.

[0063] Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a method for filtering a potable liquid contained within a container, method for treating a potable liquid 400. Method for treating a potable liquid 400 includes the steps of providing a treatment device configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid to yield a treated liquid 410, placing the treatment device in the potable liquid 420, and removing the treatment device from the potable liquid after the treatment device yields treated liquid from a portion of the potable liquid 430.

[0064] The treatment device implemented in method for treating a potable liquid 400 may be, but is not required to be, substantially similar to treatment packet 100, treatment packet 200, treatment packet 300, or other disclosed treatment devices. In some examples, the treatment device implemented in method for treating a potable liquid 400 is disposable and is configured to be disposed after removing the treatment device from the potable liquid after the treatment device yields treated liquid from a portion of the potable liquid 430. Further, disposable treatment packets used in method for treating a potable liquid 400 may be made of natural, recyclable, biodegradable and/or compostable materials, thereby providing environmental benefits.

[0085] Turning attention to Figs. 10 and 1 1 , an example of a treatment device embodied as a treating strip, treating strip 500, will now be discussed. Treating strip 500 includes a strip 510, filter media 530, and a line 550. Treating strip 500 is configured to be placed in a potable liquid to yield treated liquid from at least a portion of the potable liquid. Treating strip 500 yields purified liquid similar to the disclosed treatment packets. However, by incorporating filter media 530 with strip 510, treating strip 500 may produce less waste and incur less manufacturing costs. [0068] As shown in Fig. 1 1 , strip 510 is made of a strip material 514. Strip 510 defines a surface 512. The strip material may include, but is not limited to, wood, cellulose, biopoiymers, po!ylactic acid, polypropylene, polyester, other polymer substrates, rayon, or borosilicate glass. The use of natural materials, such as the aforementioned cellulose, biopoiymers, and polyiactic acid, may be used to reduce porous sheets' environmental impact.

[0067] As Fig. 1 1 shows, treating strip 500 incorporates filter media 530, which includes an ion exchange resin 532. Filter media 530 is attached to strip 510 by impressing or applying filter media 530 to surface 512. Strips used for attachment of a filter media in this manner may be, but are not required to be, porous. Additionally or alternatively, strips used for attachment of a filter media in this manner may be, but are not required to be, fibrous.

[0068] However, in other similar examples, filter media may be attached by affixing the filter media to the surfaces. In some such examples, the filter media may be bound to the surface by an adhesive. In such examples, the filter media may include solid filter media, including, but not limited to, all solid forms of filter media described above.

[0069] As Fig. 10 shows, line 550 defines a string extending from treating strip 500. Line 550 may be gripped by a user to remove treating strip 500 from a container containing a potable liquid. Line 550 may additionally or alternatively extend outside of the container during use, providing a user the opportunity to remove treating strip 500 without touching the potable liquid. Because touching the potable liquid could introduce additional impurities, line 550 prevents users from inadvertently adding impurities to the potable liquid.

[0070] Turning attention to Figs. 12 and 13, a second example of a treatment device embodied as a treating strip, treating strip 600, will now be discussed. Treating strip 600 includes a porous strip 810 and filter media 830.

[0071] Treating strip 600 is similar in design and composition to strip 510, similarly comprising a porous strip material 614 defining a pore network 691 defining pores and a skeletal network 692 surrounding the pores. Likewise, filter media 830 is incorporated with porous strip 610. Filter media 630 similarly defines an ion exchange resin.

[0072] As Fig. 13 illustrates, however, a difference is seen in the manner in which filter media 630 is incorporated with porous strip 610. As Fig. 13 illustrates, filter media 630 is incorporated by impregnating filter media 630 in porous strip material 814. Filter media 630 is retained in position within pore network 691 by skeletal network 692.

[0073] This disclosure contemplates impregnating porous materials with filter media to define a treatment device independent of the filter media or the method of impregnating. Indeed, solid filter media may additionally or alternatively be impregnated within porous materials by retaining granules of solid filter media within the fibers of a fibrous porous strip material.

[0074] Porous strips impregnated with a filter media similar to treating strip 600 may be, but are not required to be, fibrous. As an example, treating strip 600 illustrates a fibrous example, wherein skeletal network 692 includes the fibrous strip material's fibers and pore network 691 includes the voids between the fibers. However, treating strips may take any porous configuration. Treating strips are not required to be fibrous, nor are they required to follow treating strip 600's specific pore and skeletal network design.

[0075] In some examples of strips and/or enclosures, the strip or enclosure may include one or more pleats along its length. For example, treating strip 600 defines a pleat 699. Pleats are not required to be sewn or take the form of pleat 699. For example, pleat arrangements on the strip may include, but are not limited to, accordion pleats, box pleats, knife pleats, organ pleats, or other generally understood pleat types. By including pleats, the treatment strip exposes a greater amount of surface area to the liquid, which may result in superior treatment.

[0076] For the purposes of this discussion, 'porous' is defined as having any porosity, including structures that include only a single pore. As a result, 'porous' may specifically include structures incapable of communicating water through the full thickness of the structure. Additionally or alternatively, porous structures, including porous strips and porous enclosures, may be constructed by adding pores to non-porous materials. Additionally, porous structures may include both porous and non-porous portions.

[0077] Examples of enclosure and strip materials may include, but are not limited to, cellulose, biopolymers, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polyester or other polymer substrates, rayon, or borosilicate glass.

[0078] In some treatment device examples implementing porous materials, the porous material may include and/or define a fibrous material. Additionally or alternatively, non-porous fibrous materials, such as tarpaulin, may be used.

[0079] In some examples, plastic and/or wooden stirring sticks may function as strips. These examples may be particularly suited in examples including a strip with filter media attached to the surface, but may serve as strips for any treatment device disclosed herein.

[0080] Strips as disclosed in this example are not limited to substantially elongated shapes, nor are the limited to distinct bodies. Strips according to this disclosure may define any shape, including any circular, polygonal, or non-polygonal, non-circular shape. Additionally, strips may define a part or a portion of a larger structure, such as an enclosure or a filter. [0081] Turning attention to Fig. 14-24, multiple treatment system examples will now be described. Treatment systems according to the present disclosure function to treat a potable liquid, such as water, to remove impurities from the liquid; and/or to add beneficial minerals, vitamins, or other additives; and/or to add flavor agents.

[0082] As can be seen in Figs. 14-24, the treatment systems described herein include a container and a treatment device coupled to the container. Thus, the treatment systems provide the user with a complete solution to treating potable liquids the user wishes to drink. The treatments systems described below enable a manufacturer to provide a user with a convenient and standalone product that can treat liquids for a user simply by introducing a liquid into the treatment system.

[0083] The treatment devices described below in conjunction with the treatment systems may be substantially similar or identical to the treatment devices discussed above. Further, the container or cup described below will be substantially similar or identical to the container described above in some examples. Thus, for the sake of brevity, the treatment devices and the cups will not be extensively described again, but rather the reader should refer to the discussion of treatment devices and containers above to more fully understand the treatment devices and cups described below.

[0084] With reference to Figs. 14 and 15, the reader can see that treatment system 700 includes a cup 710, a treatment device 720, and a string 730. In treatment system 700, treatment device 720 is detachably coupled to cup 710 and string 730 is coupled to treatment device 720. In particular, treatment device 720 is detachably coupled to cup 710 at a bottom seam 717 of cup 710.

[0085] As can be seen in Figs. 14 and 15, cup 710 defines an inner cavity 712, which includes a base 714, and a sidewali 716. Cup 710 is configured to contain a potable liquid in inner cavity 712. In a known manner, a user can drink the potable liquid by bringing the cup to his lips.

[0086] In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, cup 710 is composed of paper and is intended to be disposed of after a single or limited number of uses. Thus, cup 710 may be described as a disposable paper cup. The cup may comprise any known or later developed type of paper cup.

[0087] However, in other examples, the cup is composed of materials other than paper, such as plastic, metal, and glass. Additionally or alternatively, the cup may be configured for multiple, extended uses instead of for a single use. While the present example highlights a treatment system including a cup, the reader should understand that the treatment system may include containers other than cups, such as bottles, jugs, pitchers, thermoses, and the like.

[0088] Base 714 has a base perimeter 715 and abuts sidewail 716 at a seam 717 between base 714 and sidewail 716 along base perimeter 715. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, base 714 is circular and base perimeter 715 corresponds to the circumference of base 714. in other examples, the base is a non-circular shape and the base perimeter is the outside boundary of the non-circular shaped base. Suitable shapes for the base include regular shapes, such as a square, triangular, octagonal, and the like, elliptical shapes, or irregular shapes.

[0089] In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, base 714 is substantially fiat. However, the base may include a depression, a dome, ripples, or other topography. In some examples, such as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the base supports the treatment device in a manner where the treatment device may be described as forming at least a partial outer layer of the base.

[0090] Returning attention to Figs. 14 and 15, sidewail 716 is disposed around base perimeter 715 to form seam 717 between sidewail 716 and base 714. Sidewail 716 extends up from base 714 to a terminal end 718 opposite seam 717. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, terminal end 718 defines a lip 719 curled upon itself. In other examples, the terminal end is flat and does not curl upon itself.

[0091] In still other examples, the terminal end is comp!imentarily configured with a lid, such as with threads designed to mate with threads of a lid. The sidewail and base may include any known or later developed sealant layer to maintain the integrity of the sidewail material when exposed to potable liquids.

[0092] In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, treatment device 720 is detachably coupled to cup 710 in inner cavity 712 at seam 717. However, as shown in Figs. 16-24, the treatment device may couple to the cup at a variety of locations in addition to or alternatively to the bottom seam. For example, the treatment device may couple to the sidewail and/or to the base.

[0093] Treatment device 720 includes filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid. Treatment device 720 includes an ion-exchange resin and granulated activated carbon. In some examples, the treatment device includes ion-exchange resin without granulated activated carbon and vice versa.

[0094] The treatment device may be flexible and substantially planar. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, treatment device 720 is configured to be used once and then disposed. The treatment device may take a variety of forms and include a variety of features, as discussed at length above. [0095] As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, treatment device 720 includes a main body 722 and a breakaway coupler 724. Breakaway coupler 724 is coupled to main body 722 and to cup 710 at seam 717. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, breakaway coupler 724 is configured to tear when subjected to a threshold tension. In the present example, breakaway coupler 724 is selected to tear when a user pulls on main body 722. Additionally or alternatively, the breakaway coupler is selected to tear when a user pulls on string 730.

[0096] In some examples, the breakaway coupler is configured to detach the main body from the cup by means other than tearing. For instance, the breakaway coupler may be loosely adhered to the cup and detach the main body by breaking the adhesive bond with the cup when the main body is subject to a threshold tension. Alternatively, the breakaway coupler may define a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™, interspersed between the cup and the main body of the treatment device. In hook and loop fastener embodiments, the hooks disengage from the loops when the breakaway fastener is subject to a threshold tension.

[0097] String 730 is coupled to treatment device 720 to enable a user to pull on string 730 to selectively decouple treatment device 720 from cup 710. The string may be any elongate tension bearing member now known or later developed, such as twine, nylon line, cord, and the like. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, string 730 is long enough to extend out of inner cavity 712, which provides a user with a dry portion of string 730 to manipulate. In some examples, such as shown in Figs. 22-24, the sidewail defines an aperture through which the string passes.

[0098] Turning attention to Figs. 16 and 17, a treatment system 800 will now be described. Treatment system 800 includes many similar or identical features to treatment system 700. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of treatment system 800 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 800 and treatment system will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two treatment systems.

[0099] As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, treatment system 800 includes a cup 810 and a treatment device 820. In contrast to treatment system 700, in treatment system 800 treatment device 820 is fixedly coupled to cup 810. In the example shown in Figs. 16 and 17, treatment device 820 is fixedly coupled to cup 810 at a seam 817. Treatment device 820 is substantially similar to treatment device 720, but does not include a breakaway coupler and instead secures to cup 810 by any conventional means. Suitable means for coupling the treatment device to the cup include adhering, sewing, mechanical fastening, and friction or compression fitting the treatment device to the cup. [0100] While treatment device 820 is fixedly coupled to seam 817, in other examples the treatment device is coupled to other parts of the cup. For example, the treatment device shown in Figs. 20 and 21 , treatment device 1000, is fixedly coupled to the sidewail of the cup. Additionally or alternatively, the treatment device may be fixedly coupled to the base of the cup.

[0101] With reference to Figs. 18 and 19, a treatment system 900 will now be described. Treatment system 900 includes many similar or identical features to treatment systems 700 and 800. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of treatment system 900 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 900 and the previously discussed treatment systems will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the treatment systems.

[0102] As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, treatment system 900 includes a cup 910 and a treatment device 920. In contrast to treatment system 700, in treatment system 900 treatment device 920 is detachably coupled to a base 914 of cup 910 as opposed to a seam between base 914 and a sidewail 916. in the example shown in Figs. 18 and 19, treatment system 900 includes a string 930 coupled to treatment device 920 for selectively removing treatment device 920 from cup 910.

[0103] As illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19, treatment device 920 covers a substantial portion of base 914. Indeed, treatment device 920 extends nearly from sidewail to sidewail on opposite sides of the base. In other examples, the treatment device covers only a portion of the base. As shown in Figs. 14-17 and 20-24, the treatment device may not cover the base at all or not to a significant degree.

[0104] In the example shown in Figs. 18 and 19, treatment device 920 forms an outer layer of base 920. In some applications, the treatment device is made to have a similar or complimentary appearance to the inside of the cup so that a user may not readily notice that there is a treatment device in the cup. In other examples, the treatment device is made to have a conspicuous appearance so that the user is readily aware that there is a treatment device in the cup treating the potable liquid contained therein.

[0105] Similar to treatment device 720, treatment device 920 is configured to selectively decouple from cup 910. Treatment device 920 is loosely coupled to base 914 to enable a user to readily pull treatment device 920 apart from base 914, either via string 930 or by pulling on treatment device 920 directly. In some examples, the treatment device includes a breakaway coupler similar to breakaway coupler 724.

[0106] With reference to Figs. 20 and 21 , a treatment system 1000 will now be described. Treatment system 1000 includes many similar or identical features to treatment systems 700, 800, and 900. Thus, as before, each feature of treatment system 1000 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 1000 and the previously discussed treatment systems will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the treatment systems.

[0107] As shown in Figs. 20 and 21 , treatment system 1000 includes a cup 1010 and a treatment device 1020. A distinction between treatment system 700 and treatment system 1000 is that treatment device 1020 is fixedly coupled to a sidewali 1016 of cup 1010 as opposed to detachably coupled to a seam between a base 1014 and sidewali 1016. In the example shown in Figs. 20 and 21 , treatment system 1000 defines an outer layer of a portion of sidewali 1016.

[0108] In the example shown in Figs. 20 and 21 , treatment device 1020 is flexible and substantially planar. Indeed, the thickness of treatment device 1020 is relatively small compared to its height and width in the present example. In other examples, the thickness of the treatment device is more comparable to the height and/or width of the treatment device.

[0109] Treatment device 1020 includes opposing major faces, an inner major face 1028 and an outer major face 1029, defined by its height and width dimensions. Inner major face 1028 faces the inner cavity of cup 1010 and outer major face 1029 faces sidewali 1016. As the reader can see in Figs. 20 and 21 , outer major face 1029 abuts sidewali 1016. In particular, in the present example, outer major face 1029 conforms to the concave shape of 1016 to form a thin layer coupled to sidewali 1016.

[0110] As shown in Figs. 20 and 21 , treatment device 1020 extends from a seam 1017 to a position proximate a terminal end 1018 of sidewali 1016. Expressed another way, the height of treatment device 1020 substantially corresponds to the height of the inner cavity of cup 1010. In other examples, the height of the treatment device is less than the height of the inner cavity, such as three-fourths, one-half, or one-quarter of the height of the inner cavity. The height of the treatment device relative to the height of the cup may be selected to provide a desired amount of treatment media, to provide a desired amount of treatment device surface area, to separate the treatment device from the lip of the cup to avoid the user's lip coming in contact with the treatment device, and/or to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0111] With reference to Fig. 21 , the reader can see that treatment device 1020 extends partially around sidewali 1016. Indeed, the width of treatment device 1020 is less than the width (or circumference in this example) of sidewali 1016. In particular, the width of treatment device 1020 is approximately one-fifth the width of sidewali 1016. In other examples, the treatment device width to sidewali width ratio is 1 :10, 1 :8, 1 :3, 1 :1 , or ratios in-between. The width of the treatment device relative to the width of the cup may be selected to provide a desired amount of treatment media, to provide a desired amount of treatment device surface area, and/or to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0112] Treatment device 1020 is fixedly coupled to sidewall 1016. However, in some examples, the treatment device is configured to selectively decouple from the cup. The treatment device may include a breakaway coupler coupled to a main body of the treatment device and to the sidewall similar to the breakaway coupler.

[0113] In other examples, the treatment device is loosely coupled to the sidewall to enable a user to readily pull the treatment device apart from the sidewall. In such examples, a user may selectively decouple the treatment device from the sidewall by pulling on the treatment device directly. In some examples, the treatment system includes a string coupled to the treatment device with which a user may selectively decouple the treatment device from the sidewall.

[0114] With reference to Figs. 22-24, a treatment system 1 100 will now be described. Treatment system 1 100 includes many similar or identical features to treatment systems 700, 800, 900, and 1000. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of treatment system 1 100 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 1 100 and the previously discussed treatment systems will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the treatment systems.

[0115] As shown in Figs. 22-24, treatment system 1 100 includes a cup 1 1 10 and a treatment device 1 120. A distinction between treatment system 700 and treatment system 1 100 is that treatment device 1 120 defines a pocket 1 140 coupled to a sidewall 1 1 18 of cup 1 1 10 as opposed to coupled to a seam between a base and sidewall 1 1 16. In the example shown in Figs. 22-24, treatment system 1 100 includes a string 1 130 coupled to treatment device 1020 for selectively moving treatment device 1 120 between an expanded position and a closed position.

[0116] In the example shown in Figs. 22-24, treatment device 1 120 defines pocket 1 140 through which the potable liquid may flow. As can be seen in Figs. 22-24, pocket 1 140 defines a pocket opening 1 142 and is configured to move between an expanded position where pocket opening 1 142 is open (shown in Fig. 22-24} and a closed position where pocket opening 1 142 is substantially closed.

[0117] In the closed position, treatment device 1 120 is more compact and facilitates stacking or nesting treatment systems together. In particular, in the closed position, treatment device 1 120 projects into the inner cavity of cup 1 1 10 to a lesser degree than in the expanded position enabling the cup of another treatment system to insert into the inner cavity of cup 1 1 10. [0118] In the open position, treatment device 1 120 exposes more surface area, which facilitates treating the potable liquid, in the example shown in Figs. 22-24, treatment device 1 120 is configured to treat the potable liquid by filtering the liquid through filter media within the walls of pocket 1 140. To facilitate treating the potable liquid, in the example shown in Figs. 22- 24, the potable liquid may flow through pocket 1 140 in the expanded position.

[0119] Treatment system 1 100 includes an adhesive to maintain treatment device 1 120 in the closed position until moved to the expanded position. In some examples, the treatment system includes a fastener or is folded together to maintain the treatment device in the closed position. However, in other examples, the treatment device does not include an adhesive or a fastener or is not folded together to maintain it in the closed position. To move treatment device 1 120 to the expanded position, a user may pull apart treatment device 1 120 directly or may pull on string 1 130.

[0120] With reference to Fig. 25, a treatment system 1200 will now be described. Treatment system 1200 includes many similar or identical features to treatment systems 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of treatment system 1200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 1200 and the previously discussed treatment systems will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the treatment systems.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 25, treatment system 1200 includes a lid 1260 and a treatment device 1220 secured to lid 1260. In the example shown in Fig. 25, treatment system 1200 is configured to selectively secure to an optional container 1210 to define a sports bottle as that term is commonly known. However, the treatment system may be configured to couple to a variety of containers to collectively define a variety of vessels, such as a thermos, a canteen, a flask, a jug, and the like.

[0122] Container 1210 defines a container opening 121 1 leading to an inner cavity 1212. Inner cavity 1212 is configured to contain the potable liquid. In the present example, treatment system 1200 does not include a treatment device in inner cavity 1212, but in other treatment system examples include one or more treatment devices in the inner cavity of a container. Container opening 121 1 provides a path out of inner cavity 1212 for the potable liquid contained within inner cavity 1212.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 25, container 1210 defines threads to mate with comp!imentariiy configured threads formed in lid 1260 to selectively secure lid 1260 to container 1210. In other examples, the container does not include threads and secures the lid to the container by other means. For example, the lid may secure to the container via a friction fit, a hook-and-loop fastener, or another form of mechanical fastener.

[0124] Lid 1260 is configured to couple with container 1210 proximate container opening 121 1. As shown in Fig. 25, lid 1260 defines a lid opening 1262 in fluid communication with inner cavity 1212. The potable liquid may exit inner cavity 1212 through container opening 121 1 and then through lid opening 1262 under the force of gravity when treatment system 1200 is moved to a position where lid opening 1262 is below inner cavity 1212.

[0125] The lid may include any known or later developed features for assisting a user to drink the potable liquid via the lid opening. For example, the lid may include a mouthpiece, a straw, a nipple, or a cap in conjunction with the lid opening.

[0126] As the reader can see in Fig. 25, lid 1260 defines a lid cavity 1264 open to inner cavity 1212. In other examples, the lid does not include a lid cavity. For example, the lid may be substantially solid except for the lid opening and/or may be substantially planer.

[0127] Treatment device 1220 is secured to lid 1260 in a position proximate lid opening 1262. in the example shown in Fig. 25, treatment device 1220 is secured to lid 1260 in a position where it comes into contact with the potable liquid as the potable liquid exits lid opening 1262. More specifically, in the Fig. 25 example, treatment device 1220 fully covers lid opening 1262 and the potable liquid flows through treatment device 1220 to exit through lid opening 1262.

[0128] In othe examples, the treatment device does not fully cover the lid opening. For example, the treatment device may cover a portion of the lid opening or not cover the lid opening at all. For instance, the treatment device may be spaced from the lid opening and/or may be positioned adjacent the lid opening. When adjacent the lid opening, the potable liquid may come into contact with the treatment device as if approaches the lid opening.

[0129] In the Fig. 25 example, treatment device 1220 is compiimentarily configured with lid cavity 1264 to abut opposing sides of lid cavity 1264 with enough pressure to hold treatment device 1220 within cavity 1264 via a friction fit. In other examples, the lid includes clips, attachment points, adhesives, or other fasteners to secure the treatment device in a position to treat the potable liquid as it moves towards the lid opening. Additionally or alternatively, the treatment device may include clips, attachment points, adhesives, or other fasteners to secure the treatment device in a position to treat the potable liquid as it moves towards the lid opening.

[0130] With reference to Fig. 26, a treatment system 1300 will now be described. Treatment system 1 100 includes many similar or identical features to treatment systems 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1 100, and 1200. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of treatment system 1300 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between treatment system 1200 and the previously discussed treatment systems will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the treatment systems.

[0131] As show in in Fig. 26, treatment system 1300 includes a cup or container 1310 and a treatment device 1320 incorporated with container 1310. In the example shown in Fig. 28, treatment device 1320 is incorporated into a sidewail 1316 of container 1310. In particular, treatment device 1320 includes filter media 1321 impregnated into sidewail 1316 and into the base. Additionally or alternatively, the filter media may be coated onto the surface of the sidewail and/or the base facing the inner cavity of the container.

[0132] When the treatment device is incorporated into or onto the sidewail, treatment device treats the potable liquid when the liquid comes into contact with the filter media. The treatment device may contact the filter media by entering the sidewail to contact the filter media through pores in the sidewail and/or by contact filter media on the side of the sidewail facing the inner cavity of the cup. The filter media suitable for incorporating into or onto the sidewail may include any filter media discussed herein, including carbon, additives, minerals, flavor enhancers, and the like, whether granulated particles and/or incorporated into a resin or suspension.

[0133] By incorporating treatment device 1320 into sidewail 1316, treatment device 1320 is less visually apparent or completely hidden from the user. Thus, a user may not perceive that his cup includes a treatment device, which may be beneficial for commercial adoption, user preference, or aesthetics. However, in some examples the treatment device is made conspicuous so that it may be readily apparent to the user. Further, incorporating treatment device 1320 into sidewail 1316 facilitates stacking or nesting multiple treatment systems together because the interior space of cup 1310 is unobstructed.

[0134] Treatment device 1320 is incorporated throughout the substantial entirety of sidewail 1316 around the entire cup. However, in some examples, the treatment device is incorporated in only a portion of the sidewail. For example, the treatment device may be incorporated in the sidewail on only one lateral side portion of the cup or on only a bottom portion or a top portion of the sidewail. In some examples, the treatment device is incorporated throughout the sidewail in a regular pattern of treatment device patches or strips.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 26, treatment device 1320 is incorporated into the base of the cup in addition to sidewail 1316. However, in some examples the treatment device is not incorporated into the base, but instead is incorporated into only the sidewalis. In other examples, the treatment device is incorporated in just the base of the cup and not in the sidewa!L

Industrial Applicability

[0136] The inventions described in this application may be manufactured by a wide variety of industrial methods. Further, the treatment system inventions described herein may be used with any number of consumer containers, glasses, or bottles to treat water or other liquids. The disclosed treatment systems enable a use to treat potable liquids on demand without a large, unwieldy apparatus.

[0137] The inventions described above may be alternatively described according to the following non-limiting embodiments:

[0138] In an embodiment fo a treatment system for treating a potable liquid, the treatment system may include a cup defining an inner cavity configured to contain the potable liquid, the inner cavity having a base having a base perimeter, and a sidewall disposed around the base perimeter to form a seam between the sidewall and the base and extending up from the base, and a treatment device coupled to the cup in the inner cavity, the treatment device including filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid.

[0139] In some treatment system examples, the cup is composed of paper and is disposable and the treatment device is configured to be used once and then disposed. The treatment device is coupled to the cup at the seam in some embodiments.

[0140] In some treatment system examples, the treatment device is coupled to the cup at the sidewall. In some examples where the treatment device is coupled to the sidewall, the treatment device is flexible and substantially planar with a major face of the treatment device abutting and conforming to the shape of the sidewall when coupled to the sidewall. Additionally, the sidewall may extend from the seam to a terminal end of the sidewall and the treatment device may extend from the seam to a height proximate the terminal end of the sidewall. Further, the treatment device may extend partially around the sidewall.

[0141] In some treatment system embodiments, the treatment device is coupled to the cup at the base. In such embodiments, the treatment device may cover substantially all of the base to form an outer layer of the base.

[0142] In some treatment system examples, the treatment device defines a pocket through which the potable liquid may flow, the pocket defining a pocket opening and being configured to move between an expanded position where the pocket opening is open and a closed position where the pocket opening is substantially closed. In such examples, the treatment system may include a string coupled to the pocket and with which a user may move the pocket to the expanded position.

[0143] In some treatment system examples, the treatment device includes a main body and a breakaway coupler coupled to the cup, the breakaway coupler being configured to selectively decouple the main body from the cup. In such examples, the breakaway coupler may be configured to tear when subject to a threshold tension. Additionally or alternatively, the breakaway coupler may be coupled to the main body and to the cup at the seam. Additionally or alternatively, the breakaway coupler may be coupled to the main body and to the sidewall. Still further in such examples, the treatment packet may further include a string coupled to the main body with which a user may pull on the main body to selectively remove the main body from the inner cavity.

[0144] In some treatment system examples, the filter media includes an ion-exchange resin. Additionally or alternatively, the filter media may include granulated activated carbon.

[0145] In another embodiment for a treatment system for treating a potable liquid, the treatment system may include a paper cup defining an inner cavity configured to contain the potable liquid, and a treatment device coupled to the cup in the inner cavity, the treatment device including a main body incorporating filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid, a breakaway coupler coupled to the cup, the breakaway coupler being configured to selectively decouple the main body from the cup.

[0146] In a further embodiment for a treatment system fo treating a potable liquid, the treatment system may include a cup defining an inner cavity configured to contain the potable liquid and a treatment device coupled to the cup in the inner cavity, the treatment device defining a pocket incorporating filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid and through which the potable liquid may flow, the pocket defining a pocket opening and being configured to move between an expanded position where the pocket opening is open and a closed position where the pocket opening is substantially closed.

[0147] In another embodiment for a treatment system for treating a potable liquid from a container defining a container opening leading to an inne cavity configured to contain the potable liquid, the treatment system may include a lid configured to couple with the container proximate the container opening and defining a lid opening in fluid communication with an inner cavity and through which the potable liquid may exit the inner cavity and a treatment device including filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid, the treatment device being secured to the lid in a position proximate the lid opening where the potable liquid comes into contact with the treatment device as it exits the inner cavity through the lid opening. [0148] In a further embodiment for a treatment system for treating a potable liquid, the treatment system includes a container configured to contain the potable liquid, the container including a base, and a sidewall disposed around the base, and a treatment device incorporated with one or more of the base and the sidewall, the treatment device including filter media configured to adsorb impurities from the potable liquid. In such examples of a treatment system, the treatment device may be impregnated into one or more of the sidewall and the base.

[0149] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes ail novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0150] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.