US20150040887A1

Inner swirling flame gas burner

Claim Score by NHIP

Abstract

A gas burner having a combustion chamber with a bottom and a circumferential wall. A plurality of fuel exit ports are disposed in the circumferential wall, and are directed generally inwardly toward the combustion chamber and upwardly from the bottom of the combustion chamber. The fuel exit ports are preferably directed inwardly at an angle that is slightly rotated from a central axis of the burner to create a swirling flame. A plurality of secondary air inlets extend through the bottom of the combustion chamber. An injector orifice is aligned with the central axis of the burner. The injector orifice is secured to the cooktop using a bracket, which has an orifice-securing surface, with two sidewalls extending therefrom and terminating in fastening flanges. The fastening flanges have asymmetrically arranged slots therein to receive tabs extending from the burner to ensure proper alignment of the burner and the injector orifice.

US20150040887A1, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 16

Term

8.7 yearsto projected expiry

Projected expiry 6 June 2035, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.

20 claims: 3 independent, 17 dependent

1
A gas burner, comprising:a combustion chamber having a bottom and a circumferential wall;a plurality of fuel exit ports disposed in the circumferential wall, the ports directed generally inwardly toward the combustion chamber and upwardly from the bottom of the combustion chamber;anda plurality of secondary air inlets extending through the bottom of the combustion chamber.
9
A bracket to secure an injector orifice to a cooktop, comprising:an orifice-securing surface;a first sidewall extending generally orthogonally from a first edge of the orifice-securing surface and terminating in a first fastening flange;a second sidewall extending generally orthogonally from a second edge of the orifice securing surface and terminating in a second fastening flange;a plurality of burner locating slots formed at least partially in the first fastening flange and the second fastening flange, wherein the burner locating slots are asymmetrically distributed.
13
Broadest claimClaim Score 86, broad(NHIP)A gas burner for a cooktop, comprising:a plurality of fuel exit ports disposed about a circumference of the burner, the ports directed generally inwardly and upwardly from a horizontal plane to generate an inwardly directed flame;andan injector orifice aligned with a central axis of the burner.

Independent claims3

47 paragraphs in 4 sections, as filed

BACKGROUND

The present concept relates to a gas burner with an inwardly directed flame.

SUMMARY

A first embodiment of the present concept includes a gas burner including a combustion chamber with a bottom and a circumferential wall. A plurality of fuel exit ports are disposed in the circumferential wall. The ports are directed generally inwardly toward the combustion chamber and upwardly from the bottom of the combustion chamber. A plurality of secondary air inlets extend through the bottom of the combustion chamber.

Another embodiment of the present concept includes a bracket to secure an injector orifice to a cooktop. The bracket includes an orifice securing surface. A first sidewall extends generally orthogonally from a first edge of the orifice-securing surface and terminates in a first fastening flange. A second sidewall extends generally orthogonally from a second edge of the orifice securing surface and terminates in a second fastening flange. A plurality of burner locating slots are formed in the first fastening flange and the second fastening flange. The burner locating slots are asymmetrically distributed.

Yet another embodiment of the present concept includes a gas burner for a cooktop having a plurality of fuel exit ports disposed about a circumference of the burner. The ports are directed generally inwardly and upward from a horizontal plan to generate an inwardly directed flame. An injector orifice is aligned with a central axis of the burner.

The gas burner disclosed herein provides several advantages. For example, cookware placed on the burner is heated effectively and efficiently by the swirling inwardly directed flames, with limited heat loss around the exterior of the cookware. The inwardly directed flames also reduce the risk of a user being burned by the flames, as they are directed to be underneath the cookware. Additionally, the arrangement described herein is resistant to spillage, without openings or holes facing the top of the burner where cookware is placed. The aesthetics of the burner are improved due to the smooth, uninterrupted viewable surface. The burner described herein can also be removed from the cooktop without disconnecting the gas injector, which is secured using the bracket, and replaced in the proper orientation using the asymmetrically arranged tabs and slots described herein.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an exploded top perspective view of an embodiment of a burner for a cooktop according to the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the disassembled burner shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> (with the cooktop and gas inlet omitted for clarity);

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the assembled burner shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top perspective view of the assembled burner shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a top perspective view of a burner base according to the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top view of the burner base shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a cross sectional view of the burner base taken along line VII-VII shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side elevation view of the burner base shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross section view of the burner base taken along line IX-IX shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a bottom view of the burner base shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a top perspective view of a swirl spreader according to the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a top view of the spreader shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side elevation view of the spreader shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a cross sectional view of the spreader taken along line XIV-XIV from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a front cutaway view of a first type of fuel exit port in the spreader shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a side cross sectional view of the fuel exit port shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a front cutaway view of a second type of fuel exit port in the spreader shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a side cross sectional view of the fuel exit port shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a bottom view of the spreader shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a top view of a spreader assembly including the burner base and the spreader according to the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a cross sectional view of the spreader assembly taken along line XXI-XXI in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a cross sectional view of the spreader assembly taken along line XXII-XXII in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a top view of a burner cap according to the present disclosure; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a cross sectional view of the burner cap taken along line XXIV-XXIV in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In the embodiment of a gas burner 10 for a cooktop 12 depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a gas inlet 14 supplies gas to the burner 10 through an injector orifice 16 at its terminal end 18. The injector orifice 16 is secured in position below an aperture 20 in the cooktop 12 with a bracket 22 that is fastened to an underside 24 of the cooktop 12. A burner assembly 30 includes a gas flow path through a stem 32 (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), a venturi tube 34, a mixing chamber 36, fuel exit ports 38, and a combustion chamber 40. Gas is supplied to the burner 10 through the gas inlet 14. Primary air is introduced in the venturi tube 34 to form a combustible gas-primary air mixture in the mixing chamber 36. The gas-primary air mixture is then expelled through the fuel exit ports 38 into the combustion chamber 40, where a spark electrode 42 is disposed to ignite the gas-primary air mixture. Secondary air inlets 44 extend from the combustion chamber 40 to ambient air outside the burner assembly 30, allowing secondary air to be drawn into the combustion chamber 40 by convection to encourage complete combustion. The burner assembly 30 as depicted in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> includes a burner base 52, swirl spreader 54, and burner cap 56, which define the functional elements of the stem 32, venturi tube 34, mixing chamber 36, fuel exit ports 38, and combustion chamber 40. Although shown as three parts that are assembled to form the burner assembly 30 in the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the functional elements of the burner assembly 30 may be constructed out of more or less assembled parts, and may be integrally formed in a single piece, if desired.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>, the bracket 22 used to secure the gas inlet 14 includes an orifice-securing surface 60 with a hole 62 therethrough for passage of the gas inlet 14, with the injector orifice 16 held in place above the orifice securing surface 60. The orifice-securing surface 60 shown herein is generally planar and parallel to the underside 24 of the cooktop 12, and is generally square or rectangular shaped. Alternate embodiments may include alternate designs of the orifice-securing surface 60, including without limitation curved edges, a non-planar shape, a slot for passage of the gas inlet 14, etc. A first sidewall 64 extends upwardly from a first edge 66 of the orifice securing surface 60, and a second sidewall 68 extends upwardly from a second edge 70 of the orifice securing surface 60. Each sidewall 64, 68 terminates in an outwardly directed fastening flange 72. The fastening flanges 72 have through holes 74 therethrough, for fastening the bracket 22 to the cooktop 12 with the fastening flanges 72 on opposing sides of the aperture 20. The first sidewall 64 and second sidewall 68 are separated by a distance which is less than the diameter of the cooktop aperture 20, resulting in a portion of each of the fastening flanges 72 being aligned below the cooktop aperture 20. The bracket 22 is secured to the cooktop 12 by positioning it below the cooktop 12 and fastening the bracket 22 to the underside 24 thereof using fasteners (not shown). The bracket 22, when installed, positions the injector orifice 16 generally in the center of the cooktop aperture 20, and, therefore, along a central axis 76 of the gas burner 10.

Also as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>, the burner assembly 30 is removably secured to the bracket 22 in the desired orientation by aligning a plurality of tabs 80 extending outwardly from the stem 32 with slots 82 that extend through the fastening flanges 72 and sidewalls 64, 68 of the bracket 22, such that the burner assembly 30 is properly aligned with the injector orifice 16. When aligned, the injector orifice 16 directs the flow of gas upward into the stem 32 and venturi tube 34. The slots 82 in the bracket 22 are asymmetrically arranged, with two slots 82 on the first sidewall 64 of the bracket 22 and one slot 82 on the second sidewall 68 of the bracket 22, and a corresponding two tabs 80 on one side of the stem 32 and one tab 80 on an opposing side of the stem 32. The asymmetrical alignment allows the burner assembly 30 to be secured to the bracket 22 in a single orientation, and prevents the use of alternate burner assemblies that are not optimized for use with the particular injector orifice 16 used. As a non-limiting example, when the burner assembly 30, gas inlet 14, and injector orifice 16 are optimized for high efficiency operation, the particular asymmetrical arrangement of slots 82 and tabs 80 can be used to insure that alternate burner assemblies are not installed into the aperture 20 in the cooktop 12.

Also as shown in the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, the secondary air inlets 44 extend from the combustion chamber 40, through the mixing chamber 36, to ambient air. The secondary air inlets 44 permit the inflow of secondary air to enhance combustion characteristics of the burner 10. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, the secondary air inlets 44 include downwardly depending cylinders 84 which extend from the swirl spreader 54 to apertures 86 in the burner base 52, to create a channel for the flow of secondary air through the mixing chamber 36 (where the secondary air is fluidly separated from the mixing chamber 36). The number of secondary air inlets 44 and their cross sectional area can be varied to provide desired burn characteristics for the burner 10. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, there are six secondary air inlets 44 provided, and they are evenly spaced about the circumference of the burner 10. The burner assembly 30 is raised off of the surface of the cooktop 12 to permit air to enter the secondary air inlets 44 by feet 88 extending downwardly from the burner assembly 30.

As shown in the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the combustion chamber 40 has a bottom 90 and a circumferential wall 92. The plurality of fuel exit ports 38 are disposed in the circumferential wall 92, facing generally inwardly toward the combustion chamber 40, and upwardly from the bottom 90 of the combustion chamber 40. The fuel exit ports 38 direct fuel inwardly and upwardly, where it is ignited by the spark electrode 42, to create an inwardly directed flame within and upwardly from the combustion chamber 40. The fuel exit ports 38 are also optionally directed inwardly at an angle that is slightly rotated from a radial line through the central axis 76 of the burner 10 to create a swirling burner flame. Secondary air inlets 44 supply ambient secondary air to the combustion chamber 40 to aid in combustion of the gas-primary air mixture.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-10</figref> illustrate one embodiment of the burner base 52 for use in a burner 10 according to the present disclosure. The burner base 52 includes a bottom plate 94, with the venturi tube 34 in the center thereof. The stem 32 extends downwardly from the center of the bottom plate 94. The inner diameter of the stem 32 and venturi tube 34 narrows toward the mixing chamber 36. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the stem 32 and venturi tube 34 narrows from about 20 mm to about 12 mm at the outlet to the mixing chamber 36. The venturi tube 34 opens into the center of the mixing chamber 36, on the central axis 76 of the burner 10. The secondary air apertures 86 are disposed radially outwardly from the venturi tube 34. A peripheral wall 96 extends generally upwardly about the circumference of the bottom plate 94. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-10</figref>, the peripheral wall 96 is arranged at an angle from the bottom plate 94 of greater than 90 degrees, such as at an angle of about 95 degrees from the bottom plate 94. The feet 88 extend downwardly from an outer periphery of the bottom plate 94 at even intervals about the circumference to allow air flow to the secondary air inlets 44 through the secondary air apertures 86, so that air can be drawn in through the secondary air inlets 44 by convection when the burner 10 is operated. The feet 88 are preferably tall enough to permit air flow between the burner base 52 and the cooktop 12, such as a height of about 3.0 mm. As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the plurality of tabs 80 extend outwardly from the stem 32 in an asymmetrical manner, to align with the slots 82 in the bracket 22, as described above. The burner base 52 may be constructed of a material suitable for use in burners 10, including materials that can withstand burner operating temperatures for extended periods of time and over numerous thermal cycles, including without limitation die-cast aluminum, cast iron, ceramics, carbon steel, brass, or heat resistant plastic.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-19</figref> illustrate one embodiment of the swirl spreader 54 for use in a burner 10 according to the present disclosure. The swirl spreader 54 includes a bottom plate 98, with a raised central portion 100 and the plurality of downwardly depending cylinders 84 disposed radially outwardly therefrom. The downwardly depending cylinders 84 have a sufficient length to reach the burner base 52 when assembled, to create a pathway for secondary air. The downwardly depending cylinders 84 form the secondary air inlets 44, to direct secondary air into the combustion chamber 40 above the bottom plate 98 of the swirl spreader 54. A peripheral wall 102 extends upwardly about the circumference of the bottom plate 98 with an interior side 104 and an exterior side 106. The wall 102 has channels 108 formed along its top edge to form the fuel exit ports 38. Channels 108 (enclosed by the burner cap 56, as further described below) are advantageous fuel exit ports 38 because the channels 108 can easily be cleaned upon removal of the burner cap 56. The number of fuel exit ports 38 can vary among different embodiments, but the fuel exit ports 38 should be sufficient in number and cross sectional area to encourage even mixing of gas and primary air, and to allow sufficient gas to enter the combustion chamber 40 to provide the desired level of heating. The fuel exit ports 38, or channels 108, are aligned with each other, and are arranged at an angle that is slightly rotated from the radial line through the central axis 76 of the burner 10. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-19</figref>, each channel 108 is on an angle of about 20 degrees from the central axis 76. This angle encourages the gas-primary air mixture to swirl upon entering the combustion chamber 40. The fuel exit ports 38 can be arranged at a variety of different angles with respect to the center axis 76 to encourage swirling of the burner flames. The swirl spreader 54 may be constructed of a material suitable for use in burners, including materials that can withstand burner operating temperatures for extended periods of time and over numerous thermal cycles, including without limitation die-cast aluminum, cast iron, ceramics, carbon steel, brass, or heat resistant plastic.

The channels 108, as shown in the present embodiment, are of varying depths and cross sectional areas, to optimize the flame characteristics of the burner 10. The channels 108 are shown in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-18</figref>, with a first type of channel 110 shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-16</figref>. The first type of channel 110 has an open top 112 and a first bottom surface 114, which slopes upwardly from the exterior side 106 to the interior side 104 of the peripheral wall 102. The first type of channel 110 also has a first sidewall 116 and a second sidewall 118, with the first sidewall 116 extending upwardly from the first sloping bottom surface 114 at a first angle α1 and the second sidewall 118 extending upwardly from the first sloping bottom surface 114 at a second angle α2. The first angle α1 is greater than the second angle α2. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, both the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 are greater than 90 degrees. The first angle α1 is about 100 degrees from the bottom surface, and the second angle α2 is about 92 degrees from the bottom surface 114. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-16</figref>, the first type of channel 110 has a height of about 3.2 mm and a width of about 1.5 mm. A second type of channel 120 is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-18</figref>. The second type of channel 120 has a smaller cross sectional area for the flow of gas than the first type of channel 110, with a height of about 1.3 mm and a width of about 1.5 mm in the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17-18</figref>. The second type of channel 120 also has an open top 112 and a second upwardly sloping bottom surface 122, from the exterior side 106 to the interior side 104 of the peripheral wall 102. The second type of channel 120 also has a third sidewall 124 extending upwardly from the second sloping bottom surface 122 at a third angle α3 and a fourth sidewall 126 extending upward from the second sloping bottom surface 122 at a fourth angle α4. The third angle α3 is greater than the fourth angle α4. Similarly to the first type of channel 110, the third angle α3 is about 100 degrees from the bottom surface 122, and the fourth angle α4 is about 92 degrees from the bottom surface 122.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20-22</figref>, the burner base 52 and swirl spreader 54 are assembled to form a spreader assembly 130. The swirl spreader 54 is placed on top of the bottom plate 94 of the burner base 52, radially inwardly from the peripheral wall 96 of the burner base 52. When positioned, one or more downwardly depending cylinders 84 are optionally fitted within the apertures 86 in the burner base 52. The fitting between the downwardly depending cylinder 84 and the aperture 86 in the burner base 52 may also be used to secure the swirl spreader 54 to the burner base 52. The mixing chamber 36 is defined in part by an exterior surface 132 of the swirl spreader 54 and an interior surface 134 of the burner base 52, while the combustion chamber 40 is generally defined by an interior surface 136 of the swirl spreader 52. When positioned, the raised central portion 100 of the swirl spreader 54 accommodates the venturi tube 34 of the burner base 52, and the downwardly depending cylinders 84 of the swirl spreader 54 align with the apertures 86 in the burner base 52.

In one embodiment of the annular burner cap 56, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23-24</figref>, the annular burner cap 56 is positioned on top of the spreader assembly 130, where it encloses the top of the mixing chamber 40, between the peripheral wall 96 of the burner base 52 and the peripheral wall 102 of the swirl spreader 54. The burner cap 56 also encloses the top 112 of the channels 108, to direct the flow of gas inwardly toward the combustion chamber 40. The burner cap 56 is optionally shaped to extend over a portion of the peripheral wall 96 of the burner base 52, to retain the burner cap 56 in position. The burner cap 56 may also be constructed of any material suitable for use in burner caps, including without limitation a suitable polished brass alloy or a steel material formed by stamping and sintering metal powder.

In use, gas is supplied to the burner 10 through the gas inlet 14, and is sprayed through the gas injector orifice 16, into the stem 32. The gas then travels through the venturi tube 34, where primary air is introduced. The gas and primary air are expelled into the mixing chamber 36, which is defined by the burner base 52, the swirl spreader 54, and the burner cap 56. The gas and primary air mixture is then forced through the fuel exit ports 38 by pressure in the mixing chamber 36, into the combustion chamber 40. The fuel exit ports 38 direct the gas in an inwardly and upwardly directed swirling configuration. The gas-primary air mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber 40 by the spark electrode 42, and the swirling upwardly directed flame causes secondary air to enter the combustion chamber 40 through the secondary air inlets 44 in the bottom of the combustion chamber 40 by convection to encourage complete combustion.

The gas burner 10 disclosed herein provides several advantages. For example, cookware placed on the burner 10 is heated effectively and efficiently by the swirling inwardly directed flames, with limited heat loss around the exterior of the cookware. Efficiencies of 60% or greater are possible with the swirling inwardly directed flames as described herein. The inwardly directed flames also reduce the risk of a user being burned by the flames, as they are directed to be underneath the cookware. Additionally, the embodiments described herein are resistant to spillage, without openings or holes facing the top of the burner 10 where cookware is placed. The aesthetics of the burner 10 are improved due to the smooth, uninterrupted viewable surface. The burner 10 described herein can also be removed from the cooktop 12 without disconnecting the gas injector 14, which is secured using the bracket 22, and replaced in the proper orientation using the asymmetrically arranged tabs 80 and slots 82 described herein.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Contents4

Every citation, both ways

Citations
Document	Relation	Office	Cited during
US2017205076A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
CN114321912A	Cited by	China	Search report
US10731851B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US10436451B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
US10145568B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US11143410B1	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US10605461B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US10041683B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
EP3306192A1	Cited by	European Patent Office (EPO)	Search report
US9989248B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
CN110388641A	Cited by	China	Search report
US10465913B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
CN109099424A	Cited by	China	Search report
US10352558B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
WO2019020855A1	Cited by	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	International search
US2017370594A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
US10401034B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
US11808448B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US11421889B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US2017205076A1	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
CN111219745A	Cited by	China	Search report
US2019145626A1	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US2016201902A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
US10222070B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US10415824B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
US9784454B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US2014261385A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2022163199A1	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US1376241A	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2005112520A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
JP2006098001A	Cites	Japan	Pre-grant
US2009087804A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2010126496A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2010163013A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2010319677A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2011048400A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2011120445A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2011232628A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2013199513A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2013269676A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2014116417A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2014318528A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2014345598A1	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2410547A	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US5649822A	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US7819657B2	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US7901205B2	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US8616193B2	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US8899972B2	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
US9416963B2	Cites	United States of America	Pre-grant
JPS5630521A	Cites	Japan	Pre-grant
"JP_2006098001_A_M - Machine Translation.pdf", Machine Translation, J-Plat Pat, 3/3/2016.	Non-patent	–	Pre-grant

11 members in 4 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim

Priority claims2

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
201313959775	United States of America	A	2013-08-06
US201313959775	–	–	–

Members11

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
EP2835580A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2015-02-11
US2015040887A1	United States of America	A1	2015-02-12
EP2835580A3	European Patent Office (EPO)	A3	2015-08-12
MX2014008144A	Mexico	A	2015-09-23
BR102014019396A2	Brazil	A2	2016-06-28
US9541294B2	United States of America	B2	2017-01-10
US2017082285A1	United States of America	A1	2017-03-23
MX355800B	Mexico	B	2018-04-30
US9982888B2	United States of America	B2	2018-05-29
US2018238538A1	United States of America	A1	2018-08-23
US10731851B2	United States of America	B2	2020-08-04

60 transactions on the USPTO file

Allowed after 1 non-final rejection.

Non-final rejections: 1
Final rejections: 0
RCEs: 0
Appeals: 0

Over time

Point at a mark for the transaction

Transactions

Prosecution transactions, newest first
	Event	Code
2017-01-10	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2017-01-10	Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC	PTAC
2016-12-22	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2016-12-21	Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR	WPIR
2016-12-07	Dispatch to FDCD1935	D1935
2016-12-06	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2016-12-06	Mail Response to 312 Amendment (PTO-271)MN271	MN271
2016-12-01	Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084	N084
2016-12-01	Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS	PILS
2016-12-01	Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE	IFEE
2016-12-01	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2016-12-01	Response to Amendment under Rule 312N271	N271
2016-11-30	Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB	TCPB
2016-11-29	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2016-11-28	Amendment after Notice of Allowance (Rule 312)AllowedA.NA	A.NA
2016-09-14	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2016-09-14	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2016-09-14	Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=.	MN/=.
2016-09-09	Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=.	N/=.
2016-08-30	Reasons for AllowanceEX.R	EX.R
2016-08-30	Examiner's Amendment CommunicationEX.A	EX.A
2016-08-29	Interview Summary - Examiner Initiated - TelephonicEXET	EXET
2016-06-16	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2016-06-16	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2016-06-15	Correspondence Address ChangeC.AD	C.AD
2016-06-15	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2016-06-14	Mail Interview Summary - Applicant Initiated - TelephonicMEXAT	MEXAT
2016-06-09	Response after Non-Final ActionA...	A...
2016-06-07	Interview Summary - Applicant Initiated - TelephonicEXAT	EXAT
2016-03-10	Electronic ReviewELC_RVW	ELC_RVW
2016-03-10	Email NotificationEML_NTF	EML_NTF
2016-03-10	Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF	MCTNF
2016-03-03	Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF	CTNF
2016-02-29	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2016-02-29	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2015-09-18	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-08-31	Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY	CCRDY
2015-06-30	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-04-27	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-04-22	Electronic Information Disclosure StatementEIDS.	EIDS.
2015-04-22	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2015-03-25	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2015-02-13	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2015-02-12	PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE	PG-ISSUE
2014-07-30	Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE	OIPE
2013-08-19	Application Is Now CompleteCOMP	COMP
2013-08-19	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2013-08-19	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2013-08-19	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2013-08-19	Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O	FLRCPT.O
2013-08-16	FITF set to YES - revise initial settingFTFS	FTFS
2013-08-16	Sent to Classification ContractorPGPC	PGPC
2013-08-12	Cleared by OIPE CSRL194	L194
2013-08-06	Electronic Information Disclosure StatementEIDS.	EIDS.
2013-08-06	Patent Term Adjustment - Ready for ExaminationPTA.RFE	PTA.RFE
2013-08-06	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2013-08-06	PTO/SB/69-Authorize EPO Access to Search ResultsSREXR141	SREXR141
2013-08-06	IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN	SCAN
2013-08-06	Entity status set to undiscounted (initial default setting or status change)BIG.	BIG.
2013-08-06	Initial Exam Team nnIEXX	IEXX

3 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

Over the term

Point at a mark for the event

Events

Legal events, newest first
	Event	Code
2020-07-01	Maintenance fee paymentMAFP	MAFP
2016-12-21	Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF	STCF
2013-08-06	AssignmentAS	AS