Stackable Tower with Hollow Pieces

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is compositions and methods of playing a reconfigurable game, especially as it relates to the stacking of a combination of hollow and solid rectangular blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

All publications and patent applications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

One of the earliest recorded instances of wooden blocks as toys dates back to ancient Egypt. However, since then, playing with wooden blocks has become more structured as various rules were created to guide players during game play. For example, one of the more well-known games is commercially known under the trademark JENGA. In this game, the blank wooden blocks are stacked three per row in an alternating pattern. The blocks are not necessarily of uniform thickness, and, in turn, each player removes a block then stacks it on top. The player who caused the tower to topple is the loser.

More recently, various improvements to games involving wooden blocks have been contemplated. For example, in JENGA ULTIMATE™, the rules are like the original JENGA™ variant except that the blocks are colored in one of a number of colors. A player rolls a die that dictates the color of block to remove.

It is also common for various indicia to be added to the faces of the wooden blocks to provide additional entertainment value during game play. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,026, a block game was contemplated wherein each game block had indicia applied to at least one end. The indicia included a suit and a rank. At the beginning of the game, each player would receive a certain number of game blocks. The first player is to lay a first game block on its face or on its side, then a second player is to lay a game block of the same suit or rank as the first game block on tope of or optionally on the same level as the previously laid game block. If a player cannot follow suit or rank, the player draws game blocks until a suitable game block can be played. Although interesting, this version of the game does not allow for alternative indicia or variation from one round of the game to the next. In other words, the game will always be guided, and thus limited, by the suit and rank on the game blocks.

In other games, some have attempted to add more variation by providing different physical characteristics. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,544, bricks of a variety of different types are provided where each type has different physical characteristics, such as shape, size, surface configuration and/or coefficient of friction. This game is also typically played by building a tower of bricks in multiple levels, and having players alternate in removing a brick from one level then addition it to the top of the tower. Although this version of playing with wooden blocks involves more variation, the variation provided here is static. The blocks will always have the same differences in physical characteristics from each round to the next.

Thus, even though various compositions and methods of playing with wooden blocks are known in the art, all or almost all of them suffer from several drawbacks, especially as it relates to a lack of variation both during the game and from one round to the next. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved game of stacking wooden blocks that allows for players to change aspects of the game after the first round is complete.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter is directed to a composition and method of playing a reconfigurable game with a combination of stackable hollow and solid rectangular blocks. The hollow rectangular blocks have an interior cavity and a resealable closure that allows for storage of edible and/or potable material.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the inventor contemplates a reconfigurable game that includes a plurality of stackable rectangular blocks, each having a parallelepiped structure. A first set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks comprises a hollow interior cavity and an opening that permits access to the hollow interior cavity. This first set of hollow stackable rectangular blocks also comprises a resealable closure that seals the opening.

In some embodiments, the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks includes at least thirty rectangular blocks. Preferably, a first set and/or a second set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks comprise a plastic or other material, or combinations thereof. Contemplated materials include, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE plastic), low-density polyethylene (LDPE plastic), polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE), food-grade polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

It is further generally contemplated that the second set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks comprises a solid parallelepiped structure.

Most typically, the first set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks has an outer size and dimension that is identical or nearly identical to the second set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks. As used herein, the term “nearly identical” is defined to mean that a width, length, and height is within ±2 cm of a width, length, and height of a different block.

Where desired, the hollow interior cavity of each of the first set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks comprises at least 50% of the internal space of the rectangular block, such that the hollow interior cavity is sufficient to fit an edible and/or potable material. In certain embodiments, the resealable closure comprises at least one of a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid. Upon closing the opening, the lid is flush with one or more faces of the rectangular block.

Preferably, but not necessarily, each of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks has a structure that is at least three times as long as it is wide and at least one fifth as thick as it is long. It is generally contemplated that the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks has a structure that allows for vertical and/or horizontal stacking of one rectangular block upon another until no blocks are left.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity of each of the first set of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks is hermetically sealed when the resealable closure covers the opening.

Viewed from a different perspective, the inventor additionally contemplates a method of playing a reconfigurable game with a combination of solid and hollow rectangular blocks that includes providing (i) a set of hollow rectangular blocks that each have a hollow interior portion with a resealable opening and (ii) a set of solid rectangular blocks, wherein each of the rectangular blocks of each set comprises a parallelepiped structure, instructing a user to fill at least one of the hollow rectangular blocks with a potable or edible item, instructing the user to combine the hollow rectangular blocks with the solid rectangular blocks, instructing the user to place at least three of the combined rectangular blocks on a stable surface parallel to one another, wherein one face of a first rectangular block is in contact with the stable surface, and another face of the first rectangular block is in contact with a second rectangular block, instructing the user to stack the same number of combined rectangular blocks upon the at least three placed rectangular blocks with a change in orientation of at least 90 degrees, wherein one face of a fourth rectangular block is in contact with the at least three rectangular blocks below and wherein a fifth rectangular block is placed parallel to the fourth rectangular block, instructing the user to repeat the step of stacking until all the combined rectangular blocks are used and/or a desired tower height is achieved, instructing the user to have each participant one at a time select one of the stacked rectangular blocks to remove from the tower, if a hollow rectangular block is removed from the tower by a participant, instructing the participant to consume the item placed in the hollow rectangular block, and instructing the user to have the participants repeat the steps above until the tower at least partially collapses.

In some embodiments, the solid and the hollow rectangular blocks comprise a material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE plastic), low-density polyethylene (LDPE plastic), polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE), food-grade polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

Preferably, but not necessarily, the hollow interior portion comprises at least 50% of the volume of the hollow rectangular block, and wherein the hollow interior portion is sufficient to store the edible and/or potable item.

It is further generally contemplated that the resealable opening comprises at least one of a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid such that the resealable opening is configured to open and close access to the hollow interior portion of the hollow rectangular block. Upon closed, the resealable opening is most typically flush with one or more of the faces of the hollow rectangular block.

As will be readily appreciated, the hollow rectangular block and the solid rectangular block are generally contemplated to have a length of a least six inches, a width of at least 2.5 inches, and a height of at least 1.5 inches. Consequently, it is preferable that the hollow rectangular blocks and the solid rectangular blocks have identical dimensions.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a stacked combination of solid and hollow rectangular blocks that can be stacked for use in the contemplated reconfigurable game.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a rectangular, stackable block with a hollow interior cavity and one embodiment of a rectangular, stackable block comprising a solid parallelepiped structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a rectangular, stackable block having a hollow interior and a resealable closure, the back view being identical thereto.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left-side view of the block of FIG. 3, the right-side view being identical thereto.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the block of FIG. 3, the bottom view being identical thereto.

FIG. 6 illustrates a vertical cross-section view of the block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front, right perspective view of the block of FIG. 3 with the resealable closure affixed to the block.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front, right perspective view of the block of FIG. 3 with the resealable closure removed from the block.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a rectangular, stackable block having a hollow interior and a resealable closure, the back view being identical thereto.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side view of the block of FIG. 9, the right-side view being identical thereto.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the block of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of the block of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 illustrates a vertical cross-section view of the block of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front, right perspective view of the block of FIG. 9 with the resealable closure affixed to the block.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front, right perspective view of the block of FIG. 9 with the resealable closure removed from the block.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a method of playing a reconfigurable game with a combination of solid and hollow rectangular blocks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a reconfigurable game 100 comprising a plurality of stackable rectangular blocks 102, with each block having a parallelepiped structure with each face of the block comprising a parallelogram. Perferably, each block comprises six sides (e.g., left, right, top, bottom, front and back sides) with each face or side comprising a rectangle. The blocks 102 are sized and dimensioned to allow for vertical and/or horizontal stacking of one rectangular block upon another. The blocks 102 can be stacked, preferably in groups of two or more, to create the vertical structure shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the blocks 102 are stacked vertically with a first group of blocks laid out on a flat surface, a second group of blocks stacked on the first group of blocks, a third group of blocks stacked on the second group of blocks, and so on, until there are no blocks left.

The plurality of stackable rectangular blocks 102 preferably comprises at least twenty-four, more preferably at least thirty, and still more preferably at least fifty rectangular blocks.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks 102 is composed of at least a first set of stackable rectangular blocks 110. Each block of the first set of blocks 110 comprises a hollow interior cavity 114 and an opening 116 that permits access to the hollow interior cavity. Each block of the first set of blocks 110 further comprises a resealable closure 112 that seals the opening.

Preferably, the hollow interior cavity 114 has a volume sufficient to store or fit an edible and/or potable material. This may include, for example, candy or other food items, a drinkable liquid, and so forth. It is preferred that the hollow interior cavity 114 of each of the first set 110 of the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks comprises at least 50% of the internal space of the rectangular block.

The resealable closure 112 can comprise any commercially suitable closure(s) configured to seal the opening and close off the internal cavity, and preferred closures allow for opening and resealing of the opening to allow access to the interior cavity 114 when desired. Contemplated resealable closures include for example, a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid.

It is contemplated that the plurality of rectangular blocks 102 may further be composed of a second set of stackable rectangular blocks 120. Unlike the blocks of the first set 110, each block of the first set of blocks 110 comprises a solid parallelepiped structure and/or lacks a resealable closure. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the opaque blocks comprise the second set 120 but it is contemplated that the second set of blocks could alternatively be translucent or transparent, or combinations thereof.

As shown, each block of the first set of blocks 110 preferably has an outer size and dimension that is identical or near identical an outer size and dimension of each block of the second set of blocks 120. In this manner, when the blocks 102 are stacked on top of one another, the blocks form the tower structure shown in FIG. 1. Of course, the blocks 102 could comprise different lengths or widths, so long as the blocks are stackable to form the structure, without departing from the scope of invention herein.

It is preferred that each of the blocks 102 are composed of one or more plastics or other materials including, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE), food-grade polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). However, it is contemplated that one or more of the blocks could be formed from other commercially suitable material(s) or combinations thereof without departing from the scope of invention herein.

For those blocks having the resealable closure 112, it is contemplated that the resealable closure 112 could be formed of additional or different materials that the body of the block, which may be include, but is not limited to, a silicone seal, for example.

While some of the first set of blocks 110 are shown in FIG. 1 as being transparent, while others are shown as translucent, it is contemplated that the blocks of the first set may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, or combinations thereof. For example, opaque blocks could be used to disguise which blocks may contain a food item or liquid for example, while translucent or transparent blocks could be used to readily show the food item or liquid stored inside.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a first block 210 comprising a parallelepiped structure with a hollow interior cavity 214 and one embodiment of a second block 220 comprising a solid parallelepiped structure. It is contemplated that multiple ones of the first block 210 could comprise the first set of stackable rectangular blocks and multiple ones of the second block 220 could comprise the second set of stackable rectangular blocks, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. In this manner, multiple ones of the first block 210 and the second block 220 could comprise the plurality of stackable rectangular blocks 102.

Block 210 comprises an opening 216 that permits access to the hollow interior cavity 214. A resealable closure 212 is configured to seal the opening 216 when the closure 212 is disposed within the opening 216. While the resealable closure 212 is depicted as a push-fit or friction-fit closure, it is contemplated that any commercially suitable closure(s) could be used including, for example, a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid. It is preferred that the resealable closure 212, upon closing the opening 216, is flush with one or more faces of the rectangular block 210.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity 214 of block 210 comprises at least 50% of the internal volume of the rectangular block 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the hollow interior cavity 214 is sized and dimensioned such that it is sufficient to fit an edible and/or potable material. For example, in FIG. 2, the hollow interior cavity 214 of block 210 is shown storing a candy product 230.

Because of their flat surfaces, the blocks 210 and 220 can readily be stacked on top of one another to form a vertical structure, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

As discussed above, blocks 210 and 220 each preferably comprises a parallelepiped structure comprising six faces (i.e., front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) that each form a parallelogram. The structure is sized and dimensioned to have a rectangular cross-section and the structure is at least three times as long (L) as it is wide (W) and at least one five times as long (L) as it is thick (depth D). As one example, it is contemplated that the blocks 210 and 220 have a length of a least 6 inches, a width of at least 2.5 inches, and a height of at least 1.5 inches. Of course, the specific dimensions of the blocks will depend on the specific application and could be smaller or larger than that listed above.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity of block 210 is hermetically sealed when the resealable closure 212 covers the opening 214.

Blocks 210 and 220 preferably have identical or near-identical dimensions to one another.

FIGS. 3-8 illustrate various views another embodiment of a first block 310 comprising a parallelepiped structure with a hollow interior cavity 314 (best shown in FIG. 8). It is contemplated that multiple ones of the first block 310 could comprise the first set of stackable rectangular blocks, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, block 310 comprises an opening 316 that permits access to the hollow interior cavity 314 (shown in FIG. 6). Resealable closure 312 is configured to seal the opening 316 when the closure 312 is disposed within the opening 316. Compare FIG. 8 with the resealable closure 312 removed from the block 310 with FIG. 7 where the resealable closure 312 has sealed or closed the opening 316. While the resealable closure 312 is depicted as a push-fit or friction-fit closure, it is contemplated that any commercially suitable closure(s) could be used including, for example, a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid. It is preferred that the resealable closure 312, upon closing the opening 316, is flush with one or more faces of the rectangular block 310.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity 314 of block 310 comprises at least 50% of the internal volume of the rectangular block 310 and is sized and dimensioned to fit an edible and/or potable material.

Because of its flat surface, multiple ones of block 310 can readily be stacked on top of one another to form a vertical structure, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

As discussed above, block 310 each preferably comprises a parallelepiped structure comprising six faces (i.e., front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) that each form a parallelogram. The block 310 is sized and dimensioned to have a rectangular cross-section and the block 310 is at least three times as long (L) as it is wide (W) and at least one five times as long (L) as it is thick (depth D).

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity of block 310 can be hermetically sealed when the resealable closure 312 covers the opening 314.

FIGS. 9-15 illustrate various views another embodiment of a first block 410 comprising a parallelepiped structure with a hollow interior cavity 414 (best shown in FIG. 13). It is contemplated that multiple ones of the first block 410 could comprise the first set of stackable rectangular blocks, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 15, block 410 comprises an opening 416 that permits access to the hollow interior cavity 414. Resealable closure 412 is configured to seal the opening 416 when the closure 412 is disposed within the opening 416. Compare FIG. 15 with the resealable closure 412 removed from the block 410 with FIG. 14 where the resealable closure 412 has sealed or closed the opening 416. While the resealable closure 412 is depicted as a twist cap, it is contemplated that any commercially suitable closure(s) could be used including, for example, a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a push-fit or friction-fit closure, and a snap-on lid.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity 414 of block 410 comprises at least 50% of the internal volume of the rectangular block 410 and is sized and dimensioned to fit an edible and/or potable material.

Because of its flat surface, multiple ones of block 410 can readily be stacked on top of one another to form a vertical structure, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

As discussed above, block 410 each preferably comprises a parallelepiped structure comprising six faces (i.e., front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) that each form a parallelogram. The block 410 is sized and dimensioned to have a rectangular cross-section and the block 410 is at least three times as long (L) as it is wide (W) and at least one five times as long (L) as it is thick (depth D). The parallelepiped structure of the block is distinct from the resealable closure which extends away from one of the faces of the block 410.

In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity of block 410 can be hermetically sealed when the resealable closure 412 covers the opening 414.

In FIG. 16, one embodiment of a method of playing a reconfigurable game with a combination of solid and hollow rectangular blocks is depicted that comprises a number of steps. It is contemplated that the solid and the hollow rectangular blocks each comprises (is composed of) one or more plastics or other materials including, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE plastic), low-density polyethylene (LDPE plastic), polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE), food-grade polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). However, it is contemplated that one or more of the blocks could be formed from other commercially suitable material(s) or combinations thereof without departing from the scope of invention herein.

The hollow rectangular blocks preferably comprises a hollow interior cavity with an opening leading into the cavity. It is contemplated that the hollow rectangular blocks can each have a resealable closure that seals or closes the opening, which can be used to contain a food item or liquid within the cavity, for example. In some embodiments, the hollow interior cavity comprises at least 50% of the internal space or volume of the hollow rectangular block.

The resealable closure can comprise any commercially suitable closure(s) configured to seal the opening and close off the internal cavity, and preferred closures allow for opening and resealing (closing) of the opening to allow access to the interior cavity when desired. Contemplated resealable closures include for example, a lid with a hinge, a sliding lid, a drawer, a twist cap, and a snap-on lid.

The solid rectangular blocks lack a resealable closure and opening and preferably comprises a solid parallelepiped structure.

In step 510, a set of hollow rectangular blocks and a set of solid rectangular blocks are provided. Each of the hollow rectangular blocks comprises a hollow interior portion with a resealable opening. It is preferred that all of the blocks comprise a parallelepiped structure.

In step 520, a user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to fill at least one of the hollow rectangular blocks with a potable or edible item, such as a liquid or a food item. In step 530, the user is then instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to combine the hollow rectangular blocks with the solid rectangular blocks.

Preferably after combined, the user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, in step 540 to place at least three of the combined rectangular blocks on a stable surface parallel to one another, wherein one face of a first rectangular block is in contact with the stable surface, and another face of the first rectangular block is in contact with a second rectangular block.

In step 550, the user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to stack the same number of combined rectangular blocks upon the at least three placed rectangular blocks with a change in orientation of at least 90 degrees, wherein one face of a fourth rectangular block is in contact with the at least three rectangular blocks below and wherein a fifth rectangular block is placed parallel to the fourth rectangular block.

In step 560, the user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to repeat the step of stacking until all the combined rectangular blocks are used and/or a desired tower height is achieved.

In step 570, the user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to have each player or participant, one at a time, select one of the stacked rectangular blocks to remove from the tower.

If a hollow rectangular block is removed from the tower by a participant, instructing the participant, or providing instructions telling the participant, to consume the item placed or stored in the hollow rectangular block in step 580.

In step 590, the user is instructed, or instructions are provided telling the user, to have the participants repeat the steps above until the tower of blocks at least partially collapses.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately”, when referring to a specified, measurable value (such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like), is meant to encompass the specified value and variations of and from the specified value, such as variations of +/−10% or less, alternatively +/−5% or less, alternatively +/−1% or less, alternatively +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar as such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the value to which the modifier “about” or “approximately” refers is itself also specifically disclosed. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As also used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification or claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.