ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING FOR GOLF CLUBS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to an apparatus and method for aligning a golf club, and more particularly, relates to an apparatus, attachment, and method for progressively adjusting an alignment feature located on a golf club head to aid in the proper alignment of the golf club.

BACKGROUND

A fundamental aspect of golf includes proper alignment and setup. In the course of training a player may rely on their own inherent tendencies whether they are physical, visual, optical, or psychological, which can limit a player's ability to properly align a golf club head towards an intended target. Each player may rely on one or several inherent tendencies for aligning a golf club head and these tendencies can vary significantly from player to player further complicating the process of training players. These inherent tendencies can lead to perceptual biases (e.g., visual tendencies, grip, stance, swing motion, etc.,) for the player and can often prevent a player from properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path. The resultant path may rely on a number of parameters sometimes referred to as launch conditions or ball flight parameters which quantify the shape of the shot and flight of the golf ball. Some of these parameters include trajectory, spin rate, launch angle, spin axis, swing plane, swing path, vertical/horizontal swing speed, club path, face angle, angle of attack, smash factor, speed, acceleration of golf shaft, vertical descent, and others. These parameters can determine the shape of the resultant shot and can be very difficult to control precisely and consciously, which makes it difficult to consciously control or vary the shape of a golf shot on demand. While golf club putters may not necessarily rely on all of these parameters, controlling and understanding proper golf club alignment and aim provides the foundation for players to align properly for an intended target path then develop skills for controlling ball flight.

One type of alignment aide involves use of detachable or fixed laser aiming devices installed on a golf club that is then classified as a training putter or training device. However, these training devices can be problematic as the laser aim device can inhibit a visual of a standard putting stroke and/or system. Further, laser aiming devices do not conform to the rules of play and are not allowed to be used during normal course of play. Moreover, players tend to return to their perceptual biases once the laser training aide is switched off or removed.

Other types of alignment aides rely on permanent features, markers, or indicators formed on the golf club head or permanently attached to the golf head shortly after a training session. These aides may accommodate certain initial tendencies and perceptual biases such as a player's cursory visual alignment in training sessions but often fails to account for other perceptual biases as wells as developed or better understood biases, acquired strategies, and habits for better alignment and aim. Moreover, initial tendencies and perceptual biases can vary greatly from person to person or from training session to training session and permanent features, markers, or indicators can inhibit players from adjusting the alignment aid to perfect their alignment based on their perceptual biases. For example, a player may initially focus on feet positioning for proper alignment then refer to the permanent alignment aide to guide their feet positioning and swing in initial training sessions, then in subsequent training sessions, and with a better understanding of their perceptual biases, the player may determine their need to view the alignment aide biases their upper body position and shoulder line and prevents them from focusing on an intermediate target as a strategy to aim and swing the club. Thus, the player may fall back on an alignment routine that leads to poor parameters such as poor launch angle, swing path, angle of attack, speed, and spin rate. Therefore, it would be advantageous for players to have an alignment aide that can be adjusted based on their inherent tendencies and perceptual biases to guide players in correcting golf club alignment for properly aligning the golf club head for an intended target path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one embodiment of the boundaries. In some embodiments one element may be implemented as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be implemented as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path;

FIG. 1B illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of a golf club head configured with the alignment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of a golf club head configured with an example alignment device;

FIG. 1D illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path;

FIG. 1E illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path;

FIG. 1F illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path;

FIG. 1G illustrates a top plane view of one embodiment of a golf club head configured with an example alignment device;

FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a golf club head configured to receive and secure an example alignment device;

FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of fasteners and guides for adjusting and securing the alignment device to the golf club head of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C illustrates one embodiment of a golf club head configured to receive and secure another example adjustable alignment device;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate one embodiment of a golf club configured with a rearward facing alignment device and a training device;

FIGS. 3C-3D illustrate one embodiment of a golf club head configured with a forward-facing alignment device and a portable training device;

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a golf club head configured with an alignment device and an external training device;

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of a golf club head configured with an alignment device and a training device; and

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method of forming a golf club configured to receive and secure an alignment device that may be used with the example golf clubs and/or alignment devices disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods are described herein as associated with tactile

Adjustable Alignment Device Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1A, one embodiment of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path. The alignment device 100 may include a top surface 105 and a bottom surface 110 opposite to the top surface 105, the bottom surface 110 may be configured to be received in a golf club head. Further, the top surface 105 may include one or more portions 140 that may aid a golfer in aligning a golf club. The one or more portions 140 may include, for example, outer portions 115 on opposite ends of the top surface 105, inner portions 125 located between outer portions 115, and one or more central portions 120 located between the outer portions 115 and between a border 145. In one embodiment, the one or more central portions 120 may be located between both the inner portions 125 and the outer portions 115. Further, the one or more central portions 120 may include one or more surface features 130, for example, a shape, color, groove, recess, or any feature to provide a visual aid. In certain embodiments, one or more surface features 130 may extend along the central portion 120 of the alignment device 100. In one embodiment, the central portion may include a groove extending vertically across the alignment device 100 as a surface feature 130. In one embodiment, the outer portions 115, central portion 120, and inner portions 125 may be coplanar. Similarly, the bottom surface 110 of the alignment device 100 may be formed of one coplanar surface. In one embodiment, the outer portions 115, central portion 120, and inner portions 125 may include a stepped, angled, or non-coplanar surface, whereby each outer portion 115, central portion 120, and inner portion 125 may include a different surface contour from an adjacent portion, a different height from an adjacent portion, or extending or contoured at a different angle from an adjacent portion, or any combination thereof. Similarly, the bottom surface 110 of the alignment device 100 may be formed of one or more stepped, angled, or non-coplanar surfaces, whereby each corresponding surface area facing opposite to the outer portion 115, central portion 120, and inner portion 125 may include a different surface contour from an adjacent portion, a different height from an adjacent portion, or extending or contoured at a different angle from an adjacent portion, or any combination thereof.

With reference to FIG. 1B, one embodiment of an alignment device positioned on an example golf club head and configured for properly aligning the golf club head to direct a golf ball along an intended target path. As an example, the golf club head 150 may include one or more upper surfaces 155, each upper surface may include an outward facing surface 160. Each outward facing surface 160 and/or upper surface 155 may be formed of one or more stepped, angled, or non-coplanar surfaces, whereby each outward facing surface 160 and/or upper surface 155 may include a different surface contour from an adjacent portion, a different height from an adjacent portion, or extending or contoured at a different angle from an adjacent portion, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the alignment device 100 may be positioned on or over the outward facing surface 160. In one embodiment, the alignment device 100 may be positioned between one or more outward facing surfaces 160. In some embodiments, the golf club head 150 may include one contoured upper surface 155 whereby the alignment device 100 may be configured to have a matching surface top surface 105 as the contoured upper surface 155 and secures into a recess formed within the golf club head 150 through a bottom surface 110 configured for being housed within the recess of the gold club head 150. The dimensions of the alignment device 100 may further be configured for covering a visible region 165 of the golf club head 150, for example, the alignment device 100 may be tapered at one end. The alignment device 100 may include three bands as the surface feature 130 that extend laterally across the top surface 105 of the alignment device 100. The bands of the alignment device 100 may allow player to disregard certain inherent tendencies and instead focus on their stance, golf club position, and golf club head alignment with the golf ball. Further, the bands may provide a visual assistance to the player to allow them to visually coordinate their golf swing such that the center of the contact surface 175 aligns with the center of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the

With reference to FIG. 1C, one embodiment of an alignment device positioned on an example golf club head and configured for properly aligning the golf club head to direct a golf ball along an intended target path. In one embodiment, the alignment device 100 may include a plurality of grooved surface features 130 positioned on the upper surface 155 of the golf head 150 and between one or more outward facing surfaces 160. As an example, groove surface features 130 may provide a better visual of the golf club orientation and head alignment in sunny conditions. Further, players may find grooved surface features 130 provide clearer visual alignment in highly reflective or sunny conditions.

With reference to FIGS. 1D-1G, various surface feature embodiments of an alignment device configured for properly aligning a golf club to direct a golf ball along an intended target path are described. The alignment device 100 may include various surface features 130 such as geometric shapes 133, polygons 132 and 134, and other shapes. As shown in FIG. 1G, the alignment mark 100 may positioned laterally on the golf club head 150. In one embodiment, the alignment mark 100 may include beveled cross hairs 135 that may provide players with alternative visual indication on the orientation and position of the golf club head 150. Various sizes, shapes, graphics, line art, drawings, text, characters, or any design may be used as needed to aid the player in disregarding inherent tendencies and/or perceptions to thereby adjust their stance, position, golf club, and golf club head positioning to properly align the golf club head for an intended target path.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, various embodiments of a golf club head configured to receive and secure an example adjustable alignment device are described. The upper surface 155 of the golf club head 150 may include an attachment region 180 and attachment points 170 and/or attachment features 185 for receiving a securing an alignment device 100. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the alignment device 100 may include one or more attachment means, for example, any one or more protrusions, hooks, screws, magnets, clips, or the like, and any combination thereof for securing the alignment device 100 to the golf club head 150. In one embodiment, the attachment points 170 may include one or more holes or openings for receiving attachment pieces 190. The attachment pieces 190 may be located on the top surface 105 of the attachment device 100. In one embodiment, the attachment region 180 of the upper surface 155 may include one or more openings or recesses for receiving the alignment device 100. In certain embodiments, the attachment region 180 recess or opening may be sufficient to allow the alignment device 100 to be housed and flush with the upper surface 155 and/or the outward facing surfaces 160 adjacent to the attachment region 180. Moreover, the bottom surface 195 may be sufficiently thick enough for forming one or more recesses into the upper surface 155 without affecting the launch conditions or ball flight parameters of the golf club.

In FIG. 2B, as an example, the alignment device 100 may include one or more guides 191, 192 that may be used to adjust the alignment device 100 vertically or horizontally along the golf club head 150 or rotated to align with the golf club head 150 at a desired angle. In one embodiment, each attachment piece 190 may have one or more corresponding guides 191, 192 for moving the alignment device 100 vertically, horizontally, and/or for rotating the alignment device 100. Once the desire angle, horizontal, or vertically positioning is selected the attachment piece 190 may be tightened into the attachment point 170 to secure the desired alignment and/or orientation of the alignment device 100. Numerous types of mechanical means may be contemplated and easily implemented to secure the alignment device 100 to the golf club head 150, for example, the attachment piece 190 may be a screw that tightens into the attachment point 170.

As another example, the attachment piece 190 may be a toolless pin that may be rotated and/or pressed into the attachment point 170. In certain embodiments, the attachment piece 190 may comprise of pins that are received into the attachment point and when pressed inwards unlock each pin from the attachment point 170. Thus, each guide 191, 192 of the alignment device 100 may be adjusted once the attachment piece 190 is released from the attachment point 170. Moreover, the attachment piece 190 and attachment point 170 enable players to easily swap out alignment devices 100 to fine tune their alignment device 100 based on their golf skill allowing them to further develop better posture, stance, alignment and aim for their golf club. Further, the surface feature 130 and central portion 120 may serve as an orientation/alignment direction to visually aid players in slight adjustments which can result in much better aim, golf club swing, and golf club head alignment.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the alignment device 100 may include one or more attachment surfaces 193 that may be received and secured into a corresponding attachment feature 185. In one embodiment, the upper surface 155 may include one or more recessed for receiving the alignment device 100. The attachment surface 193 may be received into and snapped or locked into the attachment feature 185. As an example, the attachment features 185 may include an opening for receiving an attachment surface 193, the attachment surface 193 may slide into the opening and hook/lock into place. In one embodiment, the attachment surface 193 may include one or more magnetic surfaces and the attachment features 185 may include one or more magnetic strips or blocks for receiving and securing the attachment device 100. In one embodiment, the attachment features 185 may protrude from the attachment region 180. In certain embodiments, the attachment region 180 may be flush with the upper surface 155 and the attachment surface 193 may include thin protruding surfaces, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm thick. The attachment features 185 and attachment surface 193 may both be made of a permanent magnetic material, for example, neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, or ceramic.

Adjustable Alignment Device with Training Device Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, one embodiment of a golf club head configured with a rearward facing alignment device and a fixed and adjustable training device is described. As an example, a golf club 151 may include a shaft 152 with a grip 153 and a hosel 154 with ferrule attached to a golf club head 150. The golf club head 150 may include a face or contact surface 175, upper surface 155, and one or more outward facing surfaces 160 formed on the upper surface 155. As show in FIG. 3A, the training device 300 may include an adjustable laser pointing device installed onto the golf club head 155 and wired into the shaft 152 of the golf club 151 for aligning the golf club head 155 and contact surface 175 to strike a golf club towards an intended target path 301. Referring to FIG. 3B, the training device 300 may include an adjustment mechanism 310 for changing the angle of the intended target path 301. In one embodiment, the training device 300 may be installed in front of the alignment device 100. With the aid of the training device 300, the alignment device 100 may be adjusted as needed to encourage the player to rely on the alignment device 100 as a guide for correct golf club head alignment. As described above, various alignment devices 100 may be received into the upper surface 155 of the golf club head 150 and any combination of attachment points 170, attachment features 185, alignment pieces 190, and attachment surfaces 193 may be used to adjust the alignment device 100 with the training device 300. The coupling of the alignment device 100 with the aiming mechanism of the training device 300 may allow the player to select and configure an alignment device 100 for an intended target path, fix the alignment device 100, and then readjust or recalibrate the alignment device 100 as needed upon receiving immediate feedback from the path travelled by the golf ball as determined by the training device 300. Thus, the alignment device 100 may allow players to align the intended target path with the path traveled by the golf ball based on immediate feedback from the training device 300. The player may then rely on the alignment device 100 to direct a golf ball along an intended target path based on their experience using the training device 300 with the alignment device 100.

With reference to FIGS. 3C-3D, one embodiment of a golf club head configured with a forward-facing alignment device and a portable training device is described. As an example, the golf club head 150 may include a portable training device 300 positioned behind an alignment device 100. The training device 300 may direct the intended target path 301 across the central portion 120 and/or surface feature 130. Further, the alignment device 100 may be a visible region 165 that is in the direct line of sight of the player and the intended target path 301. This may allow a player to initial develop a sense of their intended target path 300 and golf club head alignment. Upon further training, the player may transition to the golf club of FIGS. 3A-3B with the alignment device 100 space from the intended target path 301 to allow the player to develop their perception and coordination skills. As an example, the player may use the golf club of FIGS. 3A-3B and focus on the alignment device 100 to hone their perception of the target path with the intended target path 301, relying more on the alignment device 100 to determine the intended target path. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3D, the player may rotate the training device 300 away from or shut-off the training device and rely solely on the alignment device 100 to align the golf club head 150 to direct the golf ball along the intended target path. In one embodiment, the training device 300 may be embedded in the golf club head 150 but blind or unviewable from the playing position. In certain embodiments, the training device 300 may be affixed to the head and blind or unviewable from the playing position. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D, the training device 300 may be embedded in one or more parts of the golf club 151. For example, a laser training device 320, 330, 340 may be embedded in the shaft 152, the hosel 154, or the golf club head 150, respectively, and may be configured to be blind or unviewable from the playing position. Further, the training devices 300, 320, 330, 340 may be configured to be disabled during play. In one embodiment, a cover 155 may be included or formed in manufacturing of the golf club 151 to disable the training device 300, 320, 330, or 340.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates one embodiment of a golf club head configured with an alignment device and an external training device. As an example of variability in the alignment device 100 surfaces and contours is described. In one embodiment, a golf club head 150 may include an alignment device 100 with a top surface 105 having multiple contours that align with the upper surface 155 and outward facing surfaces 160 of the golf club head 150. For example, the surface contours at a first end of the outer portions 115, the central portion 120, and the inner portions 125 near the contact surface 175 of the golf club head 150 may be coplanar, while at a second end of the outer portions 115, central portion 120, and inner portions 125 extending away from the contact surface 175 the surface contours may be tapered and follow different surface contours of the golf club head 150. In this embodiment, the alignment device 100 may be configured to cover, in part or in whole, the surface contours of the golf club head 150 that includes upper surfaces 155 and outward facing surfaces 160. Further, the inner portions 125 may be beveled and steeply angled inwards toward the central portion 120, and the outer portions 115 may be flat or at a slight angle extending away from the inner portions 125 to give the player a visual focus on the surface features of the alignment device 100.

The external training device 400 may provide an intended target path 401 whereby the player may practice aligning the surface feature of the alignment device 100 to become comfortable in an a properly aligned golf club head. For example, the alignment device 100 may be adjusted as described herein to account for a player's inherent tendencies and perceptions, here instead of focus on perception the player may focus on aligning the golf club head 150, in a clinical way, such that the intended target path 401 and the alignment device 100 are aligned. In this way, the player may receive immediate feedback on proper stance and proper alignment of the golf club to strike a ball towards the intended target path. Moreover, additional visual guides 410 may be positioned at a distance that correspond to alignment pieces 190, such that the player can understand how adjustments in the alignment device 100 may affect the direction of the golf ball. For example, a “1” setting on the alignment piece 190 may direct the ball at a “1” angle from the intended target path 410.

In some embodiments, the training device 400 may be attached and fixed to the golf club head 150, for example, mechanically attached and fastened to the golf club head 150 using bolts, screws, pins, or the like. In one embodiment, the training device 400 may be embedded in the golf club head 150 but blind or unviewable from the playing position. Moreover, the training device 400 may include a plurality of laser devices for displaying more than one target path.

Method of Forming the Golf Club Alignment System

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for making a golf club with the alignment system described in FIGS. 1-4B for golf club head positioning to properly align the golf head for an intended target path. Each block shown in FIG. 5 may represent one or more processes, methods, or subroutines, carried out in the exemplary method. For explanatory purposes, method 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4B which shows example embodiments of carrying out the method of FIG. 5 for golf club head positioning to properly align the golf head for an intended target path. Method 500 may be used independently or in combination with other methods or processes for making a golf club and/or golf club head with the alignment system described herein for properly aligning the golf head for an intended target path.

Method 500 begins at block 505, forming a handle having a grip at a first end and a head at a second end. In block 510, the method includes forming a head having: a contact surface, a top surface extending away from the contact surface, and a bottom surface extending away from the contact surface and located beneath the top surface, the bottom surface facing opposite to the top surface. In block 515, the method includes configuring a visible region of the top surface for receiving and securing an adjustable alignment device. The alignment device may provide a visual aid for properly aligning the head along a target path. In block 520, the method includes forming, in the top surface, one or more upper facing surfaces configured for receiving and securing the alignment device. In one embodiment, the one or more upper facing surfaces may form the visible region of the top surface.

In block 525, the method includes configuring the second end of the handle or the head for receiving a training device and configuring the training device to visually aid in adjusting the alignment device. In one embodiment, the training device may be configured to include at least one of a permanent, fixed, detachable, or movable laser device. In block 530, the method includes configuring the alignment device to permanently lock into place on the top surface after adjustment. In one embodiment, the alignment device formed may be an adjustable plate, appendage, medallion, or milled feature, and the alignment device may be configured to further include one or more alignment features selected from at least one of: lines, shapes, colors, indicators, and markers to allow a player to focus on the alignment device. In block 535, the method includes securing the alignment device to the head or the top surface. In block 540, the method includes configuring a visible region of the top surface for receiving and securing an adjustable alignment device comprises of forming a recess in the head for receiving and securing the alignment device. In block 545, the method includes forming a second recess for receiving and securing a second alignment device.

Definitions

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device, orthodontic hardware and instruments and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the preferred invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Definitions and Other Embodiments

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methodologies in the figures are shown and described as a series of blocks of an algorithm, it is to be appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the blocks. Some blocks can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described. Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be used to implement an example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated into multiple actions/components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employ additional actions that are not illustrated in blocks. The methods described herein are limited to statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.

An “operable connection”, or a connection by which entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. An operable connection may include differing combinations of interfaces and/or connections sufficient to allow operable control. For example, two entities can be operably connected to communicate signals to each other directly or through one or more intermediate entities (e.g., processor, operating system, logic, non-transitory computer-readable medium). Logical and/or physical communication channels can be used to create an operable connection.

While the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described in considerable detail, it is not the intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the various aspects of the subject matter. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to the specific details or the illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this disclosure is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims, which satisfy the statutory subject matter requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 101.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

To the extent that the term “or” is used in the detailed description or claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both”. When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the phrase “only A or B but not both” will be used. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use.