阅读说明：本技术 帽子徽标施加装置 (Cap logo applying device ) 是由 B·B·罗宾逊 A·加尔金 张伟钰 于 2021-04-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种帽子徽标施加装置及其制造方法,该帽子徽标施加装置包括具有前部和后部的第一心轴以及与第一心轴相对并被构造成向第一心轴施加压力的第二心轴,第一心轴具有弯曲的非圆柱形表面和位于后部中的释放空间,使得当帽子位于第一心轴上时,帽子的前部与非圆柱形表面接触,并且帽子的顶部在释放空间上延伸。第一心轴和第二心轴中的至少一个包括加热器。(A cap logo applying apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same, the cap logo applying apparatus includes a first mandrel having a front portion and a rear portion and a second mandrel opposite to the first mandrel and configured to apply pressure to the first mandrel, the first mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a release space in the rear portion such that when the cap is positioned on the first mandrel, the front portion of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and the top portion of the cap extends over the release space. At least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel includes a heater.)

1. A cap logo applicator, comprising:

a first mandrel having a front and a back, the first mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a relief space in the back such that when the cap is positioned on the first mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space; and

a second mandrel opposite the first mandrel and configured to apply pressure to the first mandrel;

wherein at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel comprises a heater.

2. The cap logo application device according to claim 1, wherein the curved non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel is shaped as a shape defined by a portion of an ellipse, the ellipse having a first center point, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis extending in a generally vertical direction of the application device and the minor axis being perpendicular to the major axis.

3. The cap logo application device according to claim 2, wherein a first distance is defined from a first center point of the ellipse to the non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel and along the major axis and a second distance is defined from the first center point of the ellipse to the imaginary surface of the first mandrel and along the minor axis, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

4. The cap logo applying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second mandrel is defined by a portion of one of a circle and an ellipse having a second center point, and a third distance is defined from the second center point of the circle or ellipse to a lower surface of the second mandrel, and the third distance is greater than the first distance.

5. The hat logo applying apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mandrel comprises the heater.

6. The hat logo application device according to claim 1, wherein the first mandrel comprises an image printing area having a dual durometer, the image printing area comprising a first pad having a first durometer and a second pad on the first pad and having a second durometer different from the first durometer.

7. The hat logo applying apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second durometer is lower than the first durometer.

8. The cap logo applying device according to claim 6, wherein the non-cylindrical surface extends toward the rear of the first mandrel and the relief space is formed with a downwardly curved surface.

9. The hat logo applying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first support supporting the first mandrel;

a heater arm supporting the second mandrel;

a cylinder support supporting the heater arm; and

a pivot located at a pivot point between the heater arm and the column support.

10. The hat logo applying apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a printed handle linkage extending from a front of the cap logo applicator and attached to the column support to apply pressure to the first mandrel; and

an electromagnet positioned between the heater arm and the printed handle such that activation of the electromagnet maintains the printed handle and the heater arm in linkage when actuated.

11. The hat logo applying apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a spring located between the post support and the heater arm, wherein the spring applies pressure against movement of the printed handle linkage such that when the printed handle and electromagnet are released, the printed handle linkage is caused to move upward and disengage from the heater arm.

12. A method of manufacturing a cap logo application device, comprising:

providing a first mandrel having a front and a back, the first mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a relief space in the back such that when the cap is positioned on the first mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space; and

configuring a second mandrel opposite the first mandrel and applying pressure to the first mandrel; and

positioning a heater in at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising shaping the curved non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel into a shape defined by a portion of an ellipse having a first center point, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis extending in a generally vertical direction of the applicator and the minor axis being perpendicular to the major axis.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising defining a first distance from a first center point of the ellipse to the non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel and along a major axis, and defining a second distance from the first center point of the ellipse to the imaginary surface of the first mandrel and along a minor axis, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising defining the second mandrel by a portion of one of a circle and an ellipse having a second center point, and defining a third distance from the second center point of the circle or ellipse to the first surface of the second mandrel, wherein the third distance is greater than the first distance.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the heater further comprises positioning the heater in the second mandrel.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the first mandrel comprises providing an image-printed area having a dual durometer, the image-printed area comprising a first pad having a first durometer and a second pad on the first pad and having a second durometer different from the first durometer.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second durometer is lower than the first durometer.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising extending the non-cylindrical surface toward the rear of the first mandrel and forming the relief space as a downwardly curved surface.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

providing a first support supporting the first mandrel;

providing a heater arm supporting the second mandrel;

providing a cylinder support supporting the heater arm; and

providing a pivot located at a pivot point between the heater arm and the column support.

Technical Field

The exemplary examples described herein relate generally to presses, such as thermal transfer presses for applying logos (logos) to hats and other head accessories.

Background

Hats, such as baseball hats, have become not only versatile head accessories for use by athletes, but also head accessories for use by the general population. Typically, the cap includes a topper, which may include a crown that contacts the forehead of the wearer. The crown may be structured or unstructured, wherein the structured crown provides support so that the cap retains its shape during use. The unstructured crown may not provide rigid support, and thus the crown may be located below the forehead.

The cap may include a bill, brim or visor extending from the front of the top piece. The top piece typically includes one, two or more front panels (front panels) from which the visor projects. The top piece may include apertures that allow the head to breathe or exchange air to ventilate and cool the head during use. The top piece may comprise various buttons which may be positioned in the top centre of the top piece where the front webs are joined, such buttons may be used for decorative purposes or to join parts of the top piece together. The inside of the cap may include a sweatband which may be cloth or other absorbent material located on or near the crown to collect perspiration and prevent or reduce its flow onto the wearer's face.

The back of the cap may include an adjustable opening so that one cap can accommodate heads of various sizes. The strap may include one or more protrusions on one side and a hole or opening on the other side so that the two sides may be joined together in a preferred size to provide adjustability for different head sizes.

A hat is usually worn with a logo on the front panel of the hat. Such logos may include sports logos, business logos, and the like. The logo may be a textual label, a letter, a brand, or an idol (e.g., celebrity or logogram). The logo may be a transfer with an embroidered or other stitched appearance applied to the cap. The logo may be affixed using a heat activated adhesive. In one example, the logo is printed directly on the surface of the front panel.

Thus, the logo can be applied to the hat in various types of hat structural designs, and various features and sizes of the hat and logo can be employed.

Conventional cap decorating machines use a curved (cylindrical) heater with a matching mandrel and liner. That is, the mandrel may be cylindrical in part so that the front web may rest on the cylindrical mandrel for printing. A typical decorating machine may use a curved (cylindrical) heater with a matching mandrel and liner. Typically, the pad is a foamed silicone sponge with a medium durometer value that can withstand high temperatures, such as 430 ° F. The cylindrical design may be optimized or sized to fit a particular (and more common) hat size, while other sized hats may deform accordingly during heat printing, thereby creating heat marks, as the hat may not deform (or conform) optimally during heating.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved logo application devices for use with hats.

Disclosure of Invention

A cap logo applicator comprising a lower mandrel having a front and a rear and an upper mandrel configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space in the rear such that when the cap is positioned on the lower mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space. At least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel includes a heater.

A method of making a cap logo applicator, comprising: providing a lower mandrel having a front and a rear, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space in the rear such that when the cap is positioned on the lower mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space; an upper mandrel configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel; and positioning a heater in at least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel.

Drawings

While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, an appreciation of various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary cap logo application device in a closed position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cap logo application device in an open position;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the cap logo application device in an open position;

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the lower mandrel;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the lower mandrel;

FIG. 5 shows an end view schematic of the mandrel and heater in the open position;

FIG. 6 illustrates the cap logo application device in a closed position without a cap on the lower mandrel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows the cap logo application device in a closed position and having the cap placed on the lower mandrel with the visor (and front of the cap) facing upward in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the cap logo application device with the cap on the lower mandrel in the closed position with the visor (and front of the cap) facing downward in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 shows the cap logo application device with the cap on the lower mandrel in the closed position with the visor (and front of the cap) facing sideways according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an embodiment. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit or restrict the invention to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary cap logo application device in a closed position according to the present invention. The applicator 100 is shown in a closed state when it is in place to apply the logo to the cap. Fig. 2 and 3 show the applicator 100 in its open position in perspective view and side view, respectively.

A "nut portion" 102, or more generally a silicone rubber pad, is located on the lower heater/mandrel 104 and is supported by a lower support 108. The handle/pressure linkage 110 is manually operated to move the upper and lower mandrels 104 relative to each other and to bring the heater 120 into position against the lower heater/mandrel 104 for use. A rubber damping pad 106 is located between the lower heater/mandrel 104 and the lower support 108 to provide damping and uniformly apply pressure when pressure is applied to the lower heater/mandrel 104. The heater arm 112 provides structural support for the upper heater 120. The amount of pressure applied to the lower heater/mandrel 104 may be adjusted by a pressure adjustment knob 118.

A post or electrical enclosure 132 provides overall support for the heater arms 112, which pivot relative to each other at pivot point 124. The flexible conduit 122 provides support and insulation against the transfer of power from the bottom of the cylinder 132 to the heater arm 112. An electromagnet 119 is located between the print handle/pressure linkage 110 and the heater arm 112 for selective operation when lowering and raising the print handle/pressure linkage 110, which pulls up the heater arm 112 and then disengages the heater arm to complete the upward movement when the heater arm 112 completes its movement upward. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, activation of the electromagnet 119 allows the two to remain ganged (in unity) or coupled when actuated, and the two can be separated from each other when deactivated. The cap hold down mechanism 134 is actuated, which includes a capture mechanism that engages the back of the cap, such as in the area of the band, to pull the taught cap toward the lower heater/mandrel 104. Spring 130 may be a gas spring or a mechanical spring that applies pressure against the movement of handle/pressure linkage 110 such that when handle/pressure linkage 110 and electromagnet 119 are released, handle/pressure linkage 110 moves upward to disengage from heater arm 112. The electronic controller 136 may have a touch screen interface or may be, for example, button operated, which allows programming of various functions (e.g., pressure time, temperature settings, etc.) and setting of other control parameters.

The controller 136 may generally include computing and control elements (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller). By way of example, the controller 136 may generally provide time monitoring, temperature monitoring, pressure monitoring, and control. The readings may further include various readings displays, for example to allow for the display of forces, temperatures or times associated with the operation of the press. Further, the readings may allow a user to manipulate the controller, for example, through a touch screen or other interface.

The proximity switch 126 and the proximity magnet 128 cooperate with each other to provide feedback information regarding the position of the heater arm 112 when in operation. Referring to FIG. 3, the openings 114 and 116 are selected to provide sufficient space above and below the lower heater/mandrel 104 to facilitate insertion of caps above the lower heater/mandrel 104 and to provide space below the lower heater/mandrel 104 to accommodate caps of various sizes. Once proximity is detected, the proximity sensor may run for a preset time in the controller 136, then indicate by an audible or other notification that the predetermined time has elapsed.

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the lower heater/mandrel 104, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the lower heater/mandrel 104. FIG. 5 shows an end view schematic of the mandrel and heater in the open position.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the lower heater/mandrel 104 includes a liner that is a solid silicone having a dual durometer structure with two layers 204,206 of materials of different durometer values. The dual durometer construction provides particular advantages because the "soft" material on the top layer 204, which has a low durometer value, provides a "yield" or release/bleed amount, allowing for localized deformation, as seen in fig. 4B, for example due to uneven thickness of a logo or other transfer to be applied to the cap. The lower pad 206, which has a higher durometer or "medium" (durometer) material, may provide additional support and a stronger snap or secure attachment to the mandrel relative to the soft upper pad, and is less prone to local deformation due to irregularities in the transfer surface.

In general, the term "durometer" is used as a measure of the hardness of materials such as polymers, elastomers, and rubbers. Softer materials have a lower durometer value than harder materials. In this case, a "soft" durometer material such as in the top layer 204 may be in the range of 8-10 Shore A, and a medium durometer material of the lower pad 206 may be in the range of 20-25 Shore A.

The upper liner 204, which is softer than the lower liner 206, provides additional but greater overall deformability, which allows for force equalization when mandrel pressure is applied. Thus, the dual durometer configuration according to the present invention thus provides an overall amount of flexure that allows for overall standardization of force when applying mandrel pressure, and the softer upper liner allows for more localized deformation of the transfer so that the non-uniform characteristics of the transfer itself do not result in high pressure being generated in localized areas of the transfer.

Thus, referring to fig. 1-5, the cap logo application device 100 includes a lower mandrel 104 having a front and a rear, the lower mandrel 104 having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface 200 and a relief space 202 located in the rear such that when the cap 402 is located on the lower mandrel 104, the front of the cap 402 is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface 200 and the top of the cap 402 extends over the relief space 202. The upper mandrel 120 is configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel 104. At least one of the lower mandrel 104 and the upper mandrel 120 includes a heater (in either embodiment, a heater is incorporated into the lower mandrel 104 and/or the upper mandrel 120).

FIG. 5 shows the cap 402 relative to the lower mandrel 104 and the upper mandrel 120. The shape of the curved non-cylindrical upper surface 200 of the lower mandrel 104 is defined by a portion of an ellipse. The lower mandrel 104 is shaped based on a first center point 301, a major axis 308, and a minor axis 310, the major axis 308 extending in a generally vertical direction of the cap logo application device 100, the minor axis 310 being perpendicular to the major axis 308.

A first distance 305, indicated by the letter "a", is defined along the major axis 308 from the first center point 301 of the ellipse to the upper surface 306 of the lower mandrel 104, and a second distance 307, indicated by the letter "B", is defined along the minor axis 310 from the first center point 301 of the ellipse to the imaginary upper surface 312 of the lower mandrel 104. In this description, the upper surface 312 is referred to as "imaginary" because the lower mandrel 104 may not extend all the way to intersect the minor axis 310, but may stop part way. Thus, the lower mandrel 104 is defined in such a way that it extends along the surface of the ellipse, but may not extend all the way to the minor axis 310. Further, although described as an ellipse having a major axis 308 and a minor axis 310, it should be understood that the "ellipse" may, but need not, follow the precise definition of a mathematical ellipse, and that the major axis 308 and minor axis 310 and corresponding distances 305, 307 may be selected to be curved and oblong in nature, but need not necessarily be defined solely by the strict mathematical terms of an ellipse. According to an example, the first distance 305 is greater than the second distance 307.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the upper mandrel 120 is defined by a portion of one of a circle and an ellipse having a center point 303, and a distance 304, represented by the letter "R", is defined from the second center point 303 of the circle or ellipse to the lower surface 302 of the upper mandrel 120. According to one example, the distance 304 of the upper mandrel 120 is greater than the distance 305 of the lower mandrel 104. In this way, the curvature of the upper mandrel 120 may follow a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a curvature that does not exactly match a mathematical ellipse.

Thus, in accordance with the disclosure and with reference to the figures, the disclosed mandrel comprises a cylindrical, non-cylindrical, or elliptical shape, wherein B < R < a.

According to one example, the cap logo application device 100 may include a heater in the upper mandrel 120, in the lower mandrel 104, or in both the upper mandrel 120 and the lower mandrel 104.

In accordance with the present invention, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the lower mandrel 104 includes an image-printing region having a dual durometer, which includes a first pad 206 having a first durometer and a second pad 204 on the first pad 206 and having a second durometer different from the first durometer. In one example, the second durometer is lower than the first durometer. Further, with particular reference to FIG. 4B, the non-cylindrical upper surface 200 extends toward the rear of the lower mandrel 104 and forms a relief space 202 that is a downwardly curved surface. The relief spaces 202 allow for localized deformation in the cap, for example due to uneven thickness of a logo or other transfer to be applied to the cap. The lower pad 206, which has a higher durometer or "medium" (durometer) material, provides additional support and a stronger snap on the mandrel relative to the soft top pad and is less prone to local deformation due to transfer surface irregularities.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the cap logo applying apparatus 100 includes a lower support 108 supporting a lower mandrel 104, a heater arm 112 supporting an upper mandrel 120, and a cylinder support 132 supporting the heater arm 112. A pivot located at pivot point 124 between heater arm 112 and column support 132. The printed handle linkage 110 extends from the front of the cap logo applicator 100 and is attached to the column support 132 to apply pressure to the lower mandrel 104. An electromagnet 119 is located between the heater arm 112 and the printed handle 110 such that activation of the electromagnet 119 maintains the printed handle 110 and the heater arm 112 in linkage when actuated.

The cap logo applicator 100 includes a spring 130 located between a cylinder support 132 and the heater arm 112. Spring 130 applies pressure against the movement of printed handle linkage 110 so that when printed handle linkage 110 and electromagnet 119 are released, it causes printed handle linkage 110 to move upward and disengage from heater arm 112.

According to the present invention, it is possible to accommodate caps of large and small sizes without deformation due to the unique property of the dual hardness design, and to apply thick and thin transfer materials. It is also contemplated that more than two pads having different durometer values may also be contemplated in accordance with the present invention, and in one example, the relatively high durometer material may be on the bottom, the soft/low durometer material on the top, and the medium durometer material sandwiched therebetween.

The mandrel has said "relief" area behind the image printing area to further reduce this tendency to deform and develop heat marks. The cap is held in place and stretched over the lower heater/mandrel 104 by using the cap hold down mechanism 134. The fabric of the hat stretches uniformly over the curved "relief" areas, rather than over the corners and edges found in conventional mandrel designs, preventing permanent non-uniform deformation of the fabric due to the heat and pressure of operation. The mandrel is heated and the silicone liner has a thermally conductive additive. In one example and in accordance with the present invention, a thick transfer (e.g., a 3D logo) is heated from below to activate the adhesive without damaging the transfer.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, not only is the mandrel not cylindrical in shape, but the image-printing region itself also includes a dual durometer liner having a medium durometer material as the "base" material, as well as a relatively softer durometer liner on the medium durometer material. The two liners have sufficient thermal conductivity to allow sufficient temperatures to develop and achieve a target temperature for the cap positioned thereon in a reasonable time. Also disclosed is a relief area which provides support to the cap when it is positioned on the mandrel while also being slightly curved in a direction down and away from the image printing area to provide sufficient support, but which also allows the cap to be pulled out of the image printing area into areas where no image printing is to be performed, thereby eliminating heat marks that might otherwise form.

It is contemplated that the mandrel size is not limited to a size suitable for a hat, such as a baseball cap. The mandrel may vary in size to fit very small caps (e.g., for children or babies), or to fit oversized caps (e.g., promotional or other designed caps), such as "jumbo" caps used by fans in sports stadiums.

Fig. 6-9 illustrate a cap logo application device according to the present invention in various modes of operation. Fig. 6 shows the cap logo application device 400 in a closed position but without the cap on the lower mandrel. Fig. 7 shows the cap logo application device 400 in a closed position with a cap 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the visor (and front of the cap) facing upward. Fig. 8 shows the cap logo application device 400 in a closed position with the cap 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the visor (and front of the cap) facing downward. Fig. 9 shows the cap logo application device 400 in a closed position with the cap 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the visor (and front of the cap) facing the sides. Thus, the cap may be positioned to apply the logo to the front, sides, back, etc. of the cap. In the arrangements of fig. 7, 8 and 9, the logo 406 is positioned on the cap 402 generally near 404-although it may be positioned in various locations to be attached to the cap, which shows how the upper mandrel interacts with the lower mandrel, and in different arrangements where the top of the cap extends into a release area opposite the top of the cap, allowing the logo to be heated to be attached to the cap without causing interference heating (undo heating) of other portions of the cap away from where the logo is located.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a cap logo application device includes a lower mandrel having a front and a rear and an upper mandrel configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space located in the rear such that when a cap is located on the lower mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space. At least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel includes a heater therein.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a method of making a cap logo application device includes providing a lower mandrel having a front and a rear, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space in the rear such that when a cap is positioned on the lower mandrel, the front of the cap is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and the top of the cap extends over the relief space; constructing an upper mandrel as a result of applying pressure to a lower mandrel; and positioning a heater in at least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel.

The exemplary illustrations are not limited to the previously described examples. On the contrary, many variations and modifications are possible which also use the idea of an exemplary embodiment and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It is also understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, that other steps may be added, or that certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of the processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claimed invention in any way.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Upon reading the examples provided, many embodiments and applications will result in addition to the examples provided. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future improvements will occur in the technology discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles "a," "an," "the," etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.