Abstract:
A process for creating multiple tufts for a tufted article comprises directing the initial filament bundle into a first channel, causing the bundle to move through the first channel while splitting the bundle into a plurality of tufts according to a predetermined pattern, and directing the plurality of tufts into the plurality of second channels such that each of the plurality of tufts has its own second channel. An apparatus comprises a first plate having a first channel for receiving a filament bundle, a splitting element for separating the bundle into the plurality of individual tufts, a second plate having a plurality of second channels for receiving the plurality of tufts, and a driving means for moving the filaments in the channels.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a method and a device for processing bristle filaments, such as those used for making a variety of tufted articles, including, e.g., toothbrush, interdental brush, hairbrush, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The demands of the current market and increasingly sophisticated consumers encourage brush manufacturers to create brushes possessing improved functionality as well as aesthetic attractiveness. In the field of oral care, e.g., this involves a variety of benefits, including not only the expected basic plaque-and-tartar removal, but also an interdental-space treatment, tongue cleaning, gum treatment, and preventive care. This, in turn, requires more complex and sophisticated brush designs, including cleaning elements, such as bristle filaments. New shapes, geometries, and material compositions of the bristle filaments are among key elements that can greatly influence the efficacy of a brush. 
         [0003]    In a conventional brush-making process, such as, e.g., a toothbrush-making process, bristle filaments can be supplied in large, generally round, filaments bundles that include hundreds of individual filaments tightly packed together. During a brush-manufacturing process, these filaments are separated into individual pucks, mechanically or chemically treated, cut, and eventually split into individual tufts—to be implanted into a body of the brush being made. The mechanical or chemical treatment may include end-rounding, thinning, tapering, polishing, and otherwise modifying the filaments ends, as is known in the art. The filaments, e.g., may be grinded to have their ends rounded, which ends otherwise would have sharp edges after the filaments are cut. These rounded ends will become free ends of the bristles in the finished brush. In a toothbrush, the filaments&#39; rounded ends will contact a user&#39;s teeth and gums. 
         [0004]    In some contemporary (so-called anchorless) brush-making processes, which do not require the insertion of metal anchors to retain the bristle filaments in the brush&#39;s plastic body, tufts of filaments, after being cut, end-rounded, and/or otherwise treated, are inserted into mold plates, having patterns of holes, or channels, corresponding to the desired geometry of the filament tufts in the brush being made. The tufts of filaments are inserted in a mold bar&#39;s holes so that the filaments&#39; treated ends will form free ends of the finished brush&#39;s bristles, while the tufts&#39; ends opposite to the treated ends will be over-molded with a molten plastic material and thereby embedded in the plastic body of the finished brush. Examples of such and similar processes can be found in the following patent documents: EP 1 878 355, EP0472863 B1, WO 2010105745, WO 2011128020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0005]    In order to create sophisticated, increasingly complex brush designs, there is a need for the brush manufacturers to be able to form, at reasonable costs, multiple tufts patterns having elaborate configuration. The present disclosure is intended to satisfy this need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A process for creating multiple tufts for a tufted article comprises: providing an initial filament bundle comprising a first plurality of individual filaments; directing the initial filament bundle into a first channel; causing the initial filament bundle to move through the first channel; splitting the initial filament bundle into a plurality of tufts according to a predetermined pattern, each tuft comprising a second plurality of individual filaments; and directing the plurality of tufts into a plurality of second channels such that each of the plurality of tufts moves through its own second channel defining a shape of the tuft moving therethrough. 
         [0007]    An apparatus for creating the plurality of tufts comprises a first plate and a second plate adjacent to the first plate. The first channel can be disposed in a first plate, and the plurality of second channels can be disposed on a second plate. The channels may include chamfers at their respective ends in the plates. The first and second plates can be structured and configured to move relative to one another in operation; and a distance between the plates can be changeable according to a predetermined algorithm, based on the process&#39;s steps. The initial filament bundle can be directed into the first channel by a pin having a working surface that is structured and configured to push the initial filament bundle by contacting the bundle&#39;s free end. The pin&#39;s working surface can have a peripherally protruding flange structured to at least partially conform to a free end of the initial filament bundle comprising individual filaments having rounded ends. The pin&#39;s working surface can have a concavely shaped curvature configured to contact a corresponding convexly shaped curvature of the individual filaments&#39; rounded ends. 
         [0008]    The apparatus further comprises a splitting element structured and configured to separate the initial filament bundle into the plurality of individual tufts according to a predetermined pattern. The splitting element can be integrally formed with at least one of the plates. Alternatively, the splitting element can be fixed, permanently or detachably, on one of the plates—or be disposed between the plates. The splitting element has at least one splitting edge formed by at least two sides, or surfaces, tapering towards one another at an angle of from about 0.5 to about 150 degrees. The splitting edge can be rounded to have a radius comprising from about 3% to about 45% of an average diameter of the individual filament. The angle between the tapering surfaces may change throughout the tapering lengths thereof, either discretely or gradually. Longitudinal portions of the sides that taper towards each other are defined herein as “tapering” lengths. One or both of the tapering sides can be curved, either entirely or partially, i.e., at least one of the sides may comprise a curved portion or portions. The curvature may include a concave surface, a convex surface, or a combination thereof. 
         [0009]    The splitting edge is structured and configured to penetrate the initial filament bundle from one of the bundle&#39;s ends, thereby splitting the bundle along its filaments. This way the single bundle can be split into two or more groups of filaments. During movement of the bundle relative to the splitting element, the tapering sides move the groups of filaments apart, directing them into the second channels, in which the individual tufts are formed. The individual tuft&#39;s cross-sectional shape and the number of individual filaments in each of the individual tufts being formed is defined, among other things, by the shape and size of the second channel. 
         [0010]    The tufts created by the process may comprise a large number of complicated patterns, e.g., a pattern comprising at least one central tuft and several peripheral tufts surrounding the central tuft and a pattern comprising at least one central tuft and at least one tuft at least partially surrounding the at least one central tuft. The tufts may be identical—or may differ from one another in an equivalent diameter, a number of individual filaments, a cross-sectional shape, and other parameters. Although it is a common practice to use filaments having essentially round or circular cross-section, other filaments, having a cross-section which is not round, can be used in the disclosed invention. The term “equivalent diameter,” used herein to define an area of a non-circular cross-section, constitutes the diameter of a hypothetical circular cross-section (e.g., of a filament or a channel) having the same area as that of the actual non-circular cross-section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature—and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the drawings, where like structures are indicated with like reference numerals. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  schematically shows a process and an apparatus disclosed herein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  schematically shows a fragment A of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  schematically shows a fragment B of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  schematically shows a fragment C of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0016]    FIGS.  1 D and  1 D 2  schematically show a fragment D of  FIG. 1C , exemplifying two different embodiments thereof. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1E  schematically shows a fragment E of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a plate including a splitting device comprising three pairs of tapering surfaces forming three splitting edges. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a plate including eighteen channels structured and configured to form eighteen individual tufts of filaments therein. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  schematically shows a front view of the plate shown in  FIG. 2A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  schematically shows a perspective view of a partial cross section of an embodiment of a plate having two elliptical channels and including a splitting device comprising a splitting edge that is not normal relative to a longitudinal direction of the channels. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  schematically shows a front view of the plate shown in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3C  schematically shows a back view of the plate shown in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising substantially planar tapering surfaces that form multiple angles therebetween. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising concave tapering surfaces. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising curved tapering surfaces including concave and convex portions. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising a splitting edge that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filaments disposed in the channel. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising a splitting edge that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filaments disposed in the channel. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising a splitting edge having a convex shape. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  schematically shows an embodiment of the splitting device comprising an annular splitting edge. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    As is shown in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of basic equipment for creating multiple filament tufts according to the present disclosure comprises a first plate  30 , a second plate  40 , a splitting element  50 , and a pin  60 . The first plate  30  has at least one first channel  31  disposed therein. There can be any number of first channels  31  in the plate  30 , depending on the application.  FIG. 1 , e.g., shows the first plate  30  having two first channels  31 . The first channel (or channels)  31  can be substantially round in cross-section, or have any other desired profile/cross-section, as will be explained herein below. 
         [0032]    The first channel  31  is structured and configured to receive the initial filament bundle  20  comprising a first plurality of individual filaments  21  and to allow the initial filament bundle  20  to move inside the first channel  31 . To this end, the surface of the first channel  31  can be treated to have low friction relative to the surface of the filaments in the bundle  20 . Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the first channel  31  can be treated to decrease the friction between the walls of the channel and the filaments in the bundle  20 . This can be accomplished by utilizing any known machining process, such as, e.g., an Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the channel  31  can be coated with friction-reducing materials, such as, e.g., Teflon. It is generally desired that the friction between the surface of the first channel  31  and the filaments in the bundle  20  contacting the surface of the first channel  31  be lower than the friction between the individual filaments  21  in the bundle  20 . 
         [0033]    After the initial filament bundle  20  is placed into the channel  31 , a pin  60  can be used to move the initial filament bundle  20  forward, towards the second plate  40 . The pin  60  can have any desired shape and a working surface  61  contacting a free end of the initial filament bundle  20 . The pin&#39;s working surface  61 , e.g., may be substantially flat and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  65  of the pin  60  (and thus substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bundle  20  and the filaments  21 ). Alternatively, the working surface  61  may be inclined (not shown) so that there is an acute angle between the working surface  61  of the pin  60  and the pin&#39;s axis  65 . In another embodiment (not shown), the pin&#39;s working surface  61  may include concave or convex portion or portions. Such configurations may be beneficial when it is desired to profile the free ends of the individual filaments  21 . Other embodiments comprising various combinations of shapes of the pin&#39;s working surface  61 , such as, e.g., a shape comprising at least one planar portion, at least one concave portion, and at least one convex portion (not shown), are contemplated by, and included in the scope of, the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 1B-1D  show an embodiment of the pin&#39;s working surface  61  having a peripherally protruding flange  62 . During operation, the flange  62  encompasses the initial filament bundle&#39;s free end in contact with the pin&#39;s working surface  61 . As best seen in fragmentary cross-sections of  FIGS. 1C  and  1 D, the pin&#39;s working surface  61 , having the flange  62 , is designed to accommodate the curvature of the filaments  21  whose free ends  22  have been rounded. To accomplish that, the working surface  61  can include a flange  62 . An exemplary flange  62  shown in  FIG. 1D  comprises a curved surface including a concave portion and a convex portion thereof. The concave portion, having a radius R 1 , is configured to contact a corresponding convexly shaped curvature of the individual filaments&#39; rounded ends  22 . The dimensions and curvature(s) of the flange  62  can be defined primarily by the size/diameter and/or a shape of the filament bundle  20  and the individual filaments  21 , particularly the relevant dimensions and shapes of their rounded ends  22 . Those may differ from application to application, depending on the type of filaments being processed. 
         [0035]    Generally, the flange  62  can have a height H from about 0.03 mm to about 0.4 mm. An average thickness S of the flange  62 , as calculated based on its maximal thickness at a point where an inclined portion  69  of the flange  62  meets an adjacent portion  65  of the working surface  61  (shown as “horizontal” in FIGS.  1 D and  1 D 2 ), and its minimal thickness at a point where the flange  62  terminates at the opposite end thereof, can be from about 0.03 mm to about 0.2 mm. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1D , an “upper” radius R 1  of the concave portion of the flange  62 , adjacent to the “horizontal” surface  65  of the working surface  61 , can be from about 0.02 mm to about 0.2 mm; and a “lower” radius R 2  of the convex portion of the flange  62 , adjacent to the “vertical” wall of the pin  61 , can be from about 0.01 mm to about 0.15 mm. In other embodiments, the flange  62  can comprise a conventional, “triangle” configuration, appearing, e.g., as a substantially straight line inclined in a cross-section relative to both the “horizontal surface  65  and the “vertical” wall  67 , as is shown in FIG.  1 D 2 . Any and all combinations of the embodiments described herein are in the scope of the invention. 
         [0036]    The second plate  40  has at least two second channels  41 . The second channel&#39;s cross-sectional area is generally smaller than that of the first channel  31 . The number of the second channels  41  is dictated by a design of the product being made. More specifically, the number of the second channels  41  is defined by the number of the individual tufts  25  that need to be created. In  FIG. 1 , e.g., the second plate  40  is shown to have four second channels  41  (two second channels  41  per each first channel  31 ), while and in  FIGS. 2A-2C , e.g., the second plate  40  is shown to have six clusters  46 , each including three second channels  41 ; altogether, there are eighteen second channels  41 , as is best shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0037]    The second channel  41  may have any desired profile or cross-section, reflecting the desired profile/cross-section of the individual tuft  25  formed therein. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-2C , e.g., the second channels  41  are substantially round, while in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , e.g., the second channels  41  are elliptical. 
         [0038]    During the process of filament transfer from the first plate  30  to the second plate  40 , the plates  30 ,  40  are disposed adjacent to one another. The plates  30 ,  40  can touch one another so that there is no space therebetween. Alternatively, the plates  30 ,  40  can have a space X therebetween ( FIG. 1 ) from about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm. As one skilled in the art will readily understand, during the brush-making process, the plates  30 ,  40  can be movable relative to one another, whereby the distance X between the plates  30 ,  40  can be changed according to a predetermined algorithm, based on the process parameters. 
         [0039]    The channels  31 ,  41  can be beneficially provided with chamfers  31   a,    41   a,  respectively ( FIGS. 1 and 1E ). The chamfers can facilitate the insertion of the initial filament bundle  20  into the first channel  31  and transfer of the filaments from one channel (e.g.,  31 ) to another (e.g.,  41 ). The size and shape of the chamfers  31   a,    41   a  can be defined by the type and size of the filaments  25  being processed and those of the bundle  20  and the tufts  25 . For many toothbrush-making applications, the chamfers  31   a,    41   a  can beneficially comprise a beveled surface inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the channel ( 31  or  41 ) it is associated with, and having dimensions defined, e.g., by two mutually perpendicular projections “c” and “d,” ( FIG. 1E ). The angle of the beveled surface&#39;s inclination and the dimensions c and d can be based, among other things, on the equivalent diameter of the individual filaments  21  in the bundle  20 . 
         [0040]    A splitting element  50  is a device that is structured and configured to separate the initial filament bundle  20  into several individual tufts  25  of predetermined size and shape. In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 3A , the splitting element  50  has at least two sides  51 ,  52  tapering towards one another. An angle α formed between the sides  51  and  52  ( FIG. 1 ) can be from about 0.5 degrees to 150 degrees, e.g., from 0.5 degree to 150 degree, from 1 degree to 100 degrees, from 2 degree to 90 degree, from 3 degree to 60 degree, from 5 degree to 50 degree. This angle can be more precisely defined based on the properties of the material, friction, overall design of the plates  30  and  40 , and other relevant factors. It may be beneficial to provide a radius Rt at an edge  53  where the sides  51 ,  52  meet ( FIG. 1A ). The radius Rt can be primarily defined by the diameter, or equivalent diameter, of the individual filaments  21  comprising the bundle  20 . In some embodiments, the radius Rt can be, e.g., from about 3% to about 75% of the filament&#39;s average diameter or equivalent diameter. This radius can be considered as a local radius of curvature. 
         [0041]    The angle α can be constant throughout the length of the tapering sides  51 ,  52 , as is shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . Alternatively, the angle α can change throughout the length of the tapering sides  51 ,  52 , as is shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 4-6 . This change in the angle α can be discreet (angles α 1  and α 2  in  FIG. 4 ) or gradual ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In the latter instance, at least one of the sides  51 ,  52  can comprises a curved surface. While  FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment in which both of the sides  51 ,  52  comprise concave surfaces, it should be understood that only one of the sides  51 ,  52  can be curved. Further, an embodiment in which at least one of the sides  51 ,  52  is concavely shaped, or includes a concave portion, is also contemplated,  FIG. 6 . It should be also understood that the same or similar principles of design can be applied to the splitting device  50  comprising more than two surfaces, e.g., the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
         [0042]    In one embodiment of the splitting device  50 , the edge  53  can be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filaments (or the longitudinal axis  65  of the pin  60 ),  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the first contact between the edge  53  and the filaments  21  in the initial filament bundle  20  occurs substantially at the same time. At the same time, it is possible, and may even be desirable, to provide for gradual, or progressive splitting of the initial filament bundle  20  with respect to its thickness (or equivalent diameter). In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , e.g., the edge  53  is inclined relative to the filament&#39;s longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, an acute angle exists between the edge  53  and the vertical “thickness” (or diameter) of the bundle  20 . This will cause the edge  53  to gradually “enter” the initial filament bundle  20 —and consequently the filaments  21  in the initial bundle  20  will contact the edge  53  progressively, depending on these filaments&#39; vertical location. In yet another embodiment, the edge  53  can be curved,  FIG. 9 . The curved edge  53 , too, will cause the filaments  21  in the initial bundle  20  to contact the edge  53  not at the same time, but gradually, or progressively, instead. The last two embodiments are believed to provide a smoother splitting of the filaments in the initial bundle  20 . While  FIG. 9  shows a convexly curved edge  53 , the splitting element  53  can also have a concavely curved edge  53  (not shown). Other embodiments (not shown) in which the edge  53  can comprise any combination of the shapes and configurations described herein are included in the scope of this disclosure. For example, the splitting element  50  can have the edge  53  that is partially perpendicular, and partially inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the filaments, and/or partially curved (either convexly, or concavely, or both). 
         [0043]    As the filament bundle  20  passes through the splitting device  50  (in a direction of an arrows M,  FIG. 1 ), the bundle  20  is being separated into smaller filament portions—and eventually into individual tufts  25  in the second channels  41 . The number of filaments  21  in each of the tufts  25  reflects the geometries of the splitting element  50  and the second channels  41 . And the final cross-section of the individual tufts  25  is primarily defined by the corresponding parameters of the second channels  41 . 
         [0044]    In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C , each of the six splitting elements  50  includes three edges:  53   a,    53   b,  and  53   c,  and three pairs of corresponding tapering surfaces:  511 - 512  (meeting at the edge  53   a ),  521 - 522  (meeting at the edge  53   b ), and  531 - 532  (meeting at the edge  53   c ). In this embodiment, a portion of the initial bundle  20  will be split into three individual tufts  25 , and the entire individual bundle into eighteen tufts  25 . It should be appreciated that the individual filaments  25  do not need to have equal number of filaments  21 —nor do they need to have identical or similar cross-sectional shapes. 
         [0045]    While in the several embodiment shown, the splitting element  50  is structured to separate the bundle  20  into the tufts  25  having similar cross-section and approximately equal number of individual filaments  21 , the splitting element can be structured to split the bundle  20  into the tufts  25  having dissimilar cross-sections and differential number of individual filaments  21 . One of the advantages of the present invention is the flexibility it affords to one in creating complex shapes and configurations of the tufts being formed. The present invention allows one to create tufts according to predetermined complex patterns, wherein the tufts can differ from one another in at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of an equivalent diameter, a number of individual filaments, a cross-sectional shape, and a size of a cross-sectional area. 
         [0046]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 10 , the splitting element  50  comprises a structure having a generally annular edge  53   d.  This can split the bundle  20  into at least two tufts: a “central” tuft  25   a  and a “surrounding” tuft  25   b  encompassing, or at least partially encompassing in other embodiments (not shown), the central tuft  25   a.  While  FIG. 10  shows the tufts  25   a  and  25   b  having generally round shapes and being concentric with one another, it should be understood that the tufts  25   a,    25   b  may have any suitable shape (e.g., semi-annular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, polygonal, et cetera)—and do not need to be concentric. Nor the “surrounding” tuft  25   b  need be endless, i.e., comprise an essentially complete circle; the splitting element  50  can be configured to create, e.g., the surrounding tuft  25   b  having a curved, arcuate, C-shaped, or crescent-like cross-section (none shown). Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the like embodiments having only one “central” tuft and only one “surrounding” tuft. Using the design principles disclosed herein, one skilled in the art will be able to envision other similar arrangements, having two, three, or more “central” tufts and two, three, or more “surrounding” tufts; all of these arrangements are included in the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0047]    The splitting element  50  can be located in the first plate  30 , the second plate  40 , or be disposed intermediate the first and second plates  30 ,  40 . The splitting element  50  can be affixed or removably attached to either of the plates  30 ,  40 . Alternatively, the splitting element  50  can be formed integrally with one of the plates  30 ,  40 . In the several exemplary embodiments shown the splitting element  50  is formed integrally with the second plate  40 . 
         [0048]    The process and the apparatus disclosed herein are believed to allow brush makers to create, with great precision, brushes having complex designs of the bristle filaments, while at the same time affording them greater flexibility in changing the geometries and patterns of the filament bristles for a variety of brushes. 
         [0049]    While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, although various aspects of the invention have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Likewise, various aspects of the invention and various embodiments of the elements described herein can be used in various combinations, all of which are contemplated in the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such combinations, changes, and modifications that are within the scope of the invention. 
         [0050]    The terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and the like, as may be used herein, represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms also represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. Further, the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a value disclosed as “45%” is intended to mean “about 45%.” 
         [0051]    The disclosure of every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein—or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same or similar term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.