[bumby]

That is the schtick of patents. The goal is to get the most broad concept approved to give you the most defensible area.

However, there is a distinction between the PTO and courts during infringement cases. While the PTO grants the "broadest reasonable interpretation", courts may have a more limited interpretation.

"Patented claims are not given the broadest reasonable interpretation during court proceedings involving infringement and validity"

https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s2111.html