HOOF BLOCK AND RELATED METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A hoof block is provided that joins with a livestock hoof via an adhesive. The block can include a body bounded by an interior edge and a curvilinear exterior edge approximating an outer edge of the hoof and multiple shearing polygonal apertures extending through the body. Each of the shearing apertures can have a pointed end and can lay along a reference line that can be disposed at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge. The apertures can be joined with bridges that shear through the body when the hoof block becomes removed from the hoof and encounters a pump impeller in a livestock facility. The block can break into pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, and yet can support the standing and walking loads of the livestock while on the hoof. A related method of use is provided.

Claims

1. A hoof block configured to join with a livestock hoof via an adhesive, the hoof block comprising: a body having a thickness extending between an upper surface and a lower surface, the thickness being at least ½ inch, the body bounded by a perimeter having a linear interior edge that transitions to at least one curvilinear exterior edge that approximates an outer hoof edge of a livestock hoof; a first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures extending upward from the lower surface, each of the first shearing polygonal apertures having a first end and a second end, the first end formed by the intersection of a first wall and a second wall at a first angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, the second end formed by the intersection of a third wall and a fourth wall at a second angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, the first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures laying along a first reference line that is at a third angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive relative to the linear interior edge; and a second plurality of shearing polygonal apertures extending upward from the lower surface, each of the second shearing polygonal apertures laying along a second reference line that is at a fourth angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive relative to the linear interior edge, but that is offset and distal relative to the first reference line, wherein the first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures and the second plurality of shearing polygonal apertures are joined by a plurality of bridges that are configured to shear through the thickness of the body when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller, and so that the hoof block breaks into a plurality of pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller.

2. The hoof block of claim 1, wherein the first reference line and the second reference line are parallel to one another.

3. The hoof block of claim 2, wherein the third angle and the fourth angle are between 30 degrees and 45 degrees inclusive relative to the linear interior edge.

4. The hoof block of claim 1, comprising: a third plurality of shearing polygonal apertures extending upward from the lower surface, each of the third shearing polygonal apertures laying along a third reference line that is transverse to the first and second reference lines, whereby the hoof block is shearable into the plurality of pieces across the third plurality of shearing polygonal apertures along the third reference line.

5. The hoof block of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures each have a first width perpendicular to the first reference line, wherein the second plurality of shearing polygonal apertures each have a second width perpendicular to the second reference line, wherein the third plurality of shearing polygonal apertures each have a third width perpendicular to the third reference line, wherein the third width is greater than the first width and the second width.

6. The hoof block of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures extend upward from the lower surface and terminate at a first upper apex bounded by a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed at an apex angle between 2 degrees and 20 degrees, inclusive.

7. The hoof block of claim 1, wherein the first end formed by the intersection of the first wall and the second wall includes the first angle that is about 90 degrees, wherein the first wall transitions to a first sidewall that extends toward the second end, wherein the second wall transitions to a second sidewall that extends toward the second end parallel to the first sidewall, wherein the second end formed by the intersection of the third wall and the fourth wall includes the second angle that is about 90 degrees,

8. The hoof block of claim 7, wherein the first sidewall is joined with the third sidewall, at the second end, wherein the second sidewall is joined with the fourth sidewall at the second end.

9. The hoof block of claim 8, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of adhesive apertures that are not contiguous with any of the first plurality of shearing polygonal apertures and the second plurality of shearing polygonal apertures, wherein the plurality of adhesive apertures do not extend to the lower surface, whereby adhesive in the plurality of adhesive apertures does not leak from the hoof block via the first and second plurality of shearing polygonal apertures.

10. The hoof block of claim 1, comprising: a fourth plurality of shearing polygonal apertures extending upward from the lower surface, each of the fourth shearing polygonal apertures laying along a fourth reference line that is transverse to the first reference line and the second reference line, wherein the fourth reference line intersects the first reference line and the second reference line.

11. A hoof block configured to join with a livestock hoof via an adhesive, the hoof block comprising: a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, the body bounded by a perimeter having an interior edge that transitions to an exterior edge that approximates an outer hoof edge of a livestock hoof; and a first plurality of shearing apertures extending through the body, each of the first shearing apertures having a first pointed end and an opposing second pointed end, the first plurality of shearing apertures laying along a first reference line that is at a third angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge, wherein the first plurality of shearing apertures are joined by a plurality of bridges adjacent at least one of the first pointed end and the second pointed end, the bridges configured to shear through the body when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller, and so that the hoof block breaks into a plurality of pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller.

12. The hoof block of claim 11, wherein the first pointed end is formed by the intersection of a first wall and a second wall at a first angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, wherein the second pointed end is formed by the intersection of a third wall and a fourth wall at a second angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive.

13. The hoof block of claim 12, comprising: a second plurality of shearing apertures extending through the body, each of the second shearing apertures laying along a second reference line that is at a fourth angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge, but that is offset and distal relative to the first reference line.

14. The hoof block of claim 13, wherein the first reference line and the second reference line are parallel to one another.

15. The hoof block of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of shearing apertures extend upward from the lower surface and terminate at a first upper apex bounded by a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed at an apex angle between 2 degrees and 20 degrees, inclusive.

16. The hoof block of claim 13 comprising: a third plurality of shearing apertures extending through the body, each of the third shearing apertures laying along a third reference line that is transverse to the first reference line and the second reference line, whereby the hoof block is shearable into the plurality of pieces across the third plurality of shearing apertures along the third reference line.

17. The hoof block of claim 16 comprising: a fourth plurality of shearing apertures extending through the body, each of the fourth shearing apertures laying along a fourth reference line that is transverse to the first reference line and the second reference line, wherein the fourth reference line intersects the first reference line and the second reference line.

18. A method of making a hoof block, the method comprising: forming a body bounded by a perimeter having an interior edge that transitions to at least one exterior edge that approximates an outer hoof edge of a livestock hoof; defining a first plurality of shearing apertures in the body, each of the first shearing apertures having a first pointed end and an opposing second pointed end, the first plurality of shearing apertures laying along a first reference line that is at a third angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge; and producing a plurality of bridges adjacent at least one of the first pointed end and the second pointed end, wherein the bridges are configured to be sheared through and fail when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller, and so that the hoof block breaks into a plurality of pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller.

19. The method of claim 18 comprising: defining a second plurality of shearing apertures in the body, each of the second shearing apertures laying along a second reference line that is parallel to the first reference line, whereby the hoof block is shearable into the plurality of pieces across the third plurality of shearing apertures along the second reference line.

20. The method of claim 19 comprising: defining a fourth plurality of shearing apertures in the body, each of the fourth shearing apertures laying along a fourth reference line that is transverse to the first reference line and the second reference line, wherein the fourth reference line intersects the first reference line and the second reference line.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the hoof block of a current embodiment applied to a hoof of livestock;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an upper view of the hoof block;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the hoof block showing multiple shearing apertures along multiple reference lines;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a lower view of the hoof block;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of the hoof block;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a section view of the hoof block taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a section view of the hoof block taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4; and

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hoof block after encountering a pump in a livestock facility and being separated into various pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

[0027] A current embodiment of the hoof block is shown in FIGS. 1-8 and generally designated 10. The hoof block is shown in FIG. 1 installed in a bovine cow's hoof 100, but of course can be installed on any other hoofed livestock depending on the application. As shown there, the cow's hoof 100 has a left claw 101 and a right claw 102, and each claw can have a front or toe of the claw, an outer front zone 101F and 102F, as well as outer zones 101O and 102O, as well as heel zones 101H and 102H. For general discussion here, the right claw 102 can be considered the healthy claw, and the left claw 101 can be considered the injured, diseased or unhealthy claw. In this application, the hoof block 10 can be a right claw supporting hoof block, and can be placed under the healthy claw 102, which in turn supports the unhealthy claw above a ground surface GS by a height H1. In cases where the right claw is unhealthy, a left claw supporting hoof block can be used to support the left claw, and can be a mirror image of the hoof block 10 shown in FIG. 1. Optionally, hoof blocks can be sold in kits or left and right hoof blocks to fit left or right claws, depending on what claw is injured.

[0028] The height H1 can correspond to a thickness T1 of the body 20 of the hoof block 10. This thickness T1 can be optionally at least ½ inch, ½ inch to 1½ inches, inclusive, ¾ inch to 1¼ inches inclusive, or about 1 inch, depending on the application and particular livestock to which the block is attached. The body can also include a length L1, which can be optionally 4 inches to 7 inches, inclusive, 5 inches to 6 inches inclusive, or about 6 inches. The body can include a width W1, which can be optionally 2 inches to 4 inches, inclusive, 2 inches to 3 inches inclusive, or about 2.5 inches.

[0029] The thickness T1 of the body can extend between an upper surface 20U and a lower surface 20L. The body and the surfaces can be bounded by a perimeter P having an interior edge LE that transitions to a forward exterior edge FE and a rearward exterior edge RE toward the outside of the hoof block. The interior edge LE can be generally linear or a straight line. The forward edge FE and rearward edge RE can be round, angled and/or curvilinear. These edges FE and RE can be joined via an exterior or outer edge EE, and all three can approximate an outer hoof edge of a livestock hoof. The outer edge EE optionally can be curvilinear, or can be linear and parallel to the interior edge LE. In some cases, the forward edge FE and rear edge RE can include a radius R1, which can optionally be equal. This radius R1 can be optionally 1 inches to 3 inches, inclusive, 1.5 inches to 2 inches inclusive, or about 1.75 inches. In other cases, the radius can differ from front to back of the block.

[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the upper surface 20U of the block 10. The upper surface 20U can include multiple adhesive apertures 20UA. These adhesive apertures 20UA can be shallow recesses that are not contiguous with any of the shearing apertures as described below. These adhesive apertures can be constructed to receive adhesive therein and bond the hoof block 10 to the hoof or claw of the cow. The apertures can provide enhanced or increased surface area with which the adhesive can bond, and can be filled partially or completely with the adhesive to promote the bonding of block to hoof. The adhesive apertures can extend downward from the upper surface a depth of less than 0.25 inches, or less than 0.2 inches, or other depths depending on the application. Optionally, the adhesive apertures do not extend to the lower surface, and in many cases do not connect to and are not in liquid or fluid communication with any of the shearing apertures as described below. Thus, the adhesive applied to the adhesive apertures does not leak from the hoof block via those shearing apertures. Further optionally, the block and body can define a lanyard hole LH that extends through the thickness T1 of the same so that a cord or other lanyard can be joined with the hoof block or multiple hoof blocks to store the same.

[0031] As mentioned above, the hoof block 10 can include one or more sets of shearing apertures extending through the body. These shearing apertures can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and dimensions, and can be aligned with one another in sets, along one or more reference lines, or even randomly placed along the body and hoof block in general. The shearing apertures can be joined by bridges adjacent the apertures, and can be configured to include pointed ends to promote, enhance or effectuate shearing of the bridges through the body when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller or other moving component of equipment of a facility where the hoof block is applied to cows. With such shearing apertures, the hoof block can break into multiple, smaller pieces, which each are smaller in volume and surface area than the entire hoof block 10 itself, so the block and pieces do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, pump, or other equipment, all generally referred to as a pump or impeller.

[0032] The shearing apertures can include a first plurality of shearing apertures 30 extending upward from the lower surface 20L as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. Each of these first shearing apertures are shown as being polygonal in shape, but of course can take on other shapes or sizes to promote efficient breaking, ripping, tearing, deforming and/or shearing (all referred to collectively as shearing herein) of the body, bridges or other parts of the block 10. Each of the first shearing apertures 30 can include a first end 31 and a second end 32. Each of these first ends and second ends 31 and 32 can be pointed, and can terminate at a corner, small-radiused end and/or terminal wall. For example, the first end 31 can be formed by the intersection of a first wall 31A and a second wall 31B at a first angle A1. This first angle A1 can be optionally between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, between 75 degrees and 100 degrees, inclusive, between 80 and 100 degrees, inclusive, or about 90 degrees or a right angle. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, these angles have been found to promote shearing of the adjacent bridges adjacent the ends of the shearing apertures, for example bridge 31B1 adjacent the first pointed end 31, yet still large enough so that the body, bridges, and other parts of the hoof block will not shear under standing compressive loads exerted by the cow on the block in excess of optionally at least 200 pounds, at least 300 pounds, at least 375 pounds, or at least 400 pounds, nor under walking or running loads of optionally at least 500 pounds, at least 750 pounds, at least 1000 pounds or at least 1250 pounds.

[0033] Optionally, the second ends 32 of the first shearing apertures 30 can be symmetric to the first ends 31. For example, the second end can be formed by the intersection of a third wall 32A and a fourth wall 32B at a second angle A2. The second angle A2 can be can be optionally between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, between 75 degrees and 100 degrees, inclusive, between 80 and 100 degrees, inclusive, or about 90 degrees or a right angle. Further optionally, the shearing apertures can be of a hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal or other shape, having a corresponding number of sides when viewed from a bottom view, for example as shown in FIG. 4.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 3-4, the first shearing apertures 30 can lay along a first reference line R1 that is at a third angle A3, optionally between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive, between 30 and 45 degrees, inclusive, or about 30 degrees relative to the linear interior edge LE. Each of the first shearing apertures also can be bounded at the ends by bridges, which are interposed between the apertures. For example, aperture 30A can be separated from aperture 30B at their respective pointed ends by a bridge 31B2. Likewise, aperture 30B can be separated from the aperture 30C by bridge 31B3. All of the apertures and bridges in the first set of shearing apertures can also lay along the common reference line R1, and can be parallel to one another along it. Generally, the first shearing apertures can be joined by the bridges adjacent at least one of the first pointed end and the second pointed end, and as mentioned above, the bridges can be configured to shear through the body when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller, and so that the hoof block breaks into a plurality of pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7, the shearing apertures can extend upward from the lower surface 20L toward the upper surface 20U of the body, through a portion or all of the thickness T1 of the body. The exemplary shearing aperture 30 can include and terminate at a first upper apex bounded by a first sidewall 36 and a second sidewall 37 disposed at an apex angle AA. This apex angle AA can be an acute angle, such that the sidewalls are optionally between 2 degrees and 20 degrees, inclusive, between 2 degrees and 10 degrees inclusive, between 5 degrees and 10 degrees, inclusive, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees or about 4 degrees. With these angles, the material of the block 10 can be molded easily, with the parts of the mold pulled out of the apertures after forming. Further optionally, with the apex angle being an acute angle, the first sidewall 36 and second sidewall 37 can move away from one another when the hoof block encounters an impeller pump, and so that the hoof block material above the apex angle AA, also referred to as an apex bridge 38 shears so that the first and second sidewalls can separate from one another to propagate break-up, tearing and/or deformation of the hoof block. The other shearing apertures described herein can include such sidewall, apex angle and apex bridge above the respective shearing apertures, sometimes located in the upper half or upper third of the thickness T1 of the body.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the hoof block 10 can define a second set of shearing apertures 40 extending through the body 20. Each of the second shearing apertures 40 can lay along a second reference line R2 that is at a fourth angle A4 which can be optionally between 30 degrees and 60 degrees inclusive, between 30 and 45 degrees, inclusive, or about 30 degrees relative to the linear interior edge LE. Further optionally, these shearing apertures can be of a hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal or other shape, having a corresponding number of sides when viewed from a bottom view, for example as shown in FIG. 4. The second shearing apertures 40 can be of the same or different lengths as the first shearing apertures 30 described above. The second shearing apertures 40 also can include the pointed ends and respective bridges between adjacent apertures as the first apertures.

[0037] To promote shearing along multiple lines and propagation planes, the second reference line R2 with its second shearing apertures 40, and the first reference line R1 with its first shearing apertures 30 can lay offset and distal relative from one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first reference line R1 can be offset a distance D1 from the second reference line R2. This distance can be less than the width W1, less than the length L1 and less than the thickness T1 of the body. The first reference line and the second reference line optionally can be parallel to one another, which can include orientations where the lines are less than 5 degrees misaligned from one another.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the hoof block 10 can define a third set of shearing apertures 50 extending through the body 20. Each of the third shearing apertures 50 can lay along a third reference line R3 that is at a fifth angle A5 relative to the interior edge LE of the hoof block. This fifth angle A5 can be different from the third A3 and fourth A4 angles. This fifth angle A5 can be optionally between 60 degrees and 150 degrees, inclusive, between 75 degrees and 120 degrees, inclusive, between 100 and 120 degrees, inclusive, or about 120 degrees. Further optionally, these shearing apertures can be of a hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal or other shape, having a corresponding number of sides when viewed from a bottom view, for example as shown in FIG. 4. The third shearing apertures 50 can be of the same shapes, but optionally of different lengths and widths than the first and second shearing apertures 30 and 40 as described above. For example, the third shearing apertures can be wider and shorter than most of the first and second shearing apertures 30 and 40. The third shearing apertures 50 further can include the pointed ends and respective bridges between adjacent apertures as the first and second apertures.

[0039] To increase further shearing along multiple lines and propagation planes, the third reference line R3 with its third shearing apertures 50, can lay along a third reference line R3 that is transverse to the first reference line R1 and the second reference line R2. Optionally, the third reference line R3 can be at least 50 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 80 degrees, at least 90 degrees, or about 90 degrees offset relative to the reference lines R1 and R2.

[0040] Further optionally, the first 30, second 40 and third 50 shearing apertures can include different widths to promote manufacturing as well as shearing propagation across and through the body when the hoof block 10 encounters a pump or impeller. For example, the first plurality of shearing apertures 30 each have a first width W3 perpendicular to the first reference line R1. The second plurality of shearing apertures 40 each have a second width W4 perpendicular to the second reference line R2. The third plurality of shearing polygonal apertures 50 each have a third width W5 perpendicular to the third reference line R3. The third width W5 can be greater than the first width W3 and the second width W4.

[0041] In some applications, the first and second shearing apertures can be duplicated and mirrored across an axis MA that is about midway between the front FE and rear RE of the hoof block 10. For example, there can be a fourth set of shearing apertures 60 and fifth set of shearing apertures 70 extending through the body 20 opposite the first 30 and second 40 apertures on the opposite sides of the axis MA. The fourth shearing aperture 60 can lay along a fourth reference line R4 that is transverse to the first reference line R1 and the second reference line R2. The fifth shearing aperture 70 can lay along a fifth reference line R5 that is transverse to the first reference line R1 and the second reference line R2. The fourth and fifth reference lines can be parallel to one another as illustrated, and both offset at angles relative to the first and second reference lines. Optionally, the fourth and fifth reference lines intersect the first reference line and the second reference line at, along or near the axis MA. The fourth and fifth shearing apertures further can include the pointed ends and respective bridges between adjacent apertures as the first and second apertures, and can be shaped, sized and dimensioned similar to the first and second shearing apertures. With the additional shearing apertures, the hoof block can be shearable into the multiple pieces additionally across the fourth and fifth shearing apertures and bridges along the fourth and fifth reference lines.

[0042] The fourth R4 and fifth R5 reference lines with their shearing apertures 60 and 70 can lay offset and distal relative from one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the reference line R4 can be offset a distance D2 from the reference line R5. This distance can be less than the width W1, less than the length L1 and less than the thickness T1 of the body. The fourth reference line and the fifth reference line optionally can be parallel to one another, which can include orientations where the lines are less than 5 degrees misaligned from one another.

[0043] As mentioned above, the hoof block can include the various first, second, third, fourth and other shearing apertures that are joined by corresponding bridges. The bridges form and extend through a portion of the body. The shearing apertures also can include apex bridges 38 between the sidewalls of the apertures and the upper surface of the body 20. The bridges between the shearing apertures can be configured to shear through the thickness thereof and/or of the body when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller. In these cases, the pointed ends with respective angles at those ends propagate, enhance or increase shearing of those bridges so that they rapidly and quickly break apart. As a result, the hoof block breaks into multiple pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller.

[0044] An example of a hoof block 10 after having departed from a cow hoof and entered a pump and/or encountered an impeller is shown in FIG. 8. There, the hoof block 10 has been fractured and sheared into multiple pieces 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E. Each of these pieces has a smaller volume and surface area than the hoof block 10 from which it was produced. More or fewer pieces can be created depending on the impeller speed and the impact of the hoof block with the impeller. As shown, the first shearing apertures 40 can be used to propagate shearing through the body and in particular the bridges 31B1, 31B2, 31B3 and 31B4. With this shearing, the piece 10D can split or separate from the piece 10E, optionally along the reference line R1. Of course, due to the other shearing apertures and the exact forces exerted by the pump or impeller on the hoof block, the block can shear along other lines, across other bridges and through other shearing apertures.

[0045] The hoof block of the current embodiments can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as polyurethanes, polymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyethylene, biodegradable polymers and/or natural or synthetic substances. The hoof block also can be sized, shaped and contoured in a variety of aesthetic shapes, which may or may not contribute to a particular function or operation of the hoof block.

[0046] The current embodiments of the hoof block 10, can be made using a variety of techniques. For example, the block 10 can be made by forming a body 20 bounded by a perimeter P. The perimeter can include an interior edge LE that transitions to at least one exterior edge FE, RE and/or EE that approximates an outer hoof edge of a livestock hoof. The method can include defining shearing apertures 30, 40, 50 and/or 50 in the body, with each of the shearing apertures having one or more pointed ends as described above. The apertures can be defined via parts of the mold that project into a cavity that forms the block. In some cases, as described above, the shearing apertures can lay along reference lines as described above that are parallel and/or transverse to one another. In the mold, multiple bridges as described herein can be produced adjacent the ends of the shearing apertures. These bridges can be configured to be sheared through and fail when the hoof block encounters a pump impeller, and so that the hoof block breaks into a plurality of pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller as described above.

[0047] Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

[0048] In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.