UNIVERSAL MODULARIZED COIL SPRING BUFFER FOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A modular suspension buffer for a vehicle having customizable hardness and height to provide various combinations of initial contact softness and non-linearly increasing resistance during compression so as to improve driving stability, loading capacity, off road performance, and/or ride comfort while extending the operational lifespan of the vehicle suspension system. Specifically, a universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules arranged in different configurations adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks. The different configurations of a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. The buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil leaks caused from the shocks.

Claims

1. A universal modular coil spring buffer comprising: a plurality of elastic elements arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks, the plurality of elastic elements include at least one first elastic element and at least one second elastic element; the at least one first elastic element having a first end and a second end positioned along a height direction of the modular coil spring buffer; the at least one second elastic element having a third end and a fourth end positioned along the height direction, the third end of the second elastic element configured to interlock with the second end of the first elastic element; a surface on the first end of the first elastic element forms a first cavity for receiving a first convolution of a spring; and a surface on the fourth end of the second elastic element forms a second cavity for receiving a second convolution, adjacent to the first convolution of the spring.

2. The modular suspension buffer of claim 1, wherein the first cavity forms a curved channel for receiving the first convolution, and the second cavity forms a curved channel for receiving the second convolution.

3. A universal modular coil spring buffer comprising: a plurality of modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks, the plurality of modules includes a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules; wherein the length and breadth of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are the same, whereas the height of the primary module and each of the plurality of secondary modules are different; whereby different configurations of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

4. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the primary module is substantially semicircular in shape having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom surface.

5. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 4 wherein the top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

6. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 4 wherein the primary module can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that elongated grooves snugly hold there between and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

7. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the plurality of secondary modules includes a first module, a second module and a third module.

8. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular shape having a secondary inner surface, a secondary outer surface, a secondary top surface and a secondary bottom surface.

9. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules include an elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface and an elongated projection on the secondary top surface.

10. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of each of the plurality of secondary modules is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space.

11. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of one of the plurality of secondary modules fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module.

12. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the elongated groove on the top surface of the primary module and the elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface of the secondary module holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

13. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the different configurations of primary module and plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

14. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the structure of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion.

15. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 3 wherein the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil leaks caused from the shocks.

16. A universal modular coil spring buffer comprising: a primary module having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle; a secondary module having a first module, a second module and a third module, each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular in shape and having a secondary inner surface, a secondary outer surface, a secondary top surface and a secondary bottom surface; wherein the structure of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion; whereby the different configurations of primary module and plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

17. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein the primary module can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that the elongated grooves snugly hold there between and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

18. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules include an elongated projection on the secondary top surface and an elongated projection on the secondary top surface.

19. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein the length and breadth of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are the same, but the height of the primary module and each of the plurality of secondary modules are different.

20. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of each of the plurality of secondary modules is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space.

21. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of one of the plurality of secondary modules fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module.

22. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 wherein the elongated groove on the top surface of the primary module and the elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface of the secondary module holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

23. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 16 the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring which thereby minimizing oil leaks caused from the shocks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A more particular description is included below with reference to specific aspects illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only certain aspects of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure is described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] FIGS. 1-9 conceptually illustrate a second modular suspension buffer for use with a coil spring according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of elastic elements or modules including a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of the coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the primary module configured to fix and hold the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a first module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a second module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a third module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the first and the second module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the first and the third modules of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the second and the third modules of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 18A illustrates the primary module on top of the coil in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 18B illustrates the other plurality of secondary modules on the bottom side of the coil spring in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 18C illustrates sliding at least one of the plurality of secondary modules under the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 18D illustrates the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In addition to the illustrative aspects, aspects, and features described above, further aspects, aspects, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers may refer to like elements in the figures, including alternate aspects of like elements.

[0039] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular suspension buffer for a vehicle. The modular suspension buffer can improve the vehicle suspension, for example, to provide soft initial contact upon impact and a non-linear spring rate so as to improve driving stability, loading capacity, off-road performance, and/or ride comfort while extending the operational lifespan of the suspension system. Some non-limiting examples of modular suspension buffers include bump stops and coil spring blocks/boosters. The modular suspension buffer can be made in various shapes, sizes, and hardness. The modular suspension buffer can be mounted in different locations of the vehicle and/or suspension to provide extra loading capacity, ride height, and/or prevent bottoming out. Bottoming out can occur when a vehicle is driven over objects and surface imperfections, and/or when the vehicle carries a heavy load reaching the load capacity of the suspension. Bottoming out can damage the vehicle suspension components, frame, and/or axle. In some aspects, the modular suspension buffer may be a bump stop that can be mounted between a vehicle frame/body and a wheel axle to absorb impact before the wheel axle comes into contact with the frame/body when the suspension is bottoming out or in full deflection. In some aspects, the modular suspension buffer may be mounted between adjacent convolutions of a coil spring to provide extra height and/or support to the suspension. The modular suspension buffer can be made of different materials to provide the desired resistance and hardness.

[0040] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a first cross-sectional view of a modular suspension buffer 500 for a coil spring according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one example, a coil spring can be made of an elastic material (e.g., steel wire) formed into a helical shape that has multiple convolutions or turns. The modular suspension buffer 500 includes a top elastic element 502, a bottom elastic element 504, and one or more optional middle elastic elements (one middle elastic element 506 is shown in FIG. 1). The modular suspension buffer 500 can be installed between adjacent convolutions of a coil spring (not shown) to assist the spring. Similar to the modular suspension buffer 100 described above. The respective hardness and heights of the top elastic element 502, the bottom elastic element 504, and the middle elastic element 506 (if used) can be customized to arrive at the desired resistance characteristics (e.g., spring rate) that can provide extra loading capacity, height, and/or control to the suspension of a vehicle. The modular suspension buffer 500 can be configured with a non-linear spring rate and/or hardness by customizing the hardness of each elastic element included in the buffer. The sizes, shapes, and proportions of the top elastic element 502, the bottom elastic element 504, and the middle elastic element 506 are not limited to the drawings and can be different in various implementations.

[0041] In one aspect, the modular suspension buffer 500 can include the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504 connected together with no middle elastic element 506 as shown in FIG. 2. In one example, the top elastic element 502 can have a protrusion 508 on the bottom side. FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a top view of the top elastic element 502. FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates a bottom view of the top elastic element 502. In one example, the protrusion 508 may form a rectangular ridge on the bottom surface of the top elastic element 502.

[0042] The bottom elastic element 504 has a groove 510 on the top side. FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a bottom view of the bottom elastic element 504. FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates a top view of the bottom elastic element 504. The groove 510 may have a rectangular shape. The protrusion 508 and the groove 510 can form complementary interlocking surfaces respectively on the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504. Therefore, the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504 can be secured together by the interlocking surfaces to form the modular suspension buffer 500. In some examples, the protrusion 508 and the groove 510 can be secured together by friction or pressure. In some examples, adhesive and/or fastener may be used to secure the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504 together.

[0043] In one aspect, the top elastic element 502 can have a cavity 516 formed on the top side. The cavity 516 can have a shape that conforms to the shape of a convolution of a coil spring. The bottom elastic element 504 can have a similar cavity 518 formed on the bottom side. The modular suspension buffer 500 can be securely placed between adjacent convolutions using the cavities 516 and 518 that can engage or catch the convolutions. The cavities can reduce the sliding or translational motion of the modular suspension buffer 500 between adjacent convolutions during operation. In one example, the cavity 516 of the top elastic element 502 may be formed as a curved space, channel, or groove (see FIG. 3) that matches the curvature of a convolution of the spring. Similarly, the cavity 518 of the bottom elastic element 504 may be formed as a curved space, channel, or groove (see FIG. 5) that matches the curvature of a convolution of the spring.

[0044] In one aspect, the modular suspension buffer 500 includes the top elastic element 502, the bottom elastic element 504, and one or more middle elastic elements 506 between the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504 (see FIG. 7 for example). FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a top view of the middle elastic element 506. FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates a bottom view of the middle elastic element 506. The middle elastic element 506 has a groove 512 on a top surface that is complementary to the protrusion 508 of the top elastic element 502. The middle elastic element 506 further has a protrusion 514 on a bottom surface that is complementary to the groove 510 on the top surface of the bottom elastic element 504. When the middle elastic element 506 is placed between the top elastic element 502 and the bottom elastic element 504, the top elastic element 502 and the middle elastic element 506 can be secured together by the interlocking surfaces formed by the complementary protrusion 508 and groove 512. Similarly, the bottom elastic element 504 and the middle elastic element 506 can be secured together by the interlocking surfaces formed by the complementary protrusion 514 and groove 510. When multiple middle elastic elements 506 are used, adjacent middle elastic elements 506 can be secured together by the complementary protrusion and groove respectively located on the top and bottom sides of adjacent middle elastic elements.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, a universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. The universal modular coil spring buffer includes a primary module 100 and a plurality of secondary modules 108 arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of secondary modules 108 includes a first module 102, a second module 104 and a third module 106. In the preferred embodiment, different configurations of primary module 100 and plurality of secondary modules 108 can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. The different configurations provide different height dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, the structure of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are designed to lock into place thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion. In the preferred embodiment, the modules are connected by sliding the matching pieces into place. However, other embodiments may use a different design for connecting the modules. The primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 in this preferred embodiment being a quarter circle size for easy installation. However, the module size can also be a half circle or full circle, or any shape, size or thickness compatible with a coil spring. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, four quarter circle modules of the same height are inserted in the coil spring gap to have a full circle installation thereby increasing the height of the vehicle to prevent the suspension from hitting down when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 11, the primary module 100 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, the primary module 100 is substantially semicircular in shape having an inner surface 132, an outer surface 130, a top surface 126 and a bottom surface 128. The top surface 126 of the primary module 100 includes a top elongated groove 110 configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. The bottom surface 128 of the primary module 100 includes a bottom elongated groove 112 configured to fix and hold the plurality of secondary modules 108 depending on the height dimensions of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the primary module 100 can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that the elongated grooves 110 snugly hold therebetween and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

[0047] Turning to FIGS. 12-14, the first module 102 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular in shape having a secondary inner surface 140, a secondary outer surface 138, a secondary top surface 134 and a secondary bottom surface 136 as shown in FIG. 12. In the preferred embodiment, in FIG. 12, the first module 102 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 116 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 114 on the secondary top surface 134. As shown in FIG. 13, the second module 104 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 120 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 118 on the secondary top surface 134 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 14, the third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, the second module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 124 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 122 on the secondary top surface 134 is illustrated.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the length and breadth of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are the same, whereas the height of the primary module 100 and each of the plurality of secondary modules 108 are different. The height of the primary module 100 is 0.2″ and the height of the first module 102, the second module 104 and the third module 106 are 1.1″, 0.63″ and 0.31″ respectively. Other height variations may be used for the modules. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the user initially determines the measurement of the spring spacing between the coils of their vehicle. Using this measurement, combination of modules needed to fit their vehicle is determined and installed, thereby minimizing the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits the bump on the road. Also, the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil leak caused from the shocks.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the primary module 100 and combination of the first module 102 and the second module 104 of the plurality of secondary module 108 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, the primary module 100 and combination of first module 102 and third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. Turning now to FIG. 17, the primary module 100 and combination of second module 104 and third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, one of the elongated projections 114 (FIG. 12), 118 (FIG. 13) and 122 (FIG. 14) on the secondary top surface 134 of each of the plurality of secondary modules 108 is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove 110 on the bottom surface 128 of the primary module 100 thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space. Also, the elongated groove 110 on the top surface 126 of the primary module 100 and the elongated slot (116 (FIG. 12), 120 (FIG. 13) and 124 (FIG. 14) on the secondary bottom surface 136 of the secondary module 108 holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 18A- 18D, a process for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of a coil spring of a vehicle of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. Initially measure the spring spacing between adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. After measuring, determine an appropriate configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules based on the measured spring space.

[0051] Next step is to install the primary module on top of the coil on which the universal modular coil spring buffer is to be inserted as shown in FIG. 18A. Thereafter, placing the other plurality of secondary modules on the bottom side of the spring as shown in FIG. 18B. Next, slide at least one of the plurality of secondary modules based on the appropriate configuration as shown in FIG. 18C under the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring such that the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil as shown in FIG. 18D. Also, sliding is done in different directions among the modules to connect them together and line up on the edges in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The primary module and the plurality of secondary modules of the universal coil spring buffer prevent sagging and provide more stable suspension that will absorb and dissipate the shock from potholes and bad roads while reducing stress on the suspension and tires. This increases the vehicle’s operational life span.

[0052] FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of a method for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of a coil spring of a vehicle. The method commences by providing a universal modular coil spring buffer having a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules as shown in block 202. Next, measuring the spring spacing between adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle as indicated at block 204. Thereafter, determining an appropriate configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules based on the measured spring space as shown in block 206. Next, installing the primary module on top of the coil on which the universal modular coil spring buffer is to be inserted as shown in block 208 and finally, sliding at least one of the plurality of secondary modules based on the appropriate configuration over the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring such that the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil as indicated at block 210.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the different configurations of primary module 100 and plurality of secondary modules 108 can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. Also, the structure of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion. Fasteners like zip ties may be used to connect the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 firmly together on top of the coil spring to prevent the shocks, prolong vehicle suspension, increase driving stability, and improve longevity of vehicle shocks.

[0054] The examples set forth herein are provided to illustrate certain concepts of the disclosure. The apparatuses, devices, or components illustrated above may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will comprehend that these are merely illustrative in nature, and other examples may fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. Based on the teachings herein those skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0055] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0056] While the above descriptions contain many specific aspects of the invention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of specific aspects thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the aspects illustrated, but by the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, reference throughout this specification to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same aspect, but mean “one or more but not all aspects” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e., one or more), unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” “including,” “having,” an variations thereof when used herein mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. That is, these terms may specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof. Moreover, it is understood that the word “or” has the same meaning as the Boolean operator “OR,” that is, it encompasses the possibilities of “either” and “both” and is not limited to “exclusive or” (“XOR”), unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the symbol “/” between two adjacent words has the same meaning as “or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Moreover, phrases such as “connected to,” “coupled to” or “in communication with” are not limited to direct connections unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0058] Any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be used there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise a set of elements may include one or more elements. In addition, terminology of the form “at least one of a, b, or c” or “a, b, c, or any combination thereof” used in the description or the claims means “a or b or c or any combination of these elements.” For example, this terminology may include a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or a and b and c, or 2a, or 2b, or 2c, or 2a and b, and so on.