Fixture mounting system and method

Abstract

A mounting bracket (20) for a luminaire fixture frame (12) having one or more tabs (30) to engage a hat channel or the like. The one or more tabs (30) are positionable between an un-deployed position and a deployed position to operably engage the hat channel.

Claims

1. A hat channel mounting bracket for a luminaire fixture frame, comprising: a bracket; said bracket having an elongated body with opposing ends, a tab is connected to each said opposing end by a living hinge, and wherein each said tab includes a plurality of slots, wherein said plurality of slots provide a vertical adjustment of said bracket, based on a respective slot of the plurality of slots, and said living hinge provides a horizontal adjustment of said bracket; and each said tab with the plurality of slots is positionable from an un-deployed position to a deployed position about said living hinge, wherein when in said un-deployed position said plurality of slots of each said tab are disengaged from a respective first or second hat channel, and wherein when in said deployed position said plurality of slots of each said tab engages the respective first or second hat channel.

2. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein when in said un-deployed position each said tab is substantially in a vertical plane of said elongated body and wherein when in said deployed position each said tab is substantially transverse to said vertical plane of said elongated body.

3. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein each said tab includes a lever.

4. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein each said tab pivots in a direction opposite relative to each other about said living hinge when positioning from said un-deployed position to said deployed position.

5. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein said plurality of slots are adjacent a distal free end of said tab opposite said living hinge.

6. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein said tab includes one or more ribs.

7. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a clip and a fastener, wherein said clip is vertically adjustable relative to said bracket, said clip extending through a slot within said elongated body of said bracket, and said fastener extends through said bracket and said clip to engage the respective first or second hat channel.

8. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 7 wherein a clip engages at least one of an upper edge of one or more transverse slots of said slot corresponding to said plurality of slots of each said tab.

9. The hat channel mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein said plurality of slots of said tabs opens onto two opposing surfaces of each said tab and onto an outer surface of said tab.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a side of a bracket for a hat channel luminaire fixture assembly for a luminaire fixture, illustrating an un-deployed position.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1, illustrating a deployed position.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 1, illustrating a deployed position.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hat channel luminaire fixture assembly for a luminaire fixture, illustrating the bracket in the deployed position engaging one side of the hat channel.

(6) FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a bracket tab in the deployed position engaging the hat channel, illustrating a different slot of the tab and clip position used in an application of a hat channel embodiment with a height different or smaller than the hat channel embodiment of FIG. 4 to properly position the fixture frame relative to the bottom of the hat channel and/or ceiling material.

(7) FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) More generally, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to have a hat channel mounting bracket that can engage one or more heights of a variety of hat channels and properly position the fixture frame.

(9) In view of the foregoing, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention are directed to brackets 20 with deployable tabs 30 with one or more receiving slots 40 to engage a furring/hat channel C or the like.

(10) Referring to FIGS. 1-4A, in one embodiment, one or more elongated mounting brackets 20 may be included to engage the hat channel C to position a fixture frame 12 relative to a bottom B of a hat channel C and/or ceiling material M. Specifically, one or more tabs 30 of the brackets 20 deploy to engage the respective hat channel C of a variety of heights H. It should be understood that opposing brackets 20 may be formed of one or more of the same elements as shown in the embodiment or alternatively be different from one another.

(11) As shown in FIGS. 1-4A, the tabs 30 of the brackets 20 may extend from opposing ends, a first end 21 and a second end 22, of an elongated body 23. Tabs 30 may be in a variety of positions relative to the elongated body 23. For example portions of the elongated body 23 may extend horizontally and/or vertically beyond the outer extent or periphery of one or more portions of the tabs 30. The elongated bracket 20 may be substantially horizontal when hung on the hat channel C as shown in FIG. 4. The elongated body 23 is orientated in a substantially vertical plane between an upper edge 23a and a lower edge 23b. Between the upper edge 23a and lower edge 23b, may be opposing sides 23c and 23d. A first side 23c is outwardly facing away from the fixture frame 12 and the second side 23d is inwardly facing towards the fixture frame 12. Although the bracket is shown in detail in the figures, it is merely representative of some embodiments, and it is to be understood that there are a variety of shapes, sizes, orientations, constructions, and quantities which may be used and still be within the scope of the teachings herein.

(12) Each of the tabs 30 include one or more slots 40 therein to engage the hat channel C in a deployed position as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, when the bracket 20 is engaged to the hat channel C, one or more of the slots 40 of the tab 30 may receive a portion of the outer projecting flange F at the upper portion of the U-shaped hat channel C. As a result the one or more brackets 20 are maintained in a vertical and/or horizontal position relative to the hat channel C. In one embodiment, the tab 30 includes a proximal end 31 connected to or adjacent the first end 21 of elongated body 23 and an opposing distal free end 32. The proximal end 31 of the tab 30 is adjacent one or more hinges 33. The hinge 33 may be a living hinge as shown in the embodiments. However, a variety of hinge constructions, quantities, orientations, shapes, sizes are contemplated and still be within the scope of the teachings herein. The distal free end 32 of the tab 30 includes one or more slots 40. The slots 40 interrupt the distal free end 32 of the tab 30 creating one or more fingers 34 defining the slots 40. In one embodiment, the slot 40 opens on the two opposing surfaces, inside surface 30a and outside surface 30b, of the tab 30 and the outer face or surface 30c of the tab 30. Each slot 40 may have an interior bottom 41, an interior top surface 42, and an opposing interior bottom surface 43. The slots 40 may be spaced from each other along the direction of the outer surface 30c or vertically from the lower end of the tab towards the upper end of the tab. As is shown in one embodiment, the lower end of the tab is substantially flush with the lower edge 23b of the elongated body 23, however the upper end of the tab extends above the upper edge 23a of the elongated body 23. Although the tabs and/or slots are shown in detail in the figures, it is merely representative of some embodiments, and it is to be understood that there are a variety of shapes, sizes, orientations, constructions, and quantities which may be used and still be within the scope of the teachings herein. For example, the slots may be a variety of shapes and still engage the flange of the hat channel. In some embodiments for example, the bracket may have more than one tab with slots on a respective end that may be hinged separately from each other. Further in some embodiments, the hinge may be orientated other than substantially vertical as is shown.

(13) As shown in FIG. 4, at least one pair of slots 40 between corresponding tabs 30 of a bracket 20 may be at the same height or level to engage a side of the hat channel C of a preset or first height H. The tabs 30 with the pair of slots 40 engage at two spaced locations of the hat channel C. With the pair of slots 40 of respective tabs 30 of a bracket 20 engaging the hat channel C, the bracket 20 can be maintained in position at the appropriate height to position the fixture frame 12 such as for example adjacent the top surface of the ceiling material M and/or bottom B of the hat channel C. In addition to the first pair of slots 40, each pair of tabs 30 may include one or more additional pairs of slots 40 that may operate together to engage one or more hat channels of different heights or styles. In the embodiment shown, each tab 30 includes three slots 40 spaced along the distal free end 32 such that one bracket 20 may be used in at least three applications in which each pair of slots correspond to three different heights H of the hat channels that may be used in a variety of applications. FIG. 5 illustrates a hat channel C of a different or second height H, more specifically a smaller height from FIG. 4, where another or second pair of slots engage in application. Further, it should be understood that a bracket 20 may only include one slot 40 per tab 30. In use, the corresponding height of the slot 40 allows proper placement of the fixture frame 12 relative to the ceiling material M and/or channel bottom B without or reduced vertical adjustment.

(14) As illustrated in the figures, in some embodiments of the bracket 20 the tab 30 may also include a lever 50. One or more levers 50 may allow the user to position the tab 30 with slots 40 into and/or out of engagement with the hat channels C. This may allow the user to manually pivot the tab 30 by hand between desired positions without or minimizing the use of tools. In the embodiment shown, the lever 50 extends from adjacent the hinge 33 and extends in the direction opposite of the distal free end 32. Although the lever is shown in detail in the figures, it is merely representative of some embodiments, and it is to be understood that there are a variety of shapes, sizes, orientations, constructions, and quantities which may be used and still be within the scope of the teachings herein. For example, although the lever is positioned at the upper edge of the tab it may be a variety positions relative to the remainder of the tab and/or portions of the bracket.

(15) The tab 30 may further include one or more ribs or embossments 35 in a variety of embodiments. One or more ribs 35 may strengthen the tab 30 to allow for pivoting or movement of one or more portions of the tab. One embodiment of the rib 35 shown extends parallel or substantially vertical to the hinge 33. Further the rib 35 may extend perpendicular to the hinge 33 within a portion of the lever 50 of the tab 30. The one or more ribs 35 may be adjacent the proximal end 31 of the tab 30 and/or spaced from the one or more slots 40. Although the ribs are shown in detail in the figures, it is merely representative of some embodiments, and it is to be understood that there are a variety of shapes, sizes, orientations, constructions, and quantities which may be used and still be within the scope of the teachings herein.

(16) Each tab 30 is positionable between an un-deployed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position as shown in FIGS. 2-4A, the tab engages the hat channel C or more of the hat channel C than when in the un-deployed position (FIG. 1). One or more interior surfaces, not limited to surfaces 41, 42, and/or 43, of the one or more slots 40 may receive at least a portion of the flange F. The outer surface 30c of the distal free end 32 may also engage the outer wall of the hat channel C in some embodiments. For example, the outer surface 30c of the tab 30 with one or more slots 40 may extend away from and be angled relative to the remaining portion of the bracket and engage the wall between the flange F and bottom B. In the deployed position as more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the tabs 30 with slots 40 are positioned in one embodiment at an angle α relative to and substantially out of the vertical plane of the elongated body 23. The angle α may be a variety of transverse angles relative to the substantially vertical plane to about, but not limited to, 90 degrees, preferably between about 90 and 5 degrees. In the deployed position, the tabs 30 project outwardly from the outward facing first side 23c or living hinge 33 and thereby may increase the overall width of the bracket 20 relative to the un-deployed position. If used, the lever 50 also may angle relative to the living hinge in the deployed position as shown. In the deployed position, the lever is positioned at an angle α from the inward facing second side 23d or hinge 33. Although the angle or distance of pivot of the lever 50 may be substantially the same as the remaining portion of the tab 30 extending outward from the living hinge 33 as shown, it is understood that the angles may be different. Further the lever 50 position in the deployed position may be a variety of positions relative to the body or remaining portions of the tab. Further, in some embodiments the overall length of the bracket may be smaller in the deployed position than in the un-deployed position.

(17) In the un-deployed position as shown in FIG. 1, the tabs 30 may be at least partially disengaged from the hat channel C or in a first position different from the deployed or second position (FIGS. 2-4A). The tab 30 or portions thereof may be positioned in substantially the same vertical plane of the elongated body 23. The tab 30 with slots 40 may extend horizontally outwardly away from a respective end, 21 and/or 22, substantially in the same plane as the elongated body 23 with the tab lever 50, if used, extending in the opposite direction. In the embodiment shown, the lever 50 portion of the tab 30 may be positioned above and along the upper edge 23a of the elongated body 23. Thus, the slots (40) provide a vertical adjustment of the bracket 20 and the tab 30 with the hinge 33 provides a horizontal adjustment of said bracket 20. It should be understood that the tab may be in a variety of positions and orientations when in the un-deployed position and still pivot a variety of angles to engage the hat channel C.

(18) When a pair of tabs 30 are deployed from the un-deployed position relative to the elongated body 23, each tab 30 pivots about the vertical axis or respective hinge 33 to extend outwardly therefrom. As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the tab 30 adjacent the first end 21 may pivot in the counter-clockwise direction to deploy and the tab 30 adjacent the second end 22 may pivot in the clockwise direction to deploy. Alternatively, the tabs may pivot in the same direction. Together in the deployed position (FIGS. 4 and 4A), the slots 40 of the respective tabs 30 engage the hat channel C or more specifically the slots 40 may receive the flange F of the hat channel C with one or more fingers 34 straddling the upper and lower portions of the flange F. The slots 40 of the tabs 30 allow the bracket 20 to maintain or temporality maintain the bracket in position relative to the hat channel C.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 4, one or more brackets 20 are shown which may define portions of the luminaire fixture assembly 10. The luminaire fixture assembly 10 generally comprises a fixture frame 12 interposed between a first hanger bar assembly 70 and a second hanger bar assembly 71. The fixture frame 12 generally comprises a pan structure having an aperture 14 for receiving a reflector and lamp assembly (not shown). The fixture frame 12 is depicted as generally centrally positioned between the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71 but may be offset between the assemblies 70, 71. A variety of attachments such as but not limited to screws, clips, fasteners, and the like may be used to secure the frame to at least one of the hanger bar and/or bracket. Further, the fixture frame 12 may be positioned centrally between brackets 20 or offset toward either side. The exemplary fixture frame 12 is generally flat and includes a mounting surface upon which a junction box 18 positioned. However, one skilled in the art should realize that various alternative fixture frames and/or hanger bar assemblies could be utilized, in combination with one or more brackets, to mount the frame within hat channel support structure or the like. Likewise, various types of junction boxes may be utilized which may vary in shape and size according to the need of the designer and the space requirements therein. For example, the fixture frame 12 and junction box 18 may be formed from a single blank of metal.

(20) A variety of frame structure may engage the reflector positioned in the aperture 14. One embodiment shown extending from the peripheral edge of the aperture 14 are a plurality of reflector or trim grips 17 which engage a reflector positioned in the aperture 14. Each grip 17 has a plurality of teeth for engaging a reflector (not shown). The trim may include, for example, downlight or wall wash reflectors. Likewise the trim may be utilized with lenses such as specular clear, clear diffuse or matte white finishes. The grips 17 pivot at the fastener connection to the fixture frame 12 so that in the position shown the teeth of the grips 17 catch the reflector. However, by rotating the reflector the grips 17 rotate at the fastener until they disengage the reflector allowing removal of the reflector and access to structure above the ceiling.

(21) The junction box 18 may have a door 18a for accessing the interior portion of the box 18 and making wiring connections therein between lamp wiring extending from a socket cup 19 and the power source wiring entering the junction box 18. Mounted opposite the door 18a on the junction box 18 is control device 16, such as ballast. The ballast limits the flow of current in an electrical circuit, in this instance the lighting circuit, to limit current to an appropriate level. The control device 16 is shown connected directly to the junction box 18 such that wiring from the control device 16 extending through the junction box wall may be in electrical communication with power source wiring as well as wiring extending to the socket cup 19. However, the control device 16 may be spaced from the junction box 18 and wiring from the control device 16 may extend through a knock-out in the junction box 18 if such design is preferred. Alternatively, other types of control devices 16 may or may not be utilized. In the scenario where a control device is used, a dimming ballast, a transformer, an LED driver or other known control device may be utilized. Additionally, a battery back-up and charging circuit may be utilized on the junction box 18 or spaced therefrom. The socket cup 19 may house a lamp socket for mounting a light source. With a light source (not shown) extending from the socket cup 19, the lamp and socket cup 19 are positioned over the reflector (not shown) so that the lamp is positioned within the reflector and within the aperture 14.

(22) One embodiment of a mounting bracket 20 may include one or more arms 80 projecting from the inside surface or second side 23d of the bracket to engage one or more of the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71. Each arm 80 has an aperture 81 which allows for connection of the arms 80 and the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71 by use of a fastener or the like. However, other engagement structures may be utilized to connect the bracket 20 to the first and second hanger bar assemblies 70, 71. The first hanger bar assembly 70 and the second hanger bar assembly 71 each comprise a first end 72 and a second end 73. The brackets 20 are disposed at ends 72, 73 of the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71. Each of the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71 comprises at least one hanger bar. In the exemplary embodiment, first and second hanger bars 74, 75 are utilized to define each hanger bar assembly 70, 71. The first hanger bar 74 slides relative to the second hanger bar 75 so that the hanger bar assemblies 70, 71 may be utilized within hat channel grids, joists or other types of ceiling support systems which may vary in length between members. In the exemplary embodiment, each bracket 20 includes two hanger bars 74, 75 extending therefrom and defining a U-shaped sub-structure. When the two sub-structures are connected by slidably connecting the opposed bars 74, 75 and engage with portions of the fixture frame 12, the pan is held captive between the opposing brackets 20.

(23) In another embodiment, the tabs 30 of the bracket 20 may be combined with a variety of locking mechanisms 60 to secure the bracket 20 to a hat channel C. One embodiment of the locking mechanism is shown as a clip 62 and/or a fastener 63. One embodiment of the clip 62 is shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments bracket 20 may include an upstanding portion 26. The exemplary upstanding portion 26 extends substantially perpendicular to the body 23 and further comprises one or more holes or apertures 26a. The holes or apertures 26a allow for alternate mounting options or for pass-through of alternate fastening hardware. The exemplary upstanding portion 26 is generally vertically extending with respect to the bracket 20. The upstanding portion 26 may be offset from the center of the bracket 20. An adjustment slot 27 is positioned within the bracket 20 allowing clips 62 to operably engage the bracket 20 and clamp to the hat channel C or other ceiling support structure. The adjustment slot 27 is substantially vertically oriented and extends upwardly from the elongated body 23 through the upstanding portion 26. However, it should be understood that the slot 27 may be positioned completely within the body 23 if the bracket 20 is sized in a vertical dimension to completely encompass the slot 27. One embodiment of a clip and fastener incorporated by reference may be from U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,708. It should be understood that a variety of locking mechanisms 60 may also be used with the tabs 30 of the bracket 20 to secure to a hat channel C. Other locking mechanisms may include, but is not limited to, wire, screws, fasteners, or the like. Such locking mechanisms 60 may be secured manually by hand or with tools to fix the bracket 20 to the hat channel C. One embodiment of a manually locking mechanism 60 may include the clip 62 and fastener 63 secured manually by hand.

(24) In some embodiments the bracket 20 may include one or more predetermined clip 62 positions relative to the bracket, or more specifically the vertical slot 27, corresponding to the respective tab's slots 40 engaging the hat channel flange F. With the clip 62 position corresponding to the slots 40 of the tabs 30 at a hat channel height H, the bracket 20 may be supported in three locations based upon the height H of a variety of hat channels C used in the application. In the one embodiment shown, the slot 27 can engage the clip 62 at three locations corresponding to the relative height H of the hat channel C. As shown in FIG. 4, an upper edge 27a of the slot 27 may engage the clip neck 62a when the upper slot 40 also engages the flange F of a channel C of a first or largest height of the channel C to properly position the bracket 20 relative to the channel C. As shown in FIG. 5, an upper horizontal slot 27b, transverse to the vertical slot 27, engages the neck 62a of the clip 62 when the middle slot 40 engages the flange F of a channel C of a smaller height than the channel of FIG. 4. Although not shown, it should be understood that a lower horizontal slot 27c, transverse to the vertical slot 27, engages the neck 62a of the clip 62 when the lower slot 40 engages the flange F of a channel with a smaller height than the channel of FIG. 5. In use, the head 62b of the clip 62 may not allow the clip 62 to be pulled through the slot 27 while still allowing vertical adjustment between one or more clip securement positions. When the clip neck 62a is positioned properly corresponding to the hat channel height H, the clip neck 62a is wedged through the corresponding one or more horizontal slots 27b, 27c or adjacent upper edge 27a by tightening the fastener 63 through an aperture 62c defined by the body 62d. Although the horizontal slots and abutment edges of the slot 27 are shown in one embodiment, it should be understood that the structure positioning the clip at one or more heights and/or the engaging clip if used is merely representative of some embodiments, and it is to be understood that there are a variety of shapes, sizes, orientations, constructions, and quantities which may be used and still be within the scope of the teachings herein. For example, the uppermost position of the clip could be a horizontal slot spaced from the upper edge of the slot 27 instead of the upper edge 27a as shown in the one embodiment. Further, the narrowing of the neck 62a of clip 62 as shown may be a variety of constructions to wedge into or engage the bracket.

(25) Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the luminaire fixture assembly 10 is mounted between two hat channels C, specifically in this embodiment hat channels are of the same height H. It should be understood that the hat channels C may be of different height H and the tabs 30 of the brackets 20 may still be used to engage the hat channels. If a clip 62 is used, the clip 62 and bracket 20 may combine to form an inverted U-shape to receive at least one side of the hat channel C. With the luminaire fixture assembly 10 hanging on the respective hat channel C and the tabs of the brackets in the un-deployed position (FIG. 1), the tabs 30 may be deployed to engage the respective slots 40 therein with the outwardly projecting flange F of the hat channel C. Alternatively, the tabs 30 may be deployed before engagement of the clip 62 or locking mechanism. The one or more slots 40 are selected to the height H of the channel C to properly position the fixture frame 12 at the appropriate height. With this design, the bracket 20 and/or clips 62 receives hat channels of various heights, widths, and styles. Further, the clip 62 is positioned vertically within the slot 27 to a position corresponding to the selected slot 40 of the tab and channel height. Shown in FIG. 4, the clip 62 engages upper edge 27a. With the lower end of the clip 62 disposed over the side of the hat channel C, the clip 62 wedged into the slot 27 at the appropriate height, and the slots 40 receiving the hat channel flanges F, a wing nut 64 is tightened to secure the bracket in position. Tightening the wing nut 64 with the fastener 63 forces the clip and bracket, more specifically portions of the tabs 30, against the upper portion of the hat channel C to apply pressure. With the clip 62 spaced between a pair of tabs 30, three points of contact and pressure may be applied to the hat channel C. Although the bracket 20 and clip 62 are shown in one embodiment, a variety of locking mechanisms, if used, may be used to secure the bracket to the hat channel.

(26) Although the bracket 20 is shown in one application with a hat channel C, it should be understood that the bracket 20 may be used in a variety of applications with or without a hat channel C or the like if desired. For example a device having a pair of brackets 20 may use one bracket with a hat channel and the other bracket secured to a ceiling joist. As such in some applications, one or more brackets 20 with one or more tabs 30 may be used in applications that the bracket is mounted with the tabs maintained in the un-deployed position. For example, the bracket 20 with un-deployed tabs 30 may be attached to an inverted T-bar for drop ceilings along with a clip, if used. Further for example, in some embodiments of the bracket may include a foot 28 extending from a lower edge to receive a ceiling tile. Further, some embodiments of the brackets may include locator tabs 29 at lower portions of the outer face of the elongated body. These tabs 29 may extend substantially perpendicular to the elongated body at two positions to position against a lower surface of ceiling joists when utilized in alternative construction. Alternatively, the tabs 29 may contact a portion of the hat channel C. Further, the bracket may be adjustable for use with wooden joist applications. As such in some embodiments the bracket may include fastener holes 26a and/or 26b allowing for connection of the bracket to the joist. Screws, nails, or other such fasteners may be utilized with the fastener holes in order to attach the bracket with un-deployed tabs to a joist or other such ceiling structure.

(27) While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

(28) All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

(29) The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

(30) The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

(31) As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of” “Consisting essentially of” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

(32) As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

(33) It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

(34) In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. It should be understood that certain expressions and reference signs used in the claims pursuant to Rule 6.2(b) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) do not limit the scope.