Hose Adapter

Abstract

An adapter having a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses.

Claims

1. An adapter, comprising: a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body is generally annular.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the first portion of the body is generally annular.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end.

5. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange.

7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange.

9. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the body is generally annular.

10. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the second portion of the body is generally annular.

11. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein a top side of the second portion of the body further comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener.

12. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein a bottom side of the second portion of the body further comprises a hose securement bracket.

13. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the body of the adapter is fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

14. An adapter, comprising a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses; wherein a diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange; wherein the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange; wherein the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange; wherein the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange; wherein a top side of the second portion of the body comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener; wherein a bottom side of the second portion of the body comprises a hose securement bracket; and a fastener positioned within the fastener housing.

15. An adapter, comprising a body, comprising a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the first portion including a collar portion and a tapered portion; and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the second portion including an inner portion, a transition portion, and an outer portion; wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a suction source, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses; wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange; wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange; wherein the inner surface of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange; and wherein the inner surface of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange.

16. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 2.01 inches to about 2.21 inches.

17. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an outer diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches.

18. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an outer diameter of the tapered portion at the second stop flange is in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.36 inches.

19. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein am outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange is within the range of about 2.2 inches to about 2.4 inches.

20. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the tapered portion is within the range of about 1.8 inches to about 2 inches.

21. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a length of collar portion is within the range of about 0.25 inches to about 0.045 inches.

22. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a length of tapered portion is within the range of about 1.13 inches to about 1.33 inches.

23. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the inner portion is within the range of about 2.11 inches to about 2.31 inches.

24. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the outer portion is within the range of about 2.19 inches to about 2.39 inches.

25. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the transition portion is within the range of about 1.06 inches to about 1.26 inches.

26. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the fourth stop flange is within the range of about 1.445 inches to about 1.645 inches.

27. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio an inner diameter of the tapered portion to an inner diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.22.

28. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of an outer diameter of the collar portion to an outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange is within the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.15.

29. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of a length of the collar portion to a length of the tapered portion is within the range of about 1:3.16 to about 1:3.87.

30. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of an inner diameter of the inner portion to an inner diameter of the outer portion is within the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.14.

31. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the transition portion to a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the fourth stop flange is within the range of about 1:1.20 to about 1:1.47.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted.

[0031] It will be further understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0032] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 of the drawings is an exploded perspective view of an adapter associated with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner and a hose;

[0034] FIG. 2 of the drawings is a front perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 of the drawings is a rear perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4 of the drawings is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 5 of the drawings is a rear view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 6 of the drawings is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 8 of the drawings is a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter taken along line IX of FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source and the second portion secured to a hose;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source and the second portion secured to a hose;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a plumbing hard line/suction source and the second portion secured to a hose; and

[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

[0048] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the disclosure, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0049] Referring now to the collective drawings, and to FIGS. 1-9 in particular, adapter 10, is shown for use in association with, for example, wet-dry vac or hard line/plumbing 12 (e.g., 1½″ PVC pipe, etcetera) and hose 14. Adapter 10 enables a user to quickly and easily releasably connect a plurality of different sized hoses 14 to wet-dry vac or suction source 12 (e.g., wet-dry vacs, shop-vacs, dust extractors, hard line or plumbing for a central or remote vac, etcetera).

[0050] As is best shown in FIG. 6, adapter 10 includes body 16 having first portion 18 and second portion 20.

[0051] Referring once again to FIGS. 1-9, first portion 18 includes proximal end 22, distal end 24, inner surface 26, and outer surface 28. First portion 18 is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor—just to name a few.

[0052] Second portion 20 includes proximal end 30, distal end 32, inner surface 34, and outer surface 36. Second portion 20 is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of different sized hoses.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, inner and outer surfaces 26 and 28, respectively, of first portion 18 of body 16 are generally annular.

[0054] Preferably, the diameter of first portion 18 decreases in diameter from proximal end 22 to distal end 24.

[0055] In accordance with the present disclosure, adapter 10 includes a plurality of stop members (e.g., wall, flanges, protrusions, rim, step, etcetera) to facilitate securement of the first portion to a suction source, and the second portion to, for example, a hose or other conduit. In particular, outer surface 28 of proximal end 22 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes first stop flange 38, outer surface 28 near distal end 24 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes second stop flange 40, inner surface 26 near distal end 24 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes third stop flange 42, and inner surface 34 of proximal end 30 of second portion 20 of body 16 includes fourth stop flange 44. It will be understood that adapter 10 can include any combination of first, second, third, and/or fourth stop flanges. Moreover, outer surface 28 of first portion 18 of body 16 preferably includes a plurality of ribs 46 that enhance frictional securement to a suction source.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, inner and outer surfaces 34 and 36, respectively, of second portion 20 of body 16 are generally annular.

[0057] Preferably, the top side of second portion 20 of body 16 includes fastener housing 48 for releasably securing threaded fastener 50 therein with, for example, square nut 49. Threaded fastener 50 enables fast and easy securement of a plurality of different sized hoses by clamping down the collar of the hose against the inner wall of the second portion of the adapter.

[0058] The bottom side of second portion 20 of body 16 preferably includes hose securement bracket 52. Hose securement bracket 52 matingly engages a male clip positioned on the collar of the hose.

[0059] Adapter 10 is preferably fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

[0060] In operation, a user first connects (e.g., friction fits with or without adhesive) first portion 18 of adapter 10 to, for example, the input of wet/dry vac or hard line/plumbing 12. Next, a user connects (e.g., friction fits with or without adhesive) second portion 20 of adapter 10 to, for example, collar 54 of hose 14. Lastly, optional threaded fastener 50 may be used to further secure the hose—depending on the diameter of the hose (See FIG. 10).

[0061] Additional securement configurations and stop positions for adapter 10 are shown in FIGS. 11-13. Notably, as is best shown in FIG. 13, adapter 10 is compatible with hard line/plumbing applications (e.g., 1½″ PVC pipe etcetera).

[0062] FIG. 14. illustrates another embodiment of the adapter 10. The adapter 10 shown in FIG. 14 is similar to other previously described embodiments, but the adapter shown in FIG. 14 may include a second fastener 56. The second fastener 56 may extend though the first portion 18 of the adapter and is configured to engage the suction source 12. As shown in FIG. 14, the second fastener 56 may be a threaded fastener. Further, and as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the first portion 18 of the adapter 10 may include a collar portion 58 of the first portion 18 defined between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40. As shown in FIG. 14, the collar portion 58 may have a substantially constant inner and/or outer diameter between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40. The first portion 18 of the adapter 10 may also include a tapered portion 60 defined between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the diameter of the tapered portion 60 may increase from the second stop flange 40 to the first stop flange 38. Additionally, and as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the inner surface of the second portion 20 may include an inner portion 62, a transition portion 64, and an outer portion 66. As shown in FIG. 14, the outer portion 66 may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the inner portion 62 and the transition portion may taper the diameter between the outer portion 66 and the inner portion 62

[0063] As described above, the adapter 10 has a number of interrelated portions which contribute to its overall functionality and its ability to connect to multiple different types of suction sources and to multiple different types of hoses or other attachments. Certain dimensions and relative dimensions of these portions can be advantageous to the overall functionality of the adapter 10. Referring now to FIG. 14, dimensions of certain portions of the adapter 10 are defined and described below: [0064] “A”—inner diameter of the collar portion 58 [0065] “B”—outer diameter of the collar portion 58 [0066] “C”—outer diameter of the tapered portion 60 at the second stop flange 40 [0067] “D”—outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 [0068] “E”—inner diameter of the tapered portion 60 [0069] “F”—length of collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40) [0070] “G”—length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) [0071] “H”—inner diameter of the inner portion 62 [0072] “I”—inner diameter of the outer portion 66 [0073] “J”—distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64 [0074] “K”—distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44

[0075] In embodiments, the inner diameter of the collar portion 58 (“A”) can be about 2.11 inches; or in the range of about 2.06 inches to about 2.16 inches; or in the range of about 2.01 inches to about 2.21 inches. The outer diameter of the collar portion 58 (“B”) can be about 2.2 inches; or in the range of about 2.15 inches to about 2.25 inches; or in the range of about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 60 at the second stop flange 40 (“C”) can be about 2.26 inches; or in the range of about 2.21 inches to about 2.31 inches; or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.36 inches. The outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 (“D”) can be about 2.3 inches; or in the range of about 2.25 inches to about 2.35 inches; or in the range of about 2.2 inches to about 2.4 inches. The inner diameter of the tapered portion 60 (“E”) can be about 1.9 inches; or in the range of about 1.85 inches to about 1.95 inches; or in the range of about 1.8 inches to about 2 inches. The length of the collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40) (“F”) can be about 0.35 inches; or in the range of about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches; or in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 0.045 inches. The length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) (“G”) can be about 1.23 inches; or in the range of about 1.18 inches to about 1.28 inches; or in the range of about 1.13 inches to about 1.33 inches. The inner diameter of the inner portion 62 (“H”) can be about 2.21 inches; or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.26 inches; or in the range of about 2.11 inches to about 2.31 inches. The inner diameter of the outer portion 66 (“I”) can be about 2.29 inches; or in the range of about 2.24 inches to about 2.34 inches; or in the range of about 2.19 inches to about 2.39 inches. The distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64 (“J”) 1.16 inches; or in the range of about 1.11 inches to about 1.21 inches; or in the range of about 1.06 inches to about 1.26 inches. The distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44 (“K”) 1.545 inches; or in the range of about 1.495 inches to about 1.595 inches; or in the range of about 1.445 inches to about 1.645 inches. Certain dimensions are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Relevant Dimensions Description Dimension “A” - inner diameter of 2.11 inches; the collar portion 58 or in the range of about 2.06 inches to about 2.16 inches; or in the range of about 2.01 inches to about 2.21 inches “B” - outer diameter of 2.2 inches; the collar portion 58 or in the range of about 2.15 inches to about 2.25 inches; or in the range of about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches “C” - outer diameter of 2.26 inches; the tapered portion 60 at or in the range of about 2.21 inches to the second stop flange about 2.31 inches; 40 or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.36 inches “D” - outer diameter of 2.3 inches; the tapered portion or in the range of about 2.25 inches to adjacent to the first stop about 2.35 inches; flange 38 or in the range of about 2.2 inches to about 2.4 inches “E” - inner diameter of 1.9 inches; the tapered portion 60 or in the range of about 1.85 inches to about 1.95 inches; or in the range of about 1.8 inches to about 2 inches “F” - length of collar 0.35 inches; portion 58 (or distance or in the range of about 0.3 inches to between the distal end about 0.4 inches; 24 of the first portion 18 or in the range of about 0.25 inches to and the second stop about .045 inches flange 40) “G” - length of tapered 1.23 inches; portion 60 (or distance or in the range of about 1.18 inches to between the second stop about 1.28 inches; flange 40 and the first or in the range of about 1.13 inches to stop flange 38) about 1.33 inches “H” - inner diameter of 2.21 inches; the inner portion 62 or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.26 inches; or in the range of about 2.11 inches to about 2.31 inches “I” - inner diameter of the 2.29 inches; outer portion 66 or in the range of about 2.24 inches to about 2.34 inches; or in the range of about 2.19 inches to about 2.39 inches “J” - distance from the 1.16 inches; distal end 32 of the or in the range of about 1.11 inches to second portion 20 to the about 1.21 inches; transition portion 64 or in the range of about 1.06 inches to about 1.26 inches “K” - distance from the 1.545 inches; distal end 32 of the or in the range of about 1.495 inches to second portion 20 to the about 1.595 inches; fourth stop flange 44 or in the range of about 1.445 inches to about 1.645 inches

[0076] Similarly, as described above, certain ratios of portions of the adapter 10 can be advantageous to the overall functionality of the adapter 10. For example, the ratio of “E”—inner diameter of the tapered portion 60 to “A”—inner diameter of the collar portion 58 (E:A) can be in the range of about 1:1.11; or in the range of about 1:1.06 to about 1:1.17; or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.22. The ratio of “B”— outer diameter of the collar portion 58 to “D”—outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 (B:D) can be in the range of about 1:1.05; or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:10; or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.15. The ratio of “F”—length of collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40) to “G”—length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) (F:G) can be in the range of about 1:3.51; or in the range of about 1:3.34 to about 1:3.69; or in the range of about 1:3.16 to about 1:3.87. The ratio of “H”—inner diameter of the inner portion 62 to “I”—inner diameter of the outer portion 66 (H:I) can be in the range of about 1:1.04; or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.09; or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:1.14. The ratio of “J”—distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64 to “K”—distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44 (J:K) can be in the range of about 1:1.33; or in the range of about 1:1.27 to about 1:1.40; or in the range of about 1:1.20 to about 1:1.47. Certain dimensions are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Relevant Ratios of Adapter Portions Description Dimension Ratio of “E” - inner 1:1.11; diameter of the tapered or in the range of about 1:1.06 to about portion 60 to “A” - inner 1:1.17; diameter of the collar or in the range of about 1:1 to about portion 58 (E:A) 1:1.22 Ratio of “B” - outer 1:1.05; diameter of the collar or in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:10; portion 58 to “D” - outer or in the range of about 1:1 to about diameter of the tapered 1:1.15 portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 (B:D) Ratio of “F” - length of 1:3.51; collar portion 58 (or or in the range of about 1:3.34 to about distance between the 1:3.69; distal end 24 of the first or in the range of about 1:3.16 to about portion 18 and the 1:3.87 second stop flange 40) to “G” - length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) (F:G) Ratio of “H” - inner 1:1.04; diameter of the inner or in the range of about 1:1 to about portion 62 to “I” - inner 1:1.09; diameter of the outer or in the range of about 1:1 to about portion 66 (H:I) 1:1.14 Ratio of “J” - distance 1:1.33; from the distal end 32 of or in the range of about 1:1.27 to about the second portion 20 to 1:1.40; the transition portion 64 or in the range of about 1:1.20 to about to “K” - distance from the 1:1.47 distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44 (J:K)

[0077] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0078] While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

[0079] The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etcetera shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of” will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element not specified.

[0080] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0081] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0082] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etcetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etcetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0083] All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

[0084] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.