HELMET ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A helmet assembly including a helmet shell having a face opening, first and second chin projections, an outer surface an inner surface, and a faceguard. The face opening is at least partially defined by a forehead edge. At least a first tunnel member is disposed on the inner surface adjacent the forehead edge. First and second receiving members are disposed on the inner surface on the first and second chin projections, respectively. The faceguard includes upper and lower sections. The upper section includes at least a first prong member extending upwardly therefrom that is removably received in a secured position in the first tunnel member. The lower section includes first and second wing members extending therefrom that are removably received in a secured position in the first and second receiving members, respectively.

Claims

1. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet shell that includes a face opening, first and second chin projections, an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the face opening is at least partially defined by a forehead edge, wherein at least a first tunnel member is disposed on the inner surface adjacent the forehead edge, wherein a first receiving member is disposed on the inner surface on the first chin projection, and wherein a second receiving member is disposed on the inner surface on the second chin projection, and a faceguard that includes a lower section and an upper section, wherein the upper section includes at least a first prong member extending upwardly therefrom that is removably received in a secured position in the first tunnel member, wherein the lower section includes a first wing member extending therefrom that is removably received in a secured position in the first receiving member and a second wing member extending therefrom that is removably received in a secured position in the second receiving member.

2. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first prong member is curved.

3. The helmet assembly of claim 2 wherein the first prong member includes a distal end, wherein when the first prong member is in the secured position, the distal end of the first prong member is located outside of the first tunnel member.

4. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first tunnel member and the first prong member include a securement system that secures the first prong member in the secured position.

5. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first wing member includes a distal end, wherein when the first wing member is in the secured position, the distal end of the first prong member is located outside of the first receiving member, wherein the second wing member includes a distal end, wherein when the second wing member is in the secured position, the distal end of the second prong member is located outside of the second receiving member.

6. The helmet assembly of claim 1 wherein the first receiving member and the first wing member include a first securement system that secures the first wing member in the secured position, and wherein the second receiving member and the second wing member include a second securement system that secures the second wing member in the secured position.

7. The helmet assembly of claim 6 wherein the first securement system includes a first latch member pivotably connected to the distal end of the first wing member, wherein the second securement system includes a second latch member pivotably connected to the distal end of the second wing member.

8. The helmet assembly of claim 1 further comprising an inner liner positioned inside the helmet shell, wherein the inner liner comprises a plurality of band members.

9. The helmet assembly of claim 1 further comprising a chin strap assembly that includes a chin receiver member and first and second straps, wherein the first and second straps each include a proximal end attached to the inner liner.

10. The helmet assembly of claim 9 wherein the chin receiving member includes a trough defined therein and first and second bridge members that span the trough, wherein the first strap extends under the first bridge member and into the trough, wherein the second strap extends under the second bridge member and into the trough, wherein the first and second straps include distal ends that include complementary latch members that are configured to latch to one another within the trough.

11. The helmet assembly of claim 10 wherein the trough is deep enough so that the straps and latch members are seated within the trough at a level below and outer surface of the chin receiver member.

12. The helmet assembly of claim 1 further comprising first and second noise attenuating ear port assemblies, wherein the first noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a first ear port defined through the helmet shell, wherein the second noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a second ear port defined through the helmet shell.

13. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet shell that includes an inner surface, an outer surface and first and second noise attenuating ear port assemblies, wherein the first noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a first ear port defined through the helmet shell, wherein the second noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a second ear port defined through the helmet shell.

14. The helmet assembly of claim 13 wherein the first noise attenuating ear port assembly includes at least a first spiral recess defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell that at least partially surrounds the first ear port, wherein the second noise attenuating ear port assembly includes at least a second spiral recess defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell that at least partially surrounds the second ear port.

15. The helmet assembly of claim 13 wherein the first noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a plurality of first spiral recesses defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell, wherein the plurality of first spiral recesses surround the first ear port, wherein the second noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a plurality of second spiral recesses defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell, wherein the plurality of second spiral recesses surround the second ear port.

16. The helmet assembly of claim 15 wherein the first noise attenuating ear portion assembly includes a first circular outer edge, wherein the plurality of first spiral recesses each include a bottom surface that spirals inwardly from the first circular outer edge to the first ear port, wherein the second noise attenuating ear portion assembly includes a second circular outer edge, wherein the plurality of second spiral recesses each include a bottom surface that spirals inwardly from the second circular outer edge to the second ear port.

17. The helmet assembly of claim 15 wherein the plurality of first spiral recesses are separated by and at least partially defined by a plurality of walls, and wherein the plurality of second spiral recesses are separated by and at least partially defined by a plurality of walls.

18. The helmet assembly of claim 14 wherein the first noise attenuating ear portion assembly includes a first circular outer edge, wherein the first spiral recess surrounds the first ear port and spirals inwardly from the first circular outer edge to the first ear port, wherein the second noise attenuating ear portion assembly includes a second circular outer edge, wherein the second spiral recess surrounds the second ear port and spirals inwardly from the second circular outer edge to the second ear port.

19. The helmet assembly of claim 13 wherein the first noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a first active noise cancellation assembly, and the second noise attenuating ear port assembly includes a second active noise cancellation assembly.

20. The helmet assembly of claim 19 wherein the first active noise cancellation assembly includes at least a first transmitter and a first receiver positioned adjacent the first ear port, wherein the second active noise cancellation assembly includes at least a first transmitter and a first receiver positioned adjacent the second ear port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 5 is a cut away view of a faceguard attachment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 6 is a cut away view of another faceguard attachment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cut away view of another faceguard attachment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a noise attenuating ear port assembly that includes a plurality of spiral recesses defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell;

[0056] FIG. 8A is an elevational view of another embodiment of a noise attenuating ear port assembly that includes a plurality of spiral recesses defined in the outer surface of the helmet shell;

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

[0058] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner liner that can be used with the helmet assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0059] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chin strap that can be used with the helmet assembly of FIG. 1.

[0060] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0062] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0063] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0064] It may be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0065] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, may control.

[0066] It may be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0067] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-10 show embodiments of a helmet, helmet system or helmet assembly 10 that, in a preferred embodiment, includes openings for air vents 11 defined in a helmet shell 12 and that includes a faceguard or mask 14 that snaps into and/or connects, unites or is secured with or to the helmet shell 12 or the inner liner in the front opening area of the helmet shell 12 or inner liner. The helmet assembly 10 also preferably includes two ear port openings or holes located adjacent or over the wearer's ear areas and that address crowd noise and/or frequency attenuation.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows the helmet shell assembly 10. It will be appreciated that the helmet shell assembly can include the magnetic suspension system disclosed in the '001 patent, thereby requiring an outer helmet shell and an inner liner. In another embodiment, the magnetic suspension system can be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in a preferred embodiment, the helmet shell assembly 10 includes the helmet shell 12 and a faceguard 14. The helmet shell includes a face or front opening 16, first and second chin projections 18, an inner surface 12a and an outer surface 12b. The front opening 16 is at least partially defined by a forehead edge 20 and the inner edges of the first and second chin projections 18.

[0070] The faceguard 14 includes a lower section 22 and an upper section 24. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the upper section 24 includes first and second prong members 26 extending upwardly therefrom that are removably received in a secured position in first and second tunnel members 28 that are positioned on, secured or attached to the inner surface 12a of the helmet shell 12. The first and second tunnel members 28 each include an entry opening 28a and an exit opening 28b. In a preferred embodiment, in the secured position, the distal ends 26a of the first and second prong members 26 are located outside of the tunnel members. In other words, when the prong members 26 are inserted into the tunnel members 28, the distal end of the prong member 26 is inserted through the entry opening 28a and through the exit opening 28b where it is secured. In another embodiment, the distal end 26a of the prong member can remain inside the tunnel member 28 and can be secured therein.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, prong members 26 are latched, locked or secured in place in the secured position such that they cannot be removed from the tunnel members 28. FIG. 2 shows an outwardly biased button 30 on the distal end 26a of the prong member 26. The button 30 can be depressed or pushed inwardly prior to or while entering the entry opening 28a and then is biased outwardly to the locking position as the distal end 26a exits the tunnel member 28 to secure the prong member in the secured position. It will be appreciated that the button 30 is biased outwardly and prevents the prong member from being pulled back through the tunnel member 28 because the button contacts the upper edge of the tunnel member 28 (referred to herein as the “stop edge” 28c). To remove the prong member from the tunnel member, the button 30 is depressed or pushed inwardly so that it clears the stop edge 28c of the tunnel member 28 and the prong member 26 is pulled back through the tunnel member and out of the entry opening 28a. In a preferred embodiment, the entry opening 28a is taller has a larger height dimension than the exit opening 28b. In this embodiment, the entry opening 28a has a larger height dimension (is higher than the height of the button 30 in the biased outwardly locking position). Therefore, the button 30 does not need to be depressed by the user when inserted into the tunnel member. Instead, the button enters the tunnel member and is pressed downwardly as is travels therethrough and then “pops up” or is biased outwardly as it enters the exit opening 28b (which has a shorter or smaller height than the entry opening). This may be referred to herein as a declining upper surface. In removing the faceguard, the user pushes button 40 first to release latch member 38 and then releases the prong members 26.

[0072] Any type of latching of locking system for allowing the prong member to be removably received in the tunnel member is within the scope of the present invention. For example, a ratchet system, one or more teeth, cams, one or more pawls, hooks, snaps, magnets, detents and the like can be utilized. FIG. 3 shows a tooth 32 on the distal end 26a of the first and second prong members 26. Due to the curved shape of the prong member 26 and the material from which is made, the tooth 32 is biased outwardly such that when it exits the exit opening 28b and clears the stop edge 28c it moves outwardly and contacts the stop edge 28c. To remove the prong member 26 from the tunnel member, the distal end of the prong member 26 is pushed inwardly so the tooth clears the stop edge 28c and the prong member is pulled back through the tunnel member. All of the latching, locking or securement systems discussed herein or others known by persons of ordinary skill in the art are referred to herein as a securement system (for securing the faceguard in place near the forehead edge and on the chin projections. The securement system secures the prongs in the secured position and allows the user to take some releasing action so that the prong can be removed from the tunnel member.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second prong members 26 are curved such that when they are inserted into the tunnel members 28, they follow the contour or curvature of the inner surface 12a of the helmet shell (within the tunnel member) or other surface on which the tunnel members are positioned (also referred to as the bottom surface of the tunnel member). The tunnel members 28 are preferably also curved.

[0074] The combination of the prong members being secured in the tunnel members and the associated components may be referred to herein as an upper faceguard securement system.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, a portion of the helmet shell and the forehead edge are received in a groove 33 that is defined in the upper bar 31 of the upper section 24 of the faceguard 14 (a tongue and groove relationship). The groove 33 is at least partially defined by a shelf or extension member 35 that extends upwardly from the upper bar 31. The front surface of the extension member 35 contacts the inner surface of the helmet shell 12.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper section 24 of the faceguard preferably includes first and second side projections 37 that extend into side recesses 39 defined in the helmet shell. The side recesses 39 are part of the front opening 16.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the lower section 22 of the faceguard 14 includes first and second wing members 34 extending therefrom that are removably received in a secured position in first and second receiving members 36 that are that are positioned on, secured or attached to the inner surface 12a of the helmet shell 12 at a location on the first and second chin projections 18. In another embodiment, the first and second receiving members 36 can be secured to another component, such as the inner liner. The first and second receiving members 36 each include an entry opening 36a and an exit opening 36b. In a preferred embodiment, in the secured position, the distal ends 34a of the first and second wing members 34 are located outside of the receiving members. In other words, when the wing members 34 are inserted into the receiving members 36, the distal end of the wing member 34 is inserted through the entry opening 36a and through the exit opening 36b where it is secured. In another embodiment, the distal end 34a of the wing member 34 can remain inside the receiving member 36 and can be secured therein.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, wing members 34 are latched, locked or secured in place in the secured position such that they cannot be removed from the receiving members 36. FIGS. 2 and 5 shows a pivotable latch member 38 on the distal end 34a of the wing member 34. The latch member 38 can be pivoted between an unlatched position (see the dashed lines in FIG. 2) and a latched position (see the solid lines in FIG. 2) where it is latched or secured to the receiving member 36. In use, the latch member 38 is in the unlatched position when entering the entry opening 36a, moving through the receiving member 36 and exiting the exit opening 36b. The latch member 38 is then pivoted to the latched position where it is secured to the upper wall or other portion of the receiving member 36. It will be appreciated that when the latch member is in the latched position, the wing member 34 is prevented from being pulled back through the receiving member 36. To remove the wing member from the receiving member, the latch member 38 is unlatched by pressing button 40 (which can be located on the wing member or the receiving member). The wing member is then pulled back through the receiving member and out of the entry opening 36a. The receiving members 36 can include a declining upper surface (similar to the declining upper surface described above) where the entry opening 36a has a larger height dimension (is higher than the height of the button 40 in the biased outwardly position). FIG. 3 shows an exemplary latching system for the latch member 38. As shown, the latch member 38 includes an opening 38a therein that can be received on a post 41 on the top wall 44 of the receiving member 36.

[0079] Any type of latching of locking system for allowing the wing member to be removably received in the receiving member is within the scope of the present invention. For example, an outwardly biased button or tooth, similar to those described above can also be used to secure the wing members in the secured position. In other embodiments, a ratchet system, one or more teeth, one or more pawls, hooks, snaps, detents and the like can be utilized. All of the latching or locking systems discussed herein or others known by persons of ordinary skill in the art are referred to herein as a latching system. The latching system secures the wing members in the secured position and allows the user to take some releasing action so that the wing member can be removed from the receiving member.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows the helmet shell assembly 10 with the faceguard 14 with snap-in locations by the wearer's chin area (see the wing members 34 located behind the first and second chin projections 18, as well as the two receiving areas for the faceguard prong members 26 in the forehead/brow area on the front of the helmet shell 12.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving members 36 include a top wall 44, a bottom wall 46 and a cover wall 48 that spans between the top and bottom walls. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 46 has an inner surface 46a that when the wing member 34 is inserted into the receiving member 36 and the distal end 34a contacts the inner surface 46a, the distal end 34a follows a curved path as it goes through the receiving member 36. In a preferred embodiment, the curvature of inner surface 46a is approximately the same as the curvature of the prong member 26 (or the tunnel member interiors or the inner surface of the helmet shell). It will be appreciated that when the faceguard is attached or secured to the helmet shell or inner liner, the prong members are inserted into the tunnel members at approximately the same time or simultaneously with the wing members being inserted into the receiving members. Therefore, the entire faceguard will follow a curved path as it is moved from the loose position to the secured position. The combination of the wing members being secured in the receiving members and the associated components may be referred to herein as a lower faceguard securement system. Therefore, on a preferred embodiment, the helmet assembly includes upper and lower faceguard securement systems.

[0082] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a lower faceguard securement system. In this embodiment, the wing members 34 include a tab 52 extending upwardly therefrom that includes a button 54 that is spring biased outwardly. A receiving bracket 56 is positioned on the inner surface of the chin projections 18. To connect or secure the wing member 34, the button 54 is pushed downwardly and the tab 52 is inserted into the receiving bracket 56. Button 54 works similarly to button 30.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a lower faceguard securement system that is essentially a combination of those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Instead of a receiving bracket, the receiving member 36 includes an opening 58 in the top wall 44 through which the tab 52 extends to secure the wing member 34 in place.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the helmet assembly 10 includes first and second noise attenuating ear port assemblies 60 that can include a number of different embodiments or features for noise attenuation, reduction or cancellation (referred to generally herein as noise attenuation) of the noise that comes through first and second ear ports 62.

[0085] As is best shown in FIGS. 8-9, in a preferred embodiment, the noise attenuating ear port assembly 60 includes a circular outer edge 64 and a plurality of spiral recesses 66 that are indented into and defined in the outer surface 12b of the helmet assembly. The spiral recesses 66 surround the ear port 62. The spiral recesses 66 include a bottom surface 68 that spirals inwardly from the circular outer edge 64 to the ear port 62. The spiral recesses 66 are separated by and at least partially defined by a plurality of walls 70. The spiral recesses and walls are formed or shaped similarly to the interior of a conch shell. The principals of noise attenuation of the spiral recesses is discussed above in the summary section. FIG. 9 shows a flat inside surface of the helmet shell. However, in another embodiment, the spiral recesses and the bottom surfaces thereof may extend or bulge into the helmet interior to provide more depth to the spiral recesses (more depth than the thickness of the remainder or majority of the helmet shell).

[0086] FIG. 8A shows another embodiment of the noise attenuating ear port assembly 60 similar to the one in FIG. 8, but including a single spiral recess 66 that spirals from the circular outer edge 64 and to the ear port 62. The sections of the spiral recess 66 are separated by and at least partially defined by a spiraling wall 70. The spiral recess and walls are formed or shaped similarly to the interior of a conch shell. The principals of noise attenuation of the spiral recesses is discussed above in the summary section. As shown, in the FIG. 8 embodiment, none of the separate spiral recesses 66 spiral a full 360°. However, in the FIG. 8A embodiment, the single spiral recess 66 includes individual spirals that spiral or surround the ear port and extend more than 360°. In another embodiment, the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 8A can be combined such that a single spiral recess (that spirals more than 360° includes a plurality of separate spiral recess sections (that extend between adjacent walls 70 of the single spiral recess) as the single spiral recess spirals from the circular outer edge 64 to the ear port 62. This combination can be seen in the cross-section of a conch shell. Instead of the circular ear port assembly shown in FIG. 8A, the spiral recess and/or ear port assembly can be shaped as the Fibonacci Sequence dictates, which may include a circular outer edge 64, but with an offset ear port or it may include a non-circular outer edge 64.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in another embodiment or in a combined with the spiral embodiment above, the noise attenuating ear assembly 60 includes an active noise cancellation assembly 72. Preferably, the active noise cancellation assembly 72 includes one or more speakers or transmitters 74 and one or more microphones or receivers 76 that are positioned in openings 78 that extend through the helmet shell 12. In another embodiment, the transmitters and receivers can be embedded in the helmet shell or positioned on the inner surface 12a of the helmet shell 12. In a preferred embodiment, the active noise cancellation assembly includes a controller 80 and a battery 82 and may also include a capacitor.

[0088] FIG. 10 shows an inner liner 84 that can be used in the magnetic helmet shell assembly disclosed in the '001 patent. The inner liner 84 comprises a plurality of band members 85 and has a rigid shape that mimics the interior of the helmet shell. As a result of the band members 85 and the openings 89 defined therebetween, the weight of the inner liner 84 is reduced compared to a solid inner liner. In use, magnets are secured to the outer surface of the inner liner. The magnets face or are opposed to magnets on the inner surface of the outer shell. Pads are secured to the inner surface of the inner liner 84 (similar to pads in prior art helmets).

[0089] FIG. 11 shows a chin strap assembly 86 that can be connected to either the helmet shell 12 (in an embodiment without the inner liner) or the inner liner in an embodiment that includes opposing magnets. FIG. 10 shows the straps 88 extending from the inner liner 84. The straps are similarly connected to the helmet shell (on the inside or outside thereof) in an embodiment without the inner liner (or even on an embodiment with the inner liner, if desired). In a preferred embodiment, the straps 88 include elasticity or elastic sections therein that allows the straps to stretch when the helmet twists or moves.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, the chin strap assembly 86 includes a chin receiver member 90 that includes a trough 92 defined therein and first and second bridge members 94 that extend over the trough. The distal ends of the straps 88 each include a complementary latch member 96 for latching or connecting the ends of the two straps together. In a preferred embodiment, the trough 92 is deep enough so that the straps 88 and latch members 96 are seated within the trough 92 so that they are below the level of the outer surface of the chin receiver member 90. As a result, the straps 88 and latch members 96 do not “stick out” at all when properly seated. As shown in FIG. 11, the straps 88 extend under the bridge members 94.

[0091] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0092] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art may recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0093] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

[0094] Any patents and/or patent applications and other references are articles noted above or herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, charts or figures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0095] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0096] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.