Cooling Assembly for Drink Container

Abstract

An apparatus includes a cooling assembly having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The cooling assembly defines a container cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. The cooling assembly also defines an entrance leading to the container cavity. The entrance and the container cavity are configured to receive a drink container along an insertion direction co-aligned with the longitudinal axis. A thermal-transfer body is configured to be in thermal communication with the container cavity and an exterior of the cooling assembly. The thermal-transfer body is also configured to selectively convey thermal energy from the container cavity to the exterior of the cooling assembly.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a cooling assembly having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; and the cooling assembly defining a container cavity extending along the longitudinal axis; and the cooling assembly also defining an entrance leading to the container cavity; and the entrance and the container cavity configured to receive a drink container along an insertion direction co-aligned with the longitudinal axis; and a thermal-transfer body configured to be in thermal communication with the container cavity and an exterior of the cooling assembly; and the thermal-transfer body also configured to selectively convey thermal energy from the container cavity to the exterior of the cooling assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cooling device configured to be in thermal communication with the thermal-transfer body; and the cooling device also configured to move thermal energy from the container cavity to the thermal-transfer body once the cooling device is selectively activated; and a controller device configured to be in electrical communication with the cooling device; and the controller device also configured to selectively activate the cooling device in such a way that the cooling device, in use, draws thermal energy away from the container cavity to the exterior of the cooling assembly via the thermal-transfer body.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the cooling device includes a solid-state device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a rotating device positioned in the cooling assembly; and the rotating device configured to contact the drink container once the drink container is inserted into the container cavity; and the rotating device also configured to selectively rotate the drink container along a rotation direction once the drink container is inserted into the container cavity, and once the rotating device contacts the drink container.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a controller device configured to be in electrical communication with the rotating device; and the controller device also configured to urge rotational movement of the rotating device.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the thermal-transfer body includes a cooling fluid.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a housing assembly surrounding the container cavity; and the housing assembly defining the entrance leading to the container cavity; and a flexible wall supported by the housing assembly; and the flexible wall positioned at an outer periphery of the container cavity; and the flexible wall positioned between the container cavity and the thermal-transfer body; and the flexible wall is configured to prevent fluid communication of the cooling fluid with the drink container once the drink container is inserted into the container cavity.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a ridged wall supported by the housing assembly; and the ridged wall positioned adjacent to the flexible wall; and the ridged wall positioned between the flexible wall and a cooling fluid of the thermal-transfer body.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the ridged wall defining passageways; and the passageways configured to permit fluid communication of the cooling fluid between the container cavity and the flexible wall; and the ridged wall is configured to receive weight from the cooling fluid contained in the thermal-transfer body in such a way that a relatively lesser amount of weight from the cooling fluid is transferred to the flexible wall via the passageways of the ridged wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: an electrical motor connected to the rotating device.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the controller device also configured to be in electrical communication with the electrical motor; and the controller device also configured to selectively activate the electrical motor in such a way that the electrical motor urges rotation of the rotating device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a drive gear connected to an output shaft of the electrical motor; and a driven gear connected to the rotating device; and the drive gear and the driven gear operatively connected together in such a way that rotation of the electrical motor urges rotation of the rotating device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a bearing supported by the housing assembly; and the bearing configured to support rotational movement of the rotating device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a rotatable base rotatably mounted to the housing assembly; and the rotatable base configured to contact the bearing; and the rotatable base configured to support selective rotation of the rotating device about the longitudinal axis; and the rotatable base connected to the driven gear in such a way that selective rotation of the electrical motor urges selective rotation of the rotatable base and the rotating device via interaction between the drive gear and the driven gear.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a stand support supported by the rotatable base; and the stand support configured to support vertical alignment of the rotating device; and the stand support configured to slidably receive, at least in part, the rotating device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the rotating device includes: a stand device having a central stem extending centrally therefrom; and the central stem configured to be slideably supported by the stand support.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a biasing support member supported by the stand support; and a biasing member positioned between the stand device and the biasing support member; and the biasing member configured to bias movement of the stand device toward the entrance; and the flexible wall and the ridged wall are mounted to one side of the biasing support member; and the electrical motor is configured to be selective activated such that selective activation of the electrical motor, in turn, causes rotation of the rotatable base, the stand support, the biasing support member, the biasing member, the stand device of the rotating device, the flexible wall, the ridged wall, as well rotation of the drink container which is positioned on the stand device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a plate positioned between the biasing support member and the biasing member; and the plate configured to contact the biasing member; and the flexible wall and the ridged wall are mounted to one side of the plate; and the electrical motor is configured to be selective activated such that selective activation of the electrical motor, in turn, causes rotation of the rotatable base, the stand support, the biasing support member, the biasing member, the plate, the biasing support member, the stand device of the rotating device, the flexible wall, the ridged wall, as well rotation of the drink container which is positioned on the stand device.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a first fluid seal positioned between the plate and the biasing support member; and the fluid seal configured to prevent inadvertent leakage of the cooling fluid from the thermal-transfer body via the plate and the biasing support member; and a second fluid seal positioned proximate to the entrance; and the second fluid seal configured to prevent inadvertent leakage of the cooling fluid via the entrance.

20. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a cover configured to be supported by the housing assembly at the entrance leading to the container cavity.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: a pivot configured to pivotally couple the cover to the housing assembly at the entrance leading to the container cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict perspective views of embodiments of a cooling assembly configured to receive a drink container; and

[0009] FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments of the cooling assembly of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2, in which views are taken along a cross-sectional line A-A as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0010] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, and well-understood, elements that are useful in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

TABLE-US-00001 LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS cooling assembly 100 cooling device 112 longitudinal axis 101 housing assembly 200 container cavity 102 flexible wall 202 entrance 103 ridged wall 204 thermal-transfer body 104 passageways 206 rotation control wire 105 cover 208 rotating device 106 pivot 210 rotation direction 107 cooling device 212 controller device 108 electrical motor 214 cooling control wire 109 drive gear 216 driven gear 218 biasing member 228 bearing 220 plate 230 rotatable base 222 biasing support member 232 stand support 224 drink container 900 first fluid seal 225A insertion direction 901 second fluid seal 225B user 902 stand device 226

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

[0011] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the claim is defined by the claims (in which the claims may be amended during patent examination after the filing of this application). For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. It will be appreciated that the scope of the meaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (that is, to be connected to, to interact with the item, etc.) is to be interpreted as the device being configured to be coupled to the item, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, “configured to” may include the meaning “either directly or indirectly” unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0012] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict perspective views of embodiments of a cooling assembly 100 configured to receive a drink container 900. FIG. 1 depicts the drink container 900 positioned exteriorly of the cooling assembly 100. FIG. 2 depicts the drink container 900 positioned interiorly of the cooling assembly 100.

[0013] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the drink container 900 is positioned over an entrance 103 leading into a container cavity 102. The drink container 900 is insertable past the entrance 103 and into the container cavity 102.

[0014] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the drink container 900 is fully inserted into the container cavity 102. The drink container 900 is securely received in (and is, preferably, not removable from) the container cavity 102. The rotating device 106 may be activated (to rotate the drink container 900). The rotating device 106 is configured to be rotated along a rotation direction 107. The cooling device 112 may be activated (for the removal of thermal energy from the drink container 900). Preferably, the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 are operated at the same time. Alternatively, the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 are operated so that the operations thereof overlap over a duration of time. Once the drink container 900 has reached a relatively cooler temperature (a desired temperature or a predetermined temperature), the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 may be deactivated, and the drink container 900 may be removed from the container cavity 102 (and the cooled drink may be enjoyed by the user 902, as depicted in FIG. 1).

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted an embodiment of an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to (comprises) a cooling assembly 100 having a longitudinal axis 101 extending therethrough. The cooling assembly 100 defines a container cavity 102 extending along the longitudinal axis 101. The cooling assembly 100 also defines an entrance 103 leading to the container cavity 102. The entrance 103 and the container cavity 102 are configured to receive a drink container 900 along an insertion direction 901 co-aligned with the longitudinal axis 101.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted a thermal-transfer body 104 configured to be in thermal communication with (either directly or indirectly, or positioned adjacent to) the container cavity 102 and an exterior of the cooling assembly 100. The thermal-transfer body 104 is also configured to selectively convey thermal energy from the container cavity 102 to the exterior (outer environment) of the cooling assembly 100. The thermal-transfer body 104 may include a heat transfer fluid, a cooling fluid or a coolant, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The thermal-transfer body 104 may include a liquid and/or a gas. The thermal-transfer body 104 is configured to reduce or regulate the temperature of a system. Preferably, the thermal-transfer body 104 has a high thermal capacity, a low viscosity, is low-cost, non-toxic, chemically inert and neither causes nor promotes corrosion. The thermal-transfer body 104 may be configured to either keep its phase by staying in a liquid state or a gaseous state, or may undergo a phase transition, with the latent heat adding to the cooling efficiency. The latter, when used to achieve below-ambient temperature, is more commonly known as a refrigerant.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted a cooling device 112 configured to be in thermal communication with (positioned in) the thermal-transfer body 104. The cooling device 112 is also configured to draw (move) thermal energy once the cooling device 112 is selectively activated. Preferably, the cooling device 112 also configured to move thermal energy from the container cavity 102 to the thermal-transfer body 104 once the cooling device 112 is selectively activated. Preferably, the cooling device 112 is configured to provide a thermoelectric cooling that utilizes the Peltier effect to create a heat flux at the junction of two different types of materials. A Peltier cooler, heater, or thermoelectric heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical energy, depending on the direction of the current. Such an instrument is also called a Peltier device, Peltier heat pump, solid state refrigerator, or thermoelectric cooler (TEC). It may be used either for heating or for cooling. It may also be used as a temperature controller that either heats or cools.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted a controller device 108 configured to be in electrical communication with the cooling device 112. The controller device 108 may include a microprocessor device (known to those skilled in the art), along with a keyboard (user input and output device, etc.). The controller device 108 is also configured to selectively activate (via a cooling-control signal issued from the controller device 108 along a cooling control wire 109) the cooling device 112. This is done in such a way that the cooling device 112, in use, draws thermal energy away from the container cavity 102 to the exterior of the cooling assembly 100 via the thermal-transfer body 104. For instance, the cooling device 112 may include a solid-state device 212, a conventional compressor, etc., and any equivalent thereof.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted a rotating device 106 (such as a rotatable disk) positioned in the cooling assembly 100 (such as, at the bottom section of the container cavity 102). The rotating device 106 is configured to contact (abut) the drink container 900 once the drink container 900 is inserted into the container cavity 102. The rotating device 106 is also configured to selectively rotate the drink container 900 along a rotation direction 107 once the drink container 900 is inserted into the container cavity 102, and once the rotating device 106 contacts the drink container 900.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the controller device 108 is also configured to be in electrical communication with the rotating device 106 (via a rotation control line 105). The controller device 108 is also configured to urge rotational movement of the rotating device 106 (by issuing the transmission of a rotation-control signal via the rotation control line 105 to the rotating device 106).

[0021] FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict cross-sectional views of embodiments of the cooling assembly 100 of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2. The views are taken along a cross-sectional line A-A as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0022] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the apparatus further includes a housing assembly 200 and a cover 208. The cover 208 is placed in an open position. The drink container 900 is positioned over the entrance 103 of a housing assembly 200 (also called a stationary housing assembly). The housing assembly 200 surrounds the container cavity 102.

[0023] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the drink container 900 is inserted, at least in part, past the entrance 103 of the housing assembly 200 and into the container cavity 102.

[0024] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the drink container 900 is fully inserted into the container cavity 102 of the housing assembly 200. This is done in such a way that the cover 208 may be closed.

[0025] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the cover 208 of the housing assembly 200 is placed in a closed position (once the drink container 900 received in the container cavity 102). This is done in such a way that the cover 208 prevents the drink container 900 from unwanted removal from the container cavity 102 of the housing assembly 200 (while the drink container 900 is being cooled down). The rotating device 106 may be activated (to rotate the drink container 900). The cooling device 112 may be activated (to remove thermal energy from the drink container 900). Preferably, the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 are operated at the same time. Alternatively, the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 are operated so that the operations thereof overlap over a duration of time. Once activated, the rotating device 106 is configured to be rotated along a rotation direction 107.

[0026] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6, once the drink container 900 has reached a relatively cooler temperature (a desired temperature or a predetermined temperature), the rotating device 106 and the cooling device 112 may be deactivated, the cover 208 of the housing assembly 200 may be placed in the open position (as depicted in FIG. 3, for instance), and the drink container 900 may be removed from the container cavity 102 (and may be enjoyed by the user 902, as depicted in FIG. 1).

[0027] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a housing assembly 200 surrounding the container cavity 102. The housing assembly 200 defines the entrance 103 leading to the container cavity 102. A flexible wall 202 is supported by the housing assembly 200. The flexible wall 202 may include a rubber material, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The flexible wall 202 is positioned at an outer periphery of the container cavity 102. The flexible wall 202 is positioned between the container cavity 102 and the thermal-transfer body 104. Preferably, the thermal-transfer body 104 includes a cooling fluid. The flexible wall 202 is configured to prevent fluid communication of the cooling fluid with the drink container 900 once the drink container 900 is inserted into the container cavity 102.

[0028] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a ridged wall 204 supported by the housing assembly 200. The ridged wall 204 may include a sheet of metal, and any equivalent thereof. The ridged wall 204 is positioned adjacent to the flexible wall 202. The ridged wall 204 is positioned between the flexible wall 202 and the cooling fluid of the thermal-transfer body 104. The ridged wall 204 defines passageways 206 (that extend between opposite lateral side surfaces thereof). The passageways 206 are configured to permit fluid communication (fluid movement) of the cooling fluid between the container cavity 102 and the flexible wall 202. The ridged wall 204 is configured to receive weight from the cooling fluid contained in the thermal-transfer body 104 in such a way that a relatively lesser amount of weight from the cooling fluid is transferred to the flexible wall 202 via the passageways 206 of the ridged wall 204.

[0029] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a cover 208 (also called a lid). The cover 208 is configured to be supported by the housing assembly 200 at the entrance 103 leading to the container cavity 102. Preferably, the cover is thermally insulated. A pivot 210 is configured to pivotally couple the cover 208 to the housing assembly 200 at the entrance 103 leading to the container cavity 102.

[0030] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) an electrical motor 214 connected to the rotating device 106. The controller device 108 is also configured to be in electrical communication with the electrical motor 214. The controller device 108 is also configured to selectively activate the electrical motor 214. This is done in such a way that the electrical motor 214 urges rotation of the rotating device 106.

[0031] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a drive gear 216 connected to an output shaft of the electrical motor 214. A driven gear 218 is connected to the rotating device 106. The drive gear 216 and the driven gear 218 are operatively connected together. This is done in such a way that rotation of the electrical motor 214 urges rotation of the rotating device 106.

[0032] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a bearing 220 (ball bearings) supported by (contained in) the housing assembly 200. The bearing 220 is configured to support rotational movement of the rotating device 106 about the longitudinal axis 101.

[0033] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a rotatable base 222 rotatably mounted to the housing assembly 200. The rotatable base 222 is configured to contact the bearing 220. The rotatable base 222 is configured to support selective rotation of the rotating device 106 about the longitudinal axis 101. The rotatable base 222 is connected to the driven gear 218. This is done in such a way that selective rotation of the electrical motor 214 urges selective rotation of the rotatable base 222 and the rotating device 106 via interaction between the drive gear 216 and the driven gear 218.

[0034] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a stand support 224 supported by the rotatable base 222. The stand support 224 is configured to support vertical alignment of the rotating device 106. The stand support 224 is configured to slidably receive, at least in part, the rotating device 106.

[0035] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the rotating device 106 includes a stand device 226 having a central stem 227 extending centrally therefrom. The central stem 227 is configured to be slideably supported by (or slideably received in) the stand support 224.

[0036] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a biasing support member 232 is supported by the stand support 224. A biasing member 228 (also called a spring) is positioned between (either directly or indirectly) the stand device 226 and the biasing support member 232. The biasing member 228 is configured to bias movement of the stand device 226 toward the entrance 103.

[0037] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a plate 230 positioned between the biasing support member 232 and the biasing member 228. The plate 230 is configured to contact the biasing member 228. Preferably, the plate 230 has a first flat surface configured to contact the biasing member 228. The plate 230 is configured to contact the biasing support member 232. Preferably, the plate 230 has a second flat surface configured to contact the biasing support member 232.

[0038] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the flexible wall 202 and the ridged wall 204 are (fixedly) mounted to one side (upper side) of the plate 230 (or to the biasing support member 232 for the case where the plate 230 is not utilized). Selective activation of the electrical motor 214, in turn, causes rotation of the rotatable base 222, the stand support 224, the biasing support member 232, the biasing member 228, the plate 230, the biasing support member 232, the stand device 226 (of the rotating device 106), the flexible wall 202, the ridged wall 204, as well rotation of the drink container 900 (which is positioned on the stand device 226). A technical advantage of this arrangement is that relatively faster cooling action or result may be achieved for the drink container 900 as a result of rotating the flexible wall 202, the ridged wall 204 and the drink container 900 (all relative to the housing assembly 200).

[0039] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the apparatus of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 further includes (and is not limited to) a first fluid seal 225A positioned between the plate 230 and the biasing support member 232. The fluid seal 225A is configured to prevent inadvertent leakage of the cooling fluid from the thermal-transfer body 104 via the plate 230 and the biasing support member 232. A second fluid seal 225B is positioned proximate to the entrance 103. The second fluid seal 225B is configured to prevent inadvertent leakage of the cooling fluid via the entrance 103.

[0040] The following is offered as further description of the embodiments, in which any one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary and the claims) may be combinable with any other one or more of any technical feature (described in the detailed description, the summary and the claims). It is understood that each claim in the claims section is an open ended claim unless stated otherwise. Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in these specifications should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is not necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, and may include a variation thereof that the person skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially”, in the context of configuration, relate generally to disposition, location, or configuration that are either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the invention which does not materially modify the invention. Similarly, unless specifically made clear from its context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that the person skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance as they do not materially change the operability of the invention. It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or inherently). The apparatus may include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated that, where possible and suitable, any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that the technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims. This written description provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The written description and/or drawings may help to understand the scope of the claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood, for this document, that the word “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising” in that both words are used to signify an open-ended listing of assemblies, components, parts, etc. The term “comprising”, which is synonymous with the terms “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising (comprised of) is an “open” phrase and allows coverage of technologies that employ additional, unrecited elements. When used in a claim, the word “comprising” is the transitory verb (transitional term) that separates the preamble of the claim from the technical features of the invention. The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.