Ear Cleaning Device with Whisk-Like Bulbous Ends

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for an ear cleaning device comprising an integral body, and a central handle portion of the integral body that supports a first whisk-like bulbous end, with the first whisk-like bulbous end being integral with the central handle portion. The first whisk-like bulbous end further comprises flexible intertwined wire-like loops used in the removal of ear was or debris. The first whisk-like bulbous end being of a size that averts insertion thereof to an ear canal.

Claims

1. An ear cleaning device comprising: an integral body; and a central handle portion of the integral body that supports a first whisk-like bulbous end, the first whisk-like bulbous end being integral with the central handle portion, the first whisk-like bulbous end comprising: flexible intertwined wire-like loops used in the removal of ear wax or debris, the flexible intertwined wire-like loops comprising tine-like extensions that retain the removed ear wax or debris, the first whisk-like bulbous end being of a size that averts insertion thereof to an ear canal.

2. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a second whisk-like bulbous end integral with a second end of the central handle portion.

3. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first whisk-like bulbous end includes multiple whisk-like loops that are integral with a first end of the central handle portion.

4. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the second whisk-like bulbous end includes multiple whisk-like loops that are integral with a second end of the central handle portion.

5. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the whisk-like loops are spaced-apart symmetrically.

6. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the whisk-like loops are flexibly moldable thereby conforming to contours of an outer ear portion.

7. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the whisk-like loops are flexibly moldable thereby conforming to contours of an outer ear portion.

8. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least the first whisk-like bulbous end comprises a mixture of a low density polyethylene and a high density polyethylene.

9. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least the first whisk-like bulbous end comprises a flexible material.

10. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first whisk-like bulbous end is made of a soft flexible material comprising at least one of a polymer, polymeric material rubber, silicon and plastic.

11. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first and second whisk-like bulbous ends are made of a soft flexible material comprising at least one of a polymer, polymeric material, rubber, silicon and plastic.

12. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first and second whisk-like bulbous ends comprise a soft flexible material that is hypoallergenic.

13. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one whisk-like bulbous end is used for removal of other debris from the ear.

14. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein at least one whisk-like bulbous end is flexibly moldable thereby gently conforming to the shape and size of the ear of the user when applied to the ear.

15. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein at least one whisk-like bulbous end is of a predetermined diameter.

16. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein at least one whisk-like bulbous end is of a predetermined size.

17. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first whisk-like bulbous end is of a first predetermined size and the second whisk-like bulbous end is a second predetermined size.

18. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the first and second whisk-like bulbous ends are both a first predetermined size.

19. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first whisk-like bulbous end includes multiple whisk-like loops that are expandable when applied to the ear.

20. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first whisk-like bulbous end includes multiple whisk-like loops that include grooves extending along the periphery of one or more of the whisk-like loops, the grooves thereby collecting an outer layer of at least one of wax and debris during application of the whisk-like bulbous end to the ear.

21. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the device is disposable.

22. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the ear cleaning device is used for removing debris and wax from an outer ear portion.

23. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the whisk-like loops are spaced-apart symmetrically.

24. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the whisk-like loops are flexibly moldable thereby conforming to the shape and size of an outer ear portion.

25. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the tine-like extensions are positioned at a pre-determined interval apart from one or more neighboring tine-like extension(s).

26. The ear cleaning device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the tine-like extensions are positioned at an interval of 1-3 mm apart from the one or more neighboring tine-like extension(s).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an ear cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of an ear cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the whisk-like bulbous end shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the diameter thereof in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an additional cross-sectional view of the whisk-like bulbous end shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the radius thereof in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of one end of the ear cleaning device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0026] FIG. 6 is a view of an ear canal of a human to illustrate the areas of use of the ear cleaning device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 is top perspective view of an ear cleaning device including mini tine-like extensions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of an ear cleaning device including mini tine-like extensions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of one end of the ear cleaning device, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8; and

[0030] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the ear cleaning device showing the mini tine-like extensions along the underside portion of the loops, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the ear cleaning device showing the mini tine-like extensions along the underside and outer edge portion of the loops, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] It is to be appreciated that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity. Common but well-understood elements, which may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment, are not necessarily shown in order to facilitate a less hindered view of the illustrated embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following sections describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined herein and equivalents thereto.

[0034] Throughout the description, where items are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific components, or where processes and methods are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific steps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are items of the present disclosure that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited components, and that there are processes and methods according to the present disclosure that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited processing steps.

[0035] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 comprises a main body portion 13 comprising a lightweight, flexible material, for example, a flexible silicon or bendable plastic material, any one or more of a polymer, polymeric material, rubber, silicon and/or polyethylene, which is integral to and retains one or a pair of whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16. The whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16 are integral with the body portion or handle 13. The whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16 are lightweight, flexible or bendable and include multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 that are joined at a first distal end 12 and a second distal end 11 of the ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10. The whisk-like ends 15, 16 as shown in embodiment of FIG. 1 are disposed at the opposite ends of each of a handle portion 13.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 13 extends between the first bulbous end 15 and the second bulbous end 16 and in certain embodiments the ends 15, 16 are moldable to the shape and size of the user's ear canal at the time of use so as to prevent insertion into the inner ear canal and/or cause any shifting of accumulated wax and/or debris into the inner ear canal, which can impinge upon and cause damage to a user's ear drum 51.

[0037] As shown in enlarged view of bulbous end 15 in FIG. 5, in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, the bulbous ends 15, 16 can each be inserted into the outer ear portion 63 but, large enough in size to avert or prevent any entrance into the ear canal 60. More particularly, the size of the bulbous ends 15, 16 are large enough to prevent any insertion into the ear canal 60 as the user gently whisks the outer ear portion 63 of accumulated wax and/or debris in a light, sweeping-like, rotating or whisk-like movement.

[0038] It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments, the disclosed ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 of FIGS. 1-2 and/or FIGS. 8-9, once used to clean the outer ear portion of a user, can be disposed of. In other contemplated embodiments, the ear cleaning device 10 comprises silicon or other reusable type material (for example, a flexible and heat-resistant silicon or bendable plastic material, any one or more of a polymer, polymeric material, rubber, silicon and/or polyethylene material(s)) such that the device is reusable, capable in certain embodiments, of being rinsed with high temperature liquids or water, sterilized, cleaned, disinfected, and hence, hygienic, as it is safely reusable and/or disposable, if one so chooses.

[0039] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, shown is the handle portion 13 which has a diameter 20 for example, of 0.2 cm which is similar or same as the diameter at distal ends 11, 12 of the handle portion 13 of the body portion 10. In addition, bulbous end 15 may be larger in length 21 than opposing bulbous end 16 to accommodate different sized outer ear portion 63, as shown in FIG. 6. The segment length 21 of bulbous end 15 may be for example 2.3 cm, which is longer than the segment length 23 of 1.5 cm of end 16. It is noted that different sizes are used for the bulbous ends 15, 16 in order to prevent any unwanted entrance into the ear canal 60 of the user. The length of the segments 21, 23 may range generally between 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm in length. In addition, the bulbous ends 15, 16 in certain embodiments are flexible and moldable to conform to the shape of the user's outer ear portion 63, so that the cleaning device 10 can be inserted in a gentle whisk-like fashion, yet, large enough in diameter, for example, diameter 31 as shown in cross-section view FIG. 3, to prevent insertion into the inner ear 60.

[0040] In this regard, the bulbous ends 15, 16 of FIG. 1 or 2, are configured in certain embodiments, to be of various sizes that are suitable for the size of the user, and more notably, the size of the user's outer ear portion 63. The bulbous ends 15, and 16 may be configured to have varying diameter or circumference sizes, in order to accommodate different sized ears such as for example, that of children and adult-sized ears.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of bulbous ends 15, 16 as shown in FIG. 1 or 2. The whisk-like loops, wire-like loops or extensions 32 are joined at center point 33 in certain disclosed embodiments. The diameter 31 may range between, for example, smaller sizes, such as 0.5 cm to larger widths such as 2 cm for larger bulbous ends 15, 16, having a wider girth or circumference.

[0042] FIG. 4 also shows a cross-sectional view with a diameter 41, which in certain embodiments varies in length depending on the size and diameter of the bulbous end(s) 15, 16 as configured for the particular size of the outer ear portion 63 of the user, thereby preventing any disposal of the device 10 past the outer ear portion 63 towards the inner ear portion 60 and further, eliminating any potential impact or trauma to the ear drum 61 of the user by preventing any shifting of wax and/or debris towards the ear drum 61. In FIG. 4, the diameter 41 is a smaller size than the diameter shown in FIG. 3, and is illustrated to show that the bulbous ends 15, 16 can vary in size, in order to accommodate different sized ears.

[0043] It is noted that bulbous ends 15, 16 have smooth and rounded edges moldable to and thereby conforming to and defined by the overall shape of the outer ear portion 63 of the user, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0044] Turning to FIG. 5, shown is an enlarged view of a whisk-like bulbous end 50, which includes an enlarged view of the intertwined wire-like or whisk-like flexible loops 14 that are intertwined and joined at end 52 at distal end 51 of the handle portion of the body 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, the whisk-like loops may be permanently secured or fused together at distal end 53 so that a central point forms for guiding the application of the whisk-like bulbous end or tip 15 into the outer ear portion 63 as shown in FIG. 6 thereby, preventing disposal of the device beyond the outer ear portion. The central point forms at end 53, in certain embodiments, and also forms or is configured to include a circular stopper-like feature, such that while guiding the application of the moldable and flexible intertwined whisk-like or wire-like flexible loops 14 into the outer ear portion 63, acts as a circular stopper portion to prevent the whisk-like bulbous end 50 from being inserted past the outer ear portion 63 into the inner ear canal 60. Such stopper-like feature also may include grooves throughout to allow for collection of wax and/or debris but, generally serves the purpose of prevention of trauma to the ear and/or displacement of the accumulated wax and/or debris in the outer ear towards the inner ear 60 and/or near or towards the ear drum 61.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows the outer ear area 63 which in a disclosed embodiment, the bulbous end 50 of the ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 is applied to gently scrape any debris or wax from the skin surface of the area 63. Area 60 shows the portion of the inner ear, inner ear portion 60 for which the bulbous end 50 of the ear cleaning device 10 can not be inserted (beyond the outer ear portion 63) due to its bulbous shape which blocks access to the narrow pathway of the inner ear portion 60 and hence, preventing any inadvertent injury to the ear drum 61 and other portions of the inner ear.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, shown is another aspect or embodiment of the ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 that comprises a main body portion 13 comprising a lightweight, flexible material, for example, a flexible silicon or bendable plastic material, any one or more of a polymer, polymeric material, rubber, silicon and/or polyethylene, which is integral to and retains one or a pair of whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16. The whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16 are integral with the body portion or handle 13. The whisk-like bulbous ends 15, 16 are lightweight, flexible or bendable and include multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 that are joined at a first distal end 12 and a second distal end 11 of the ear cleaning device 10. The whisk-like ends 15, 16 as shown in embodiment of FIG. 1 are disposed at the opposite ends of each of a handle portion 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 13 extends between the first bulbous end 15 and the second bulbous end 16 and in certain embodiments the ends 15, 16 are moldable to the shape and size of the user's ear canal at the time of use, so as to prevent insertion into the inner ear canal and/or cause any shifting of accumulated wax and/or debris into the inner ear canal, which can impinge upon and cause damage to a user's ear drum 61.

[0047] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 in certain aspects or embodiments, further include along the underside portion, multiple tine-like extensions or hair-like, bristle-like extensions 70 that are used to absorb any of the wax, debris or other particles that are gently scraped or whisked by the user during application of the device 10 to the outer ear portion of the user. The multiple tine-like extensions, hair-like extensions, micro-bristles, fibers, or bristle-like extensions 70 (i.e. tines, micro-bristles, bristles or hair-like extensions) are generally thin enough, and sufficiently line the underside portion of the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 densely enough, so as to be able to collect, hold, trap and/or retain any debris, moisture, dirt, particles and/or wax whisked from the outer ear portion 63 of the user during application of the device 10. The tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. In certain embodiments, each of the tine-like extensions 70 are separated by 1-3 millimeters of space. In other aspects or embodiments, the tine-like extensions are densely situated with less than 1 millimeter of space therebetween.

[0048] As shown in enlarged view of bulbous end 15 in FIG. 9, in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, the bulbous ends 15, 16 shown in FIG. 7, can each be inserted into the outer ear portion 63 in FIG. 6, but are large enough in size to avert or prevent any entrance into the ear canal 60. More particularly, the size of the bulbous ends 15, 16 are large enough to prevent any insertion into the ear canal 60 while the user gently whisks away any accumulated wax and/or debris from the outer ear portion 63 using a light or gentle, sweeping-like, rotating, or whisk-like movement of the device 10.

[0049] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, shown is the handle portion 13 which has a diameter 20 for example, of 0.2 cm which is similar or same as the diameter at distal ends 11, 12 of the handle portion 13 of the body portion 10. In addition, bulbous end 15 may be larger in length 21 than opposing bulbous end 16 to accommodate different sized outer ear portion(s) 63 as shown in FIG. 6. The segment length 21 of bulbous end 15 may be for example 2.3 cm, which is longer than the segment length 23 of 1.5 cm of end 16. It is noted that different sized circumferences are used in certain embodiments for the bulbous ends 15, 16 in order to prevent any unwanted entrance into the ear canal 60 of the user. The length of the segments 21, 23 may range generally between 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm. In addition, the bulbous ends 15, 16 of FIG. 8, in certain embodiments are flexible and moldable to conform to the shape of the user's outer ear portion 63, so the cleaning device 10 can be inserted in a gentle whisk-like or rotating fashion, yet, large enough in diameter, for example, diameter 31 as shown in cross-section view FIG. 3, to prevent insertion into the inner ear 60.

[0050] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 in certain aspects or embodiments, further include along the underside portion, multiple tine-like, hair-like, or bristle-like extensions 70 that are used to absorb any of the wax, debris or other particles that are gently scraped or whisked by the user during application of the device 10 to the outer ear portion of the user. The multiple tine-like extensions, hair-like extensions, micro-bristles, fibers, or bristle-like extensions 70 (i.e. tines, micro-bristles, bristles or hair-like extensions) are generally thin, and sufficiently line the underside portion of the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 densely enough, so as to be able to collect, hold, trap and/or retain any debris, moisture, dirt, particles and/or wax whisked from the outer ear portion 63 of the user during application of the device 10.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. In certain embodiments, each of the tine-like extensions 70 are separated by 1-3 millimeters of space. In other aspects or embodiments, the tine-like extensions are densely situated with less than 1 millimeter of space therebetween one or more neighboring tine-like extensions.

[0052] In this regard, the bulbous ends 15, 16 of FIG. 7 or 8, are configured in certain embodiments to be of various sizes that are suitable for the size of the particular user, and more notably, the size of the user's outer ear portion 63, shown in FIG. 6. The bulbous ends 15, and 16 may be configured to have varying diameter or circumference sizes to accommodate different sized ears such as for example, that of children and adult-sized ears.

[0053] It is noted that bulbous ends 15, 16 in FIGS. 7 and 8, have smooth and rounded edges moldable to and thereby conforming to and defined by the overall shape of the outer ear portion 63 of the user, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 9, shown is an enlarged view of a whisk-like bulbous end 50, which includes an enlarged view of the intertwined wire-like or whisk-like flexible loops 14 that are intertwined and joined at end 52 at distal end 51 of the handle portion 13 of the device 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, the whisk-like loops may be permanently secured or fused together at distal end 53 so that a central point forms for guiding the application of the whisk-like bulbous tip 15 into the outer ear portion 63 as shown in FIG. 6 thereby, preventing disposal of the device past the outer ear portion. The central point forms at end 53, in certain embodiments, also forms or is configured to include a circular stopper-like feature that while guiding the application of the moldable and flexible intertwined whisk-like or wire-like flexible loops 14 into the outer ear portion 63, acts as a circular stopper portion to prevent the whisk-like bulbous end 50 from being inserted past the outer ear portion 63 into the inner ear canal 60. Such stopper-like feature also may include grooves throughout to allow for collection of wax and/or debris but, generally serves the purpose of prevention of trauma to the ear and/or displacement of the accumulated wax and/or debris in the outer ear towards the inner ear 60 and/or near or towards the ear drum 61.

[0055] In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 in certain aspects or embodiments, further include along the underside portion, multiple tine-like, hair-like, or bristle-like extensions 70 that are used to absorb any of the wax, debris or other particles that are gently scraped or whisked by the user during application of the device 10 to the outer ear portion of the user. The multiple tine-like extensions, hair-like extensions, micro-bristles, fibers, or bristle-like extensions 70 (i.e. tines, micro-bristles, bristles or hair-like extensions) are generally thin, and sufficiently line the underside portion of the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 densely enough, so as to be able to collect, hold and/or retain any debris, moisture, dirt, particles or wax whisked from the outer ear portion 63 of the user during application of the device 10.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. In certain embodiments, each of the tine-like extensions 70 are separated by 1-3 millimeters of space. In other aspects or embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 are densely situated with less than 1 millimeter of space therebetween one or more neighboring tine-like extensions.

[0057] Shown in FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bulbous ends 15, 16 that includes multiple intertwined loop-like or wire-like extensions 14 comprising multiple tine-like extensions 70. The multiple tine-like extensions, hair-like extensions, micro-bristles, fibers, or bristle-like extensions 70 (i.e. tines, micro-bristles, fibers, bristles or hair-like extensions) are generally thin, and sufficiently line the underside portion 71 of the multiple intertwined wire-like loop extensions 14 densely enough, so as to be able to collect, hold and/or retain any debris, moisture, dirt, particles or wax whisked from the outer ear portion 63 of the user during application of the device 10.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. The tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. In certain embodiments, each of the tine-like extensions 70 are separated by 1-3 millimeters of space. In other aspects or embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 are densely situated with less than 1 millimeter of space therebetween one or more neighboring tine-like extensions.

[0059] Shown in FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of another disclosed embodiment of a portion of the bulbous ends 15, 16, that includes intertwined multiple loop-like or wire-like extensions 14 comprising multiple tine-like extensions 70. The multiple tine-like extensions, hair-like extensions, micro-bristles, fibers, or bristle-like extensions 70 (i.e. tines, micro-bristles, fibers, bristles or hair-like extensions) are generally thin, and sufficiently line both the underside portion 71 and outer top-edge portion 73 of the multiple intertwined, wire-like loop extensions 14 densely enough, so as to be able to collect, hold and/or retain any debris, moisture, dirt, particles or wax whisked from the outer ear portion 63 of the user during application of the device 10.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. The tine-like extensions 70 can range in length between approximately 1-3 mm in length. In certain embodiments, each of the tine-like extensions 70 are separated by 1-3 millimeters of space. In other aspects or embodiments, the tine-like extensions 70 are densely situated with less than 1 millimeter of space therebetween one or more neighboring tine-like extensions.

[0061] The ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 can be sterilized or cleaned using chemicals, disinfectants or other sterilizing techniques and can be re-used in certain embodiments. Silicone can withstand high and low temperatures and is resistant to tears or breakage. Therefore, it's considered more suitable as part of a zero waste product because users won't have to replace products made from it as quickly as, for example, products that are made out of plastic. In other disclosed embodiments, the ear cleaning device, tool or instrument 10 can be disposed of since the device is made of or comprised of green environmentally degradable materials. The device 10 in certain aspects or embodiments, comprises recyclable or biodegradable and environmentally friendly product(s) or material(s) for disposable use.

[0062] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0063] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term embodiment merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single embodiment or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0064] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b), which requires an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0065] Although specific example embodiments have been described, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0066] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term embodiment merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single embodiment or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0067] In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example embodiment.

[0068] Although preferred embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications may be affected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments, and that it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of this disclosure.