STRUCTURALLY ENHANCED ENVELOPE

Abstract

A structurally enhanced envelope includes a base, a cover coupled to the base via a hinge, and an interior space defined by the base and cover when in a closed configuration. The base and the cover can each include a panel and a wall extending away from the panel and that is positioned and extends along a perimeter of the panel. Additionally, the cover and base can be connected via a living hinge such that upon closing the living hinge, the cover is substantially aligned with the base with the interior space formed therebetween. Attachment mechanisms operable to couple the base and the cover can additionally, or alternatively, be included.

Claims

1. A structurally enhanced envelope, comprising: a base; a cover; a hinge connected between the base and the cover, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the base and the cover between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and an interior space defined by the base and the cover when in the closed configuration.

2. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a panel and at least one wall extending a distance away from the panel, the at least one wall being positioned and extending a perimeter of the panel.

3. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 2, wherein the cover comprises a panel and at least one wall extending a distance away from the panel, the at least one wall being positioned and extending a perimeter of the panel.

4. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 3, wherein the wall of the base and the wall of the cover each comprises a recess, wherein one of the recesses is an exterior recess and the other recess is an interior recess.

5. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein at least a portion of a first attachment mechanism of the one or more attachment mechanisms is positioned on the perimeter of the panel and a complementary portion of the first attachment mechanism is positioned on a complementary perimeter of the cover.

6. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms are operable to selectively couple the base and the cover through one or more of an interference fit or a press fit connection.

7. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise: one or more posts on the base or the cover; and one or more complementary recesses on the other of the base or the cover.

8. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 7, wherein at least one of the one or more posts comprises a stem and a bulbous head and at least one of the one more complementary recesses comprises a shelf configured to engage the bulbous head to lock the bulbous head in the complementary recess.

9. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, wherein the base or the cover comprises a perforated section, wherein the perforated section extends between two or more sides of the base or the cover, and wherein perforation of the perforated section permits access to the interior space

10. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.

11. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, wherein one or more of: the structurally enhanced envelope comprises a weight of less than or equal to about 13 ounces; the structurally enhanced envelope comprises a weight of less than or equal to about 4 ounces; the structurally enhanced envelope is between about 0.009-0.75 inches thick; the structurally enhanced envelope is between about 0.009-0.25 inches thick; a length of the base is between about 5-15 inches; a length of the base is between about 5-11.5 inches; a height of the base is between about 3.5-12 inches; or a height of the base is between about 3.5-6.125 inches.

12. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 11, wherein the structurally enhanced envelope comprises an aspect ratio of between about 1.3-2.5, the aspect ratio being calculated as the length of the base divided by the height of the base.

13. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 1, wherein the base and the cover comprise thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof.

14. A structurally enhanced envelope, comprising: a base; a cover, wherein the cover is sized and shaped to be complementary to the base; a living hinge coupled to first sides of the base and the cover such that upon closing the living hinge, the cover is substantially aligned with the base and forms an interior space therebetween; and one or more attachment mechanisms operable to couple one or more other sides of the base and the cover.

15. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 14, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise an interference fit.

16. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 14, wherein the base and the cover comprise quadrilaterals.

17. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 14, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise: one or more posts on the base or the cover; and one or more complementary recesses on the other of the base or the cover.

18. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 17, wherein at least one of the one or more posts comprises a stem and a bulbous head and at least one of the one more complementary recesses comprises a shelf configured to engage the bulbous head to lock the bulbous head in the complementary recess.

19. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 18, wherein one or more of: the bulbous head is configured to break or separate from the stem upon the application of a force applied to separate the base and the cover; or the stem is configured to break or separate from the base of the cover upon the application of a force applied to separate the base and the cover.

20. The structurally enhanced envelope as in claim 19, wherein the bulbous head in configured to be retained in the complementary recess after either the bulbous head is broken or separated from the stem or the stem is broken or separated from the base or the cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to describe the manner in which the above recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a structurally enhanced envelope in an open configuration;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrate an interior plan view of the structurally enhanced envelope of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrate an exterior plan view of the structurally enhanced envelope of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the structurally enhanced envelope of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structurally enhanced envelope of FIG. 4; and

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrate another perspective view of the structurally enhanced envelope of FIG. 1 in the opened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. Thus, while certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

Overview of Shipping Containers

[0018] Many distributors and online retailers service individual consumers. In some instances, the products purchased, which require shipping to the consumer, are small, lightweight, and/or fragile. Although many of these items could fit inside a traditional paper envelope and would qualify for shipping as a letter by many carriers, there is often not enough structural support to sufficiently protect these items during shipping and handling. To ensure that the products are received by the consumer in an acceptable state, most distributors and online retailers opt for packaging and shipping such items inside a protected container.

[0019] However, currently available shipping containers fall outside the requirements for letter post and are thereby processed as a parcel. For example, a conventional corrugated box cannot reasonably be made with a thin enough profile to meet the postal requirements of a letter. Similarly, bubble wrap envelopes, or similar, also either fall outside the postal requirements for a letter and cannot reasonably and/or functionally be made within them or do not provide sufficient protection for certain items. Distributors and online retailers are consequently forced to package and ship these items via Parcel Post instead of that as a letter.

[0020] Problematically, postage for shipping a parcel is almost universally more expensive than postage for shipping a letter. This raises the operational costs to the distributor and/or online retailer, or the cost may be passed on to the consumer who pays for the shipping. If a consumer is provided with a choice of purchasing the same product at a lower price or at a higher price, a reasonable consumer will inevitably choose the lower priced product. All else being equal, the distributor or online retailer who can reduce their shipping costs could be the beneficiary of a windfall of sales.

[0021] Thus, to remain competitive and/or to reduce overhead and operational costs, there is a need for a structurally enhanced envelope that can offer sufficient protection for small, lightweight, and/or fragile items while also meeting the postal requirements of a letter instead of a parcel.

Structurally Enhanced Envelopes

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure enable structurally enhanced envelopes that include a base, a cover that is coupled to the base via a hinge, and an interior space that is defined by the base and cover. In some embodiments, the structurally enhanced envelope is made of a durable thermosetting polymer, a thermoplastic (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyactic acid, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, etc.), an elastomer (e.g., polyisoprene, polybutadiene, nitrile rubbers, polycholorprene, etc.), a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic olefins, thermoplastic polyurethanes, etc.), silicone, or similar. In some embodiments the material is fiber reinforced (e.g., glass fibers, para-aramid synthetic fibers, etc.).

[0023] In some embodiments, the material used to make the envelope, or pieces thereof, renders the envelope rigid such that it can be characterized as nonmachinable, as that term is defined herein. For example, the envelope can be made from a thermosetting plastic and/or a thermoplastic that renders the envelope rigid. Additionally, or alternatively, the envelope may be nonmachinable for one or more other reasons. In an embodiment where the envelope can be characterized as nonmachinable, an indicia representing as much can be placed at or near an upper corner of the cover. For example, the indicia can be placed on the cover.

[0024] In some embodiments, the material used to make the envelope, or pieces thereof, renders the envelope flexible such that it can be bent around an 11 inch drum when subjected to a transport belt tension of less than or equal to about 40 pounds. For example, the envelope can be made from an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and/or silicone, rendering the envelope flexible. Additionally, in some embodiments, a paper label can be molded to the flexible material, whether during manufacturing of the flexible envelope or applied thereafter.

[0025] Regardless of flexibility or rigidity, structurally enhanced envelopes of the present disclosure include an interior space that is sized and shaped to accommodate one or more mailable items. Additionally, or alternatively, the overall dimensions of the structurally enhanced envelope may meet postal requirements for a letter, as defined by a postal carrier. In an embodiment, the envelope is made to comply with the postal requirements of a letter as defined by the United States Postal Service. For example, postal requirements of a letter can include envelopes that are one or more ofand in some embodiments all of: (i) greater than 5 inches in length, (ii) greater than 3.5 inches in height, (iii) greater than 0.007 inches thick (0.009 inches thick for envelopes more than 6 inches in length, more than 4.5 inches in height, or both), (iv) having an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of between about 1.3 to 2.5, (v) being less than about 13 ounces total shipping weight, (vi) being rectangular in shape with four corners and parallel opposite sides, and/or (vii) finished corners that do not exceed a radius of about 0.125 inches.

[0026] Structurally enhanced envelopes of the present disclosure include envelopes between about 0.009-0.75 inches thick, having a length between about 5-15 inches, a height between about 3.5-12 inches, and a mailing weight of less than about 13 ounces. As an additional example, the structurally enhanced envelope can be between about 0.009-0.25 inches thick, have a length between about 5-11.5 inches, a height between about 3.5-6.125 inches, and a mailing weight of less than about 4 ounces. In yet another example, the structurally enhanced envelope can be between about 0.009-0.25 inches thick, have a length between about 5-11.5 inches, a height between about 3.5-6.125 inches, and a mailing weight of less than about 3.5 ounces. Additionally, or alternatively, the structurally enhanced envelope can have an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of between about 1.3-2.5.

[0027] Illustratively, a structurally enhanced envelope of the present disclosure is about 7.5 inches in length, about 4.5 inches in height, and about 0.25 inches thick. In another embodiment, a structurally enhanced envelope of the present disclosure is about 5 inches in length, about 3.5 inches in height, and about 0.25 inches thick. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the dimensions of the structurally enhanced envelope can include any variation of length, height, and thickness that yield an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of greater than about 1, greater than or equal to about 1.1, greater than or equal to about 1.2, greater than or equal to about 1.3, greater than or equal to about 1.4, greater than or equal to about 1.5, greater than or equal to about 1.6, greater than or equal to about 1.7, greater than or equal to about 1.8, greater than or equal to about 1.9, greater than about 2.0, less than or equal to about 3.0, less than or equal to about 2.9, less than or equal to about 2.8, less than or equal to about 2.7, less than or equal to about 2.6, less than or equal to about 2.5, less than or equal to about 2.4, less than or equal to about 2.3, less than or equal to about 2.2, less than or equal to about 2.1, less than about 2.0, equal to about 2.0, or any range of aspect ratios selected from the foregoing lower and upper thresholds (e.g., between about 1-3, between about 1.2-2.7, between about 1.3-2.5, between about 1.5-2, between about 1.5-2.5, between about 1.7-2.3, between about 2-2.5, etc.).

[0028] Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an embodiment of a structurally enhanced envelope 100 that generally includes a base 102 and a cover 104 that are coupled to each other via a hinge 106. In some embodiments, the hinge 106 is a living hinge connected between the base 102 and the cover 104. A living hinge can be, for example, injection molded with the attached base 102 and cover 104 or it may be separately manufactured and coupled to the base 102 and cover 104 (e.g., by welding or via an adhesive).

[0029] In FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the structurally enhanced envelope 100 is shown in an open configuration, whereas FIGS. 4 and 5 show the structurally enhanced envelope 100 in a closed configuration. When the structurally enhanced envelope 100 is in the closed configuration, the base 102 and cover 104 cooperate to form an interior space 108 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 5. The interior space is sized and shaped to hold one or more mailable items, and additionally, in some embodiments, the overall dimensions of the envelope conform to postal requirements for a letter.

[0030] The base 102 can include a panel 110 and a wall 112 extending a distance away from the panel 110 and being positioned and extending along a perimeter of the panel 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 112 includes a recess 114 on an interior surface thereof. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the base 102 can also include one or more alignment features and/or connection features.

[0031] The cover 104 can be similar to the base 102 in many respects. For instance, the cover 104 can include a panel 116 and a wall 118 extending a distance away from the panel 116 and being positioned and extending along a perimeter of the panel 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 118 includes a recess 120 on an exterior surface thereof. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the cover 104 can also include one or more alignment features and/or connection features.

[0032] As noted above, the walls 112, 118 include respective recesses 114, 120. The recesses 114, 120 may be arranged so that the walls 112, 118 may at least partially overlap one another when the structurally enhanced envelop 100 is in the closed configuration. For instance, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the recesses 114, 120 allow for the wall 118 to partially nest or overlap the wall 114. While the illustrated embodiment includes an interior recess 114 on the base 102 and an exterior recess 120 on the cover 104, this is only exemplary. In other embodiments, the base 102 may include an exterior recess in its wall and the cover may include an interior recess on its wall. In still other embodiments, a portion of the base may have an interior recess and a portion may have an exterior recess. Likewise, a portion of the cover may have an exterior recess and a portion may have an interior recess. In yet other embodiments, one or both of the base or the cover may or may not include a recess in a wall thereof.

[0033] As mentioned, the envelope 100 may additionally include one or more alignment features and/or connection features. For the sake of convenience, the one or more alignment features and connection features can be referred to generally as attachment mechanisms. In some instances, the attachment mechanism may secure the base 102 and the cover 104 together in the closed configuration. In other instances, the attachment mechanisms may align the base 102 and the cover 104 with one another to facilitate closing the base 102 and the cover 104. In some cases, the attachment mechanisms may facilitate alignment and securement of the base 102 and the cover 104.

[0034] The illustrated the envelope 100 includes a plurality of attachment mechanisms 122, which are illustrated as complementary posts 122a and recesses 122b. The attachment mechanisms 122 can facilitate proper alignment of the cover 102 and the base 104 when the cover 102 and base 104 are moved to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 122 can also selectively secure the cover 102 and the base 104 in the closed. For instance, in some embodiments, the posts 122a illustrated in the Figures frictionally fit within the complementary recesses 122b and resist removal therefrom to at least temporarily secure the base 102 and the cover 104 in the closed configuration.

[0035] Additionally, or alternatively, the envelope 100 may include attachment mechanisms 124, which are also illustrated as complementary posts 124a and recesses 124b. The posts 124a of the attachment mechanisms 124 can include a stem 124a and a bulbous head 124a having a ridge or undercut. When the post 124a is inserted into a complementary recess 124b, the ridge or under locks the head 124a into place with an opposing shelf disposed in the complementary recess 124b. The locking of the bulbous head 124a in the recess 124b can at least temporarily secure the base 102 and the cover 104 in the closed configuration.

[0036] When the envelope 100 is to be opened, a force may be applied to separate the base 102 and the cover 104. Upon the application of such a force, the attachment mechanisms 124 may break, separate, or otherwise give way to allow the base 102 and the cover 104 to be opened. For instance, the heads 124a may break off or otherwise separate from the stems 124a. Alternatively, the stems 124a may break off or otherwise separate from the base 102. In either case, the attachment mechanisms 124 may allow for the selective opening of the envelope 100, as shown in FIG. 6. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the heads 124a (and optionally the stems 124a) may be retained in the recesses 124b.

[0037] The walls 112, 118 and the recesses 114, 120 thereof may also act as attachment mechanisms. For instance, the nesting or overlapping of the walls 112, 118 and recesses 114, 120 thereof can facilitate alignment of the base 102 and the cover 104. Additionally, the walls 112, 118 and recesses 114, 120 thereof can form a friction fit that resist opening of the base 102 and the cover 104.

[0038] It should be appreciated, however, that the attachment mechanisms shown in the Figures, including the size, shape, and placement of the posts and recesses, etc. are exemplary only, and in some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms can be any other attachment mechanism or combination of attachment mechanisms, as that term is defined and understood herein. Such attachment mechanism can also include mechanisms that allow for the base 102 and the cover 104 to be secured closed multiple times. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms may include child safety locks.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or both of the panels 110, 116, or one or more portions thereof, may be selectively associated with the base 102 or the cover 104. For instance, the panel 116 may be selectively secured (e.g., via a friction fit, snap fit, adhesive, welding, or the like) to the wall 118 to form the cover 106. Likewise, the panel 110 may be selectively secured (e.g., via a friction fit, snap fit, adhesive, welding, or the like) to the wall 112 to form the base 102. This may allow for different combinations of walls and panels to be chosen based on, for example, the products being shipped, the characteristics of the walls and/or panels (size, color, rigidity, etc.).

[0040] In some embodiments, one or both of the panels 110, 116, or one or more portions thereof may be selectively disassociated from the rest of the envelope 100. For instance, one or both of the panels 110, 116 may be disconnected from the associated wall 112, 118 to, for example, allow access to the interior space 108 of the envelope 100. In other embodiments, a portion of one or both of the panels 110, 116 may include a perforated section. The perforated section may extend between two or more sides of the panel. When present, perforation of the perforated section can permit access to the interior space 108. Preparation of the perforated section can be accomplished by any means known in the art, including, for example, by cutting with a sharp knife or by applying a disruptive force to the perforated section, causing mechanical failure of the uncut regions.

[0041] While the Figures illustrate the envelope 100 being configured to form a single generally rectangular interior space 108, such is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the interior space 108 may include a plurality of identifiable sections. For instance, the envelope 100 may include one or more partitions that divide the interior space 108 include smaller sections. In some embodiments, the partitions can be selectively placed in the envelope 100. In other embodiments, the partitions are connected to or integrally formed with the envelope 100 or portions thereof. For instance, one or both of panels 110, 116 may have one or more partitions connected thereto or integrally formed therewith. In some embodiments, the panels 110, 116 and associated partitions can be selectively changed out with other panels 110, 116 that have different partitions or no partitions at all.

[0042] At least some of the interior surfaces of the envelope 100 may also be formed or covered with a protective layer. In some embodiments, the protective layer may be designed to provide cushioning or other protection to the items packaged in the envelope 100. In some embodiments, the protective layer may be a material (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) that is over-molded on one or more of the panels 110, 116, walls 112, 118, or partitions. In other embodiments, the protective layer may include inserts (e.g., foam, air pillows, paper, etc.) that can be selectively placed inside of the envelope 100.

Abbreviated List of Defined Terms

[0043] To assist in understanding the scope and content of the foregoing and forthcoming written description and appended claims, a select few terms are defined directly below.

[0044] The term attachment mechanism as used herein includes any device in one or more pieces that may be used to attach two or more components or to attach one component to another component. The term attach and/or attachment may refer to its common dictionary definition where appropriate, but it may contextually refer to particular acts of connecting, associating, affixing, fastening, sticking, closing, joining, or any combination of the foregoing that cause an object to be fixedly or selectively proximate another object. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may be an integral part of a component, whereas in other embodiments, the attachment mechanism may be separate or composed of two complementary parts.

[0045] An attachment mechanism is to be understood to have any number of movable and/or fixed parts, any of which may be singularly or in combination with one or more components interact to facilitate attachment. As non-limiting examples, an attachment mechanism may include a mechanism for attaching components using one or moreor a combination ofchemical adhesives (e.g., an epoxy and/or other thermosetting adhesives, glue, cement, paste, tape and/or other pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc.), mechanical fasteners (e.g., pins, latches, clips, rivets, screws, clamps, buckles, tenon and mortise pairs, etc.), sliding locks, lock and channel, magnets, vacuums (e.g., suction cups, etc.), and/or interference fittings (e.g., press fittings, friction fittings, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, an attachment mechanism may include any material or element resulting from physically attaching two or more components by crimping, welding (e.g., plastic or metal welding), and/or soldering.

[0046] The term mailable item includes any item that can be transported via a mail carrier, such as the United States Postal Service, as a letter or flat. Such mailable items include, but are not limited to, letters or flats containing flat or thin items such as printed correspondence, pamphlets, photographs, posters, artwork (e.g., paintings, drawings, sketches, etc.), mementos, coins, slim packaged food products (e.g., fish food, amphibian food, etc.), small electronic devices or computer components (e.g., subscriber identification module (SIM) cards, circuit board, central processing unit (CPU), etc.), playing cards, keys, and similar.

[0047] As used herein, the term nonmachinable envelope or non machinable letter includes any envelope and/or letter that includes one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the envelope has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5; (ii) the envelope is polybagged, polywrapped, enclosed in any plastic material, or has an exterior surface made of a material that is not paper; of note, in some implementations, windows in envelopes made of paper do not make mailable items nonmachinable; (iii) the envelope has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices on an outer surface of the envelope; (iv) the envelope contains items that cause the thickness of the envelope to be uneven; loose items may additionally cause a letter to be nonmailable when mailed in paper envelopes; (v) the envelope is too rigid (e.g., the envelope does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn); (vi) the envelope is more than 4 inches in height or 6 inches in length, and the thickness is less than 0.009 inches; or (vii) the envelope has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the envelope.

[0048] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0049] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments or implementations, which are exemplary in nature. As used herein, the term exemplary means serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an implementation of the present disclosure or invention includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description.

[0050] As used throughout this application the words can and may are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms including, having, involving, containing, characterized by, as well as variants thereof (e.g., includes, has, involves, contains, etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including within the claims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word comprising and variants thereof (e.g., comprise and comprises), and do not exclude additional un-recited elements or method steps, illustratively.

[0051] It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a singular referent (e.g., widget) includes one, two, or more referents. Similarly, reference to a plurality of referents should be interpreted as comprising a single referent and/or a plurality of referents unless the content and/or context clearly dictate otherwise. For example, reference to referents in the plural form (e.g., widgets) does not necessarily require a plurality of such referents. Instead, it will be appreciated that independent of the inferred number of referents, one or more referents are contemplated herein unless stated otherwise.

[0052] As used herein, directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, upper, lower, proximal, distal and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and/or claimed invention.

[0053] To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals (i.e., like numbering of components and/or elements) have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, like structures, or structures with like functions, will be provided with similar reference designations, where possible. Specific language will be used herein to describe the exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Rather, it is to be understood that the language used to describe the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure (unless such language is expressly described herein as essential).

[0054] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0055] Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated by describing components that are bound, coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms bound, coupled, secured, attached, connected, and/or joined are used to indicate either a direct association between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect association with one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being directly bound, directly coupled, directly attached, directly connected, and/or directly joined to another component, no intervening elements are present or contemplated. Furthermore, binding, coupling, attaching, connecting, and/or joining can comprise mechanical and/or chemical association.

CONCLUSION

[0056] Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

[0057] It will also be appreciated that systems, devices, products, kits, methods, and/or processes, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties, features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0059] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods, products, devices, and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.