ADJUSTABLE FIN RETENTION SYSTEM AND FIN CARRIAGES

Abstract

Provided herein are fin retention systems adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a fin carrier, and an end cap, wherein the fin retention system is adapted for movement in a generally for-and-aft direction, side to side angular rotation directional motion, and/or planar angle rotation directional motion.

Claims

1. A fin retention system adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising: a board housing comprising an elongated cavity and configured to attach to the waterboard; a fin housing comprising an elongated cavity configured to be releasably inserted within the elongated cavity of the board housing, the fin housing further comprising a plurality of inner grooves; and a fin carriage configured to releaseably attach and secure the base of the fin, and wherein the fin carriage further comprises an outer ridge; wherein the fin housing is secured to the board housing by an end cap, the positioning of the end cap enabling a for-and-aft movement of the fin housing within the board housing; and wherein the fin carriage is configured to slide into the cavity of the fin housing, the outer ridge of the fin carriage aligning with one of the plurality of inner groves, the sliding angle providing a cant in the fin attached to the waterboard.

2. A fin retention system adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising: a board housing comprising an elongated cavity and configured to attach to the waterboard; a fin carriage configured to releasably attach and secure the base of the fin, and further configured to be inserted within the elongated cavity of the board housing; and wherein the fin carriage is secured to the board housing by an end cap, the positioning of the end cap enabling a for-and-aft movement of the fin carriage within the board housing.

3. A fin retention system adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising a board housing, a fin housing, a fin carrier, and an end cap, wherein the fin retention system is adapted for movement in a generally for-and-aft direction, side to side angular rotation directional motion, and/or planar angle rotation directional motion.

4. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the waterboard is selected from the group comprising of: surfboard, paddleboard, skurfing board, windsurfing board, bodyboard, and kite surfing board.

5. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the board housing is adapted to glass into the waterboard.

6. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the outer carrier further comprises two threaded inserts.

7. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin housing and/or fin carriage is adapted to rotate in plane to adjust to desired toe in/toe out.

8. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin housing comprises grub screws that allows adjustment and lock down of the fin carriage.

9. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin carriage is adapted to axially rotate to adjust fin angles.

10. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin carriage is further adaptable to slide fore and aft within the fin housing and/or board housing.

11. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin is locked into the fin carriage by grub screws.

12. The fin retention system of claim 1, wherein the fin carriage comprises a cusp feature that allows for tightening at variable angles.

13. A fin carriage adapted to configured to releaseably attach and secure the base of the fin, and wherein the fin carriage is configured to slide into a board housing attached to a waterboard.

14. The fin carriage of claim 13, further comprising a fin housing having an elongated cavity, and wherein the fin carriage is configured to slide into the cavity of the fin housing.

15. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the waterboard is selected from the group comprising of: surfboard, paddleboard, skurfing board, windsurfing board, bodyboard, and kite surfing board.

16. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the fin housing and/or fin carriage is adapted to rotate in plane to adjust to desired toe in/toe out.

17. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the fin housing comprises grub screws that allows adjustment and lock down of the fin carriage.

18. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the fin carriage is adapted to axially rotate to adjust fin angles.

19. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the fin carriage is further adaptable to slide fore and aft within the fin housing and/or board housing.

20. The fin carriage of claim 13, wherein the fin is locked into the fin carriage by grub screws.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 2 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein, providing an isometric view of primary components.

[0017] FIG. 3 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein, providing an isometric view of fastening components.

[0018] FIG. 4 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the outer carrier component of the fin retention system.

[0019] FIG. 5 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the inner carrier component of the fin retention system.

[0020] FIG. 6 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the fin carrier component of the fin retention system.

[0021] FIG. 7 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the end cap component of the fin retention system.

[0022] FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein (2D assembly).

[0023] FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein (1D assembly).

[0024] FIG. 10 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the housing parts of the fin retention system.

[0025] FIG. 11 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the fin carriage parts od the fin retention system.

[0026] FIG. 12 depicts, in accordance with embodiments herein, the grooves in the internal fin carrier or fin housing.

[0027] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein (1D assembly).

[0028] FIGS. 14A and 14B depict one embodiment of the fin retention system disclosed herein (2D assembly).

[0029] FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of the 1D carriage center for FCS fins.

[0030] FIG. 16 depicts one embodiment of the 1D carriage center for future fins.

[0031] FIG. 17 depicts one embodiment of the 2D carriage for FCS fins.

[0032] FIG. 18 depicts one embodiment of the 2D carriage for future fins.

[0033] FIG. 19 depicts one embodiment of the 2D board housing.

[0034] FIG. 20 depicts one embodiment of the 1D housing center.

[0035] FIG. 21 depicts one embodiment of the 2D fin housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In accordance with the various embodiments provided herein, provided herein is an adjustable surfboard and stand-up paddleboard fin retention system. Once installed, the system provides retention of standard fin designs and further while allowing adjustability to the orientation of the fin(s) relative to the surfboard and or stand-up paddleboard.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the fin retention system disclosed herein is installed into a waterboard, it provides the ability for surfers to easily adjust side fins in waterboards (surfboards, stand-up paddleboards etc) in three critical orientationsforward and aft orientation, vertical angle orientation, and planar angle orientation. In one embodiment, the purpose of the system disclosed herein is to enhance the ability of the surfer by enhancing the performance capabilities of the surfboard and stand-up paddleboard. Of prime consideration is ease of use by the surfer.

[0038] More importantly, the fin retention system disclosed herein enables the use of different fin carriages with the same fin box installed into the waterboard. This allows for interchangeability of different fins, even where these fins are from different manufacturers.

[0039] In one embodiment, disclosed herein is a fin retention system adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a fin carrier, and an end cap, wherein the fin retention system is adapted for movement in a generally for-and-aft direction, side to side angular rotation directional motion, and/or planar angle rotation directional motion. In one embodiment, the waterboard is selected from the group comprising of: surfboard, paddleboard, skurfing board, windsurfing board, bodyboard, and kite surfing board. In one embodiment, the outer carrier is adapted to glass into the waterboard. In one embodiment, the outer carrier further comprises two threaded inserts. In one embodiment, the inner carrier is adapted to rotate in plane to adjust to desired toe in/toe out. In one embodiment, the inner housing once mated to the end cap has two cap screws which then hold it all down. In one embodiment, the inner carrier by itself only has the forward cap screw. In one embodiment, the inner carrier further comprises two set screws that allow adjustment and lock down of the fin carrier. In one embodiment, the fin carrier is adapted to axially rotate to adjust fin angles. In one embodiment, the fin carrier is further adaptable to slide fore and aft within the inner carrier. In one embodiment, the fin is locked into the fin carrier by grub screws. In one embodiment, the fin carrier comprises a cusp feature that allows for tightening at variable angles.

[0040] In one embodiment, disclosed herein is a waterboard fin retention system adapted to releaseably attach a fin to a waterboard, comprising: an outer carrier adapted to glass into the waterboard; an inner carrier adapted to rotate in plane to adjust to desired toe in/out; a fin carrier adapted to axially rotate to adjust fin angles; and an end cap. In one embodiment, the waterboard is a surfboard. In one embodiment, the waterboard is a stand-up paddleboard. In one embodiment, the system is adapted for movement in a generally fore-and-aft direction. In one embodiment, the system is adapted for movement in a generally side to side vertical angular direction. In one embodiment, the system is adapted for movement in a generally planar horizontal angular direction. In one embodiment, the outer carrier further comprises two threaded inserts and/or two fastener inserts. In one embodiment, the inner carrier further comprises two setscrews that allow adjustment and lock down of the fin carrier. In one embodiment, the fin carrier is further adaptable to slide fore and aft within the inner carrier. In one embodiment, the fin is locked in the fin carrier by grub screws. In one embodiment, the fin carrier comprises a cusp feature that allows for tightening at variable angles.

[0041] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the drawings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 provides a view of the fin retention system 100 with accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the fin retention system 100 is a 3-axis adjustable fin retention system 100 that allows user-controlled movement of the fins 102 after installation o. In one embodiment, the movement may be fore and aft movement of up to half inch. In another embodiment, the movement may be side to side (vertical) angular movement. The angular movement is preferably in increments of +/1 degree, +/2 degrees, +/3 degrees, +/4 degrees, +/5 degrees, +/6 degrees, +/7 degrees, +/8 degrees, +/9 degrees, and/or +/10 degrees per side. In another embodiment, the movement may be planar (horizontal) angle rotation movement of up to and in increments of 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, and/or 10 degrees. In one embodiment, all adjustments and locking are done by using a standard surf key. In one embodiment, a non-biased base can be used on either side of the board. The various lengths and angles disclosed herein provide some examples in which the fin retention system is adapted for movement. As would be clear to a skilled artisan in the art, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific lengths and angles disclosed hereinvariation in the lengths, angles, and other components are permissible without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the fin retention system 100 disclosed herein comprises the following componentsan outer carrier or board housing 202, an inner carrier or fin housing 204, a fin carrier or fin carriage 206, and optionally an end cap 208. Throughout this disclosure, the terms outer carrier and board housing are used interchangeably. Throughout this disclosure, the terms inner carrier and fin housing are used interchangeably. Throughout this disclosure, the terms fin carrier and fin carriage are used interchangeably. In some instances, the fin housing 204 is optional, in which case the fin carrier may directly slide into the board housing (FIG. 9).

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the fin retention system 100 disclosed herein comprises the following fastening componentsa forward cap screw 302, an aft cap screw 304, two inner carrier grub screws 306, two inner carriers to end cap shear pins 308, and a fin grub screw 310.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the outer carrier 202 may further comprise two permanently attached threaded fastener inserts 210 pressed into the outer carrier 202. The outer carrier 202 may be adhesively installed (glassed) into a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard. The outer carrier 202 is specifically designed to be installed in a manner consistent with existing surf industry fin retention device installation methods; typically, a routing template and a specifically sized router bit are utilized. No additional special tools and or equipment are necessary. The outer carrier 202, once installed, allows the remaining fin retention components, such as for example, the inner carrier 204, the fin carrier 206, and the end cap 208, to be assembled and releaseably attach into the outer carrier 202.

[0045] The board housing or outer carrier 202 may be glassed into a surfboard in various quantities and configurations depending on the number of fins desired. Usually one, two, three, four, or five board housings may be installed in the surfboard. The number of fins and its configuration may be varied depending on the user experience and the type of surf/wave. Tri-fins (3 fins) and Quads (4 fins) are most commonly used in surfing. A five-fin configuration may also be used, although users may choose to not use all five fins at the same time. Installing five board housings would allow a user to mix and match fins, for example to tri-fins or quads, depending on their preference and the surf conditions. It is contemplated that a user would glass their preferred number of board housing or outer carrier 202 into the surfboard.

[0046] FIGS. 5, 8, and 9, further elaborate various embodiments of the inner carrier (fin housing) and the fin carrier (fin carriage). As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the inner carrier 204 further comprises two grub screws 306. In one embodiment, the inner carrier 204 serves four functions. The first function is to house the fin carrier 206. The second function is that, once placed into the outer carrier 202, the inner carrier 204 provides the horizontal adjustment sweep capabilities. The forward cap screw 302 location common to the outer carrier 202 and the inner carrier 204, that is the threaded insert 212 of the outer carrier 202 and the cap screw 302 of the inner carrier 204, provides the pivot axis and location for this function. The third function is to utilize the two grub screws 306 to adjust and lock the fin in the fin carrier 206 into the desired orientation. The fourth function is to align and then capture the end cap 208, via two internal shear pins 308, which, once inserted into the inner carrier 204 and end cap 208, allows for final retention, tightening and alignment in the horizontal orientation. In one embodiment, retention is accomplished using standard cap headed screwsone through the inner carrier 204 into the outer carrier 202 forward insert and one through the end cap 208 fitting into outer carrier 202 aft insert.

[0047] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another illustration of the various components of the fin retention system 100. The inventor contemplates at least two different embodiments of fin carriers 206 that can be housed in the fin housing 204. The fin, either a Future fin or a FCS fin, may be installed into the fin carrier 206 by simply pushing it down. Upon such installation, the fin carrier, optionally together with the fin, is slided into the fin housing 204. The fin housing is then pushed down into the board housing. One or more of the fastening components (a forward cap screw 302, an aft cap screw 304, inner carrier grub screws 306, two inner carriers to end cap shear pins 308, and a fin grub screw 310) are then tightened before use in surfing.

[0048] Furthermore, the fin retention system disclosed herein enables the fin to be installed at an angle or cant. Fin Cant is the degree of outward angle a fin has in relation to the bottom of your surfboard. If a fin has zero cant, then it is positioned at a right angle to the board. To enhance rider-to-board connectivity and responsiveness, especially through turns, surfers usually prefer canted fins. On the other hand, the less cant a fin has the more drive and acceleration the board will have. The fin housing 204 disclosed herein have inner grooves or rails (FIG. 12), such that the fin carriage 206, having a ridge on the outside, may be slided in at different predetermined angles or cants. The cant settings may be adjusted by the user. Preferably the grooves in the fin housing 204 have cant settings of 0 degree and/or in increments of 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees. The ridge of the fin carriage fits into the groove (or rail) of the fin housing firmly, creating a tight, solid seam, reducing (or in some cases, eliminating) the need for additional screws. Alternatively, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that outside of the fin carriage 206 will have grooves/rails that fits into ridges present in the inside of the fin housing 204. The rails/grooves/ridges allow the fin carriage 206 to slide in symmetrically along the centerline of the board in predetermined set angles. As discussed earlier the predetermined set angles are in in increments of 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the fin carrier 206 further comprises a fin locking mechanism. Depending on the type of fin locking mechanism, the fin carrier 206 may further comprise one, two, or more grub screw(s) 310. In one embodiment, the exact number of grub screws 310 used is based on the specific manufactured fin style to be desired by the user. The fin carrier 206 is intended be made in multiple configurations to accommodate multiple fin locking styles. In one embodiment, the fin carrier 206 serves three functions. The first function is to provide locking capability for the desired fin style, utilizing the attached grub screw(s) 310. The second and third functions are to provide two orientation adjustments and their respective retentions. One adjustment is for the forward and aft placement of the fin carrier 206 while contained within the inner carrier 204. Movements in -inch increments are possible and are provided for by the angled cusp features 212 located on both sides of the fin carrier 206. The second adjustment is for vertical angularity of the fin 102. In one embodiment, the cusp features 212 on the sides of the fin carrier 206 allow interface between the grubs screws 306 contained in the inner carrier 204. Angular adjustments are accomplished by adjusting the depths of the two grub screws 306 contained in the inner carrier 204. User visual reference for forward and aft movement of the fin carrier 206 is provided by small holes spaced at -inch increments in the top of the carrier. Visual references for desired fin 102 angularity are also provided by small holes placed into the sides of the fin carrier 206. Reference spacing of one-degree increments are provided.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7, the end cap 208 provides two functions. First is to mate via two small shear pins 308 to the inner carrier 204. Once mated, the inner carrier 204 and the end cap 208 act as a single entity to provide vertical rigidity and retention for the fin retention system 100. The second function is achieved through the use of the slotted feature within the end cap 208. This feature allows for horizontal sweep adjustability of the end cap 208. Final capture is achieved by tightening of the aft cap screw 304 within the end cap 208, which threads into the threaded insert 210 located within the outer carrier 202.

[0051] In one embodiment, and as discussed throughout the disclosure, the fin retention system 100 disclosed herein, provides the ability for surfers to easily adjust fins on waterboards (such as surfboards and stand-up paddleboards) in at least three critical orientations. In one embodiment, in the forward and aft orientation, a total adjustment of a inch is possible. Movement is allowed in -inch increments. Adjustment is visually notable to the user by indicators built into the fin carrier 206 (FIG. 6). In the vertical angle orientation, 3 degrees of angle per each side (total of 6 degrees) per side is possible. Visual guides built into the fin carrier 206 are available in 1 degree increments for user reference (FIG. 6). In the planar angle orientation, a total sweep of 3 degrees is possible. Degree orientations between zero and three, per side are possible. Visual guides built into the end fitting (FIG. 7) are available in 1 degree increments for user reference.

[0052] In one embodiment, the instant fin retention system 100 disclosed herein provides the surfer with the ability for two important user-friendly features: retention hardware commonality and fin insertion style flexibility. All fin orientation adjustments are performed by the loosening/tightening of a minimal number of fasteners. All fasteners used in this invention utilize the 3/32 hex surf key (Allen Key) typically carried by all surfers. It is the only tool required to make adjustments.

[0053] In one embodiment, one feature of the fin retention system 100 disclosed herein is the ability to easily remove and replace the internal fin carrier 206 or fin housing 206 (FIG. 6). Depending on manufacture and surfer fin preferences, the internal fin carrier or fin housing 206 would accommodate multiple fin insertion styles. This provides the surfer with almost unlimited fin selection.

Installation and Use

[0054] The installation instructions for the fin retention system shown in FIG. 13A are as follows:

[0055] Step 1: Insert fins into carriages (item 206). Lightly hand tighten set screws (item 310)

[0056] Step 2: Insert desired fin carriage assembly (item 206) into board housing (item 202) utilizing carriage tabs and fin housing slots. Rotate downward till flush. Position carriage (item 206) to desired forward or aft position

[0057] Step 3: Hand tighten low-head cap screw into board housing (item 304) into threaded insert (item 210) located in board housing (item 210) securing carriage (item 206)

[0058] The installation instructions for the fin retention system shown in FIG. 14A are as follows:

[0059] Step 1: Insert fins into carriages (item 206). Lightly hand tighten set screws (item 310). Item 310 can be swapped between Futures short or long base (upper-short/lower-long).

[0060] Step 2: Insert desired fin carriage assembly (item 206) into fin housing (item 204). Fin cant angle is chosen at this step. Note: Forward and aft positioning of items 206 can be done at this step or at step 3

[0061] Step 3: Insert fin housing (item 204) into board housing (item 202) utilizing fin housing tabs and the board housing slots. Rotate downward till flush. Note: With carriage assemblies (item 206) positioned in desired forward or aft locations, hand tighten fin housing screws (item 306) Note: With fin housing (item 204) flush to board housing (item 202) hand tighten aft set screw (item 304) to secure fin housing (item 204).

[0062] The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carryout the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. A variety of advantageous and disadvantageous alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, or several advantageous features, while others specifically exclude one, another, or several disadvantageous features, while still others specifically mitigate a present disadvantageous feature by inclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.

[0063] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various elements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein. Among the various elements, features, and steps, some will be specifically included, and others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

[0064] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

[0065] Many variations and alternative elements have been disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. Still further variations and alternate elements will be apparent to one of skill in the art. Various embodiments of the invention can specifically include or exclude any of these variations or elements. The disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. For example, is contemplated that various embodiments set forth herein may be combined together and/or separated into additional embodiments where appropriate.

[0066] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities, such as length, angles, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term about. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0067] In some embodiments, the terms a, an, and the and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the invention (especially in the context of certain of the following claims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. such as) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0068] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans can employ such variations as appropriate, and the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of this invention include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0069] Furthermore, if references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification, then each such cited references and printed publications are herein individually incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0070] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that can be employed can be within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to that precisely as shown and described. Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.