APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SECURING A BELT USED IN MARTIAL ARTS AND OTHER COMBATIVE SPORTS

Abstract

An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for releasably securing sections of fabric forming a belt around a user, and in particular a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative activities. The apparatus has an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than a width, divided by a first section and a second section between its end, and thereby having four surface sections. The surface sections can be configured with fastening hooks or receiving loops, or be smooth, to provide fastening surfaces, receiving surfaces, and non-fastening/receiving surfaces. In use the strip of material is looped between and around layers of a belt tied with a knot such that a first fastening surface contacts and adheres to at least a portion of an opposing receiving surface to secure the strip of material in a loop around the layers of the belt in the area of the knot to prevent unraveling during an activity.

Claims

1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

6. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

10. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of said smooth surfaces comprises a soft or plush surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said smooth surfaces comprises a soft or plush surface.

16. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

21. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0013] The technology described herein will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view of an embodiment of a belt securing apparatus of the present description.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken through line 3-3.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top plan schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top plan schematic view of a second alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip and a tail end piece.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top plan schematic view of a third alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tip and that has a tapered shape and rounded distal end.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tip that has a square shape.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the belt securing apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front left side showing an example of how the device can be installed on a belt and how the receiving and fastening sections of the apparatus can be coupled together to secure the belt.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of placement of a belt securing apparatus on each side of the knot of a belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes several embodiments of a securing apparatus for belts for martial arts and other combative sports uniforms of the present description are depicted generally in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates how a belt securing apparatus as described herein can be configured for securing a belt according to an embodiment of the presented technology. FIG. 9 shows a belt secured around the waist or torso of a user with a conventional knot wherein the apparatus is placed on each side of the knot to secure the belt and prevent unraveling according to an embodiment of the presented technology. It will be appreciated that the methods may vary as to the specific steps and sequence and that the apparatus may vary as to structural details without departing from the technology disclosed herein. The method steps are merely exemplary of the order that these steps may occur. The steps may occur in any order that is desired, such that it still performs the intended function of the presented technology.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, in a non-limiting preferred embodiment a belt securing apparatus 10 generally comprises a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section 12 and a second section 14 between the first and second ends. The two sections 12, 14 are configured with hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro or similar planar fasteners) placed on at least some of the surfaces.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the top surface 16a of the first section 12 comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the top surface 18a of the second section 14 comprises a substantially smooth surface that is preferably soft or plush, the bottom surface 16b of the first section 12 comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface that is beneath the first fastening surface so that fastening surfaces are on opposite sides of the strip, and the bottom surface 18b of the second section 14 comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

[0026] In a variation of the above embodiment (not shown), instead of being smooth the top surface 18a of the second section 14 can also comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has top and bottom fastening surfaces 16a, 16b and the second section 14 has top and bottom receiving surfaces 18a, 18b.

[0027] In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16a of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the top surface 18a of the second section 14 can be smooth, the bottom surface 16a of the first section 12 can be smooth, and the bottom surface 18b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface. In this embodiment, there is a single fastening surface 16a and a single receiving surface 18b in different sections on opposite sides of the strip.

[0028] In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16a of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the bottom surface 16b of the first section 12 can be smooth, the bottom surface 18b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and the top surface 18a of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has a single fastening surface 16a and the second section 14 has top 18a and bottom 18b receiving surfaces.

[0029] In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16a of the first section 12 can be smooth, the top surface 18a of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, the bottom surface 16b of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and the bottom surface 18b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has a single fastening surface 16a and the second section 14 has top 18a and bottom 18b receiving surfaces.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the terms top surface and bottom surface are used herein as relational terms herein and not to denote components or characteristics of the apparatus. For example, the terms upper surface and lower surface or first surface and second surface are synonymous with top surface and bottom surface, respectively.

[0031] It will also be appreciated that the terms first section and second section are used herein as relational terms as well, and that either section can be a first section with the other section being a second section.

[0032] It will further be appreciated that the relative position of the section carrying a hook fastener and the section carrying a loop fastener can be either proximal or distal in strip of material depending on the end that is used as the origin. It will also be appreciated that the terms proximal and distal as used herein are relational terms and can interchanged based on the point of origin.

[0033] It will also be appreciated that there are four surfaces that can be patterned with either loops or hooks (two on first section 12 and two on second section 14). The preferred embodiment, however, is a dual hook-patterned fastening section 12 and a single loop-patterned receiving section 14.

[0034] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, both surfaces 16a and 16b of first (fastening) section 12 comprise an outwardly-facing hook-patterned material to form dual fastening surfaces. This configuration promotes attachment of either surface 16a or 16b with the loop-patterned surface 18b of second (receiving) section 14 even if the body of material is twisted.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, surface 18a of second (receiving) section 14 in this embodiment does not comprise any loop-patterned material so as to form a substantially flat and smooth surface. Preferably, surface 18a comprises a soft or plush otherwise non-abrasive material or fabric. This may be formed from the backing of the loop material of surface 18b itself, or by a separate layer (not shown) of soft non-hook or loop (e.g., flat surface) material that is sewn or otherwise attached (e.g. adhesive) to the back side of the second section 14. In another embodiment (not shown), the positions of the loop and plain surfaces of second section 14 can be reversed.

[0036] In one embodiment, first section 12 and second section 14 comprise respective lengths of hook and loop material that are sewn together or otherwise attached to form a seam at junction 15, with their sides oriented to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a and 18b.

[0037] In another embodiment, a solid, soft backing material or fabric (not shown) can be used as substrate that runs along the length of the sections 12, 14, and respective segments of the hook and loop material can be oriented and attached (e.g. sewn, adhesive, etc.) to the substrate material to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a and 18b.

[0038] Refer now to the length (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) and width (W) notations in FIG. 1.

[0039] While the belt restraining and securing apparatus 10 may comprise a number of sizing configurations, in one embodiment the preferred length L.sub.1 of section 12 is approximately 3 inches and the preferred length L.sub.2 of section 14 is approximately 5 inches to form a strip of a total of approximately 9 inches in length. The preferred width W of the apparatus ranges from approximately inches to approximately inches and more preferably approximately inches. However, it will be understood that these preferred dimensions are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0040] A child or junior sized belt restraining and securing apparatus may have a preferred length L.sub.1 of section 12 of approximately 3 inches and the preferred length L.sub.2 of section 14 of approximately 4 inches to form a strip of a total of approximately 8 inches in length. As with the adult-sized apparatus, the preferred width W ranges from approximately inches to approximately inches and more preferably approximately inches. Here also it will be understood that these preferred dimensions are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0041] While the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 are shown to comprise a generally elongate rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that any number of shapes and sizes can be used for the apparatus. For example, the corners of the apparatus may be rounded. Alternatively, or in combination with such rounding, a portion of the apparatus body may be tapered along a portion of its length or at an end.

[0042] As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 4 through FIG. 7, a tab or otherwise reinforced segment 20 may be located at an end of the apparatus to allow for ease of removal or separation of the hook and loop material to release the apparatus from its secured state (see e.g., FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the tab 20 can comprise a stitched base material so that no additional material for the tab is provided. The end tab 20 may be tapered, rounded, or square so that it can be easily grasped by the thumb and forefinger to attach or separate the sections of the apparatus by the user. The material of tab 20 may be sewn cloth, rubber, vinyl, leather, plastic or other material that provides a location to grip the apparatus and position or separate the fastening and receiving surfaces but does not attach to the hook or loop material. The tab 20 also helps to avoid fraying, curling or separation of the ends of the apparatus from repeated attachments and release of the hook and loop fasteners over time.

[0043] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the tab 20 comprises a flexible material stitched onto the base material or simply reinforcing stitching in the base material so that no additional material for the tab is provided. The embodiment of FIG. 5 not only comprises a distal tab 20 but also comprises a proximal tab 22 of a material that does not couple to the hook or loop sections. The proximal tab 22 in this embodiment provides a similar end fraying avoidance function to that of the distal tab 20 and is preferably smaller is size than the distal tab 20. The distal tab 20 and proximal tab 22 are preferably flexible and resilient. In one embodiment, the distal tab 20 and/or proximal tab 22 comprise reinforcing stitching in the base material so that no additional material for the respective tab is provided.

[0044] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tab 20 is formed from a ridged rubber material or the like. The rigid tab provides the user with tab surfaces to grip and pull to separate the fastening and receiving portions of the strip or to align the fastening and receiving portions while securing the belt.

[0045] Refer now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. A belt of the type described herein is normally worn by wrapping it around the user's body twice and tying a knot in the belt. The result is that there will be two layers of belt material circumscribing the user's body and a third layer dangling as tails on each side of the knot. A first layer 26 is closest to the waist/torso of the user. A second layer 28 is adjacent to and outward from the first layer. Both the first and second layers are held tight or semi-tight around the waist/torso when the knot is tied. The third layer 30 is formed by the remaining tails of the belt on each side of the knot 34 that are outward from the second layer, and which are unrestrained and can flop around.

[0046] In one embodiment, to secure the belt the user first orients the apparatus with the hook surface 16b and loop surface 18b facing away from the user and with the distal end (the end with tab 20) oriented upward. Next the user inserts the proximal end and a portion of the apparatus downward between the first 26 and second 28 layers of the belt. The user then takes the distal end, loops the distal end and a portion of the apparatus over the outward facing portion of third layer 30 (belt tail), and loops the distal end below the third, second and first layers and upward behind the first layer (between the backside of the first layer and the user's body) so that the smooth soft surface 18a is closest to the waist/torso of the user. Finally, the user takes the distal end and loops the apparatus back on itself away from the user and above the first, second and third layers such that the hook material surface 16a is received on secured to the soft loop material surface 18b and the tab 20 faces outward. Once attached, a loop is formed that holds the belt in place and prevents or inhibits the belt 24 unraveling during activity. Only the smooth soft surface 18a is exposed (all hook material 16a, 16b and loop material 18b is secured inward) so as not to create a rough or catching surface/texture that could be bothersome to the user.

[0047] It will be appreciated that FIG. 8 illustrates how the apparatus would be used when a belt is wrapped around the user's torso twice as is customary. However, the apparatus can also be used when the belt encircles the user's torso only once. In that configuration (e.g., where third layer 30 is not present and second layer 28 comprises the belt tail, the apparatus would be inserted between those two layers and looped around the layers of the belt as described. The apparatus can similarly be used when there are additional layers. Accordingly, the apparatus is suitable for use with a belt that encircles the user's torso one or more times.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the apparatus can be used to releasably secure a section of a combative sports uniform cloth belt 24 of a user in accordance with the present description. Preferably a pair of the apparatus are used to loop around the belt at desired locations on either side of the knot 34 to keep an area between the free ends 32 and the knot 28 secure, thereby preventing the knot 34 from loosening and the belt 24 from unraveling during activity. It will be appreciated that a pair of the apparatus are shown and described but any number can alternatively be used to carry out the securing method described above.

[0049] From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0050] 1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

[0051] 2. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

[0052] 3. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

[0053] 4. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

[0054] 5. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

[0055] 6. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip of material is configured for at least a portion of the strip to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

[0056] 7. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip of material is configured for at least a portion of the strip to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

[0057] 8. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

[0058] 9. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

[0059] 10. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

[0060] 11. A method for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the method comprising: (a) providing an apparatus of any preceding embodiment; and (b) inserting at least a portion of the strip of material between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looping the strip around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

[0061] As used herein, the singular terms a, an, and the may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more.

[0062] As used herein, the term set refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.

[0063] As used herein, the terms substantially, approximately and about are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to 10% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2%, less than or equal to 1%, less than or equal to 0.5%, less than or equal to 0.1%, or less than or equal to 0.05%. For example, substantially aligned can refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to 10, such as less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, less than or equal to 1, less than or equal to 0.5, less than or equal to 0.1, or less than or equal to 0.05.

[0064] Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimes be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.

[0065] Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0066] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the disclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed as a means plus function element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase means for. No claim element herein is to be construed as a step plus function element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase step for.