Special safety signaling gloves for a motorcycle passenger

Abstract

This is a safety signaling gloves for a motorcycle passenger for various applications consisting of a durable fabric configured with four fingers and a thumb; a palm section and an opposite back of the hand section all securely attached to the four fingers and a thumb; a wrist section securely connected to both the palm section and the opposite back of the hand section wherein the wrist section has an aperture to receive the passenger's hand; a reflective material secured to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; and a manner to secure the reflective material to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove allowing the reflective material to permit the passenger to have safety gloves that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight, have fingers/no finger and electrical lighting options, and are useful with many types of fabrics.

Claims

1. A pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) for a motorcycle passenger (120) to wear on each of the motorcycle passenger's hands comprised of: (a) a durable material (33) with a non-reflective surface (41) configured with four fingers (44) and a thumb (42) whereby the fingers and thumb all have a closed end (57); (b) a palm section (45) and an opposite back of the hand section (46) all securely attached to the four fingers (44) and the thumb (42); (c) a wrist section (48) securely connected to both the palm section (45) and the opposite back of the hand section (46) wherein the wrist section (48) has an aperture (55) to receive the passenger's hand; (d) a reflective material (40) secured to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (e) a means (49) to secure the reflective material (40) to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (f) a means (43) to secure the palm section (46), the opposite palm section (45), the fingers (44), the thumb 42), the wrist section (48), and the closed ends 57) wherein the reflective material (40) permits the passenger (120) to have safety signaling gloves (30) that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight and are useful with many types of vehicles (130).

2. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 1 wherein the durable material (33) is selected from a group consisting of natural leather, cotton, silk, denim, felt, wool, rubber, rayon, nylon, latex, neoprene, synthetic rubber, a composite material, plastic, synthetic leather, and urethane.

3. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 1 wherein the means (49) to secure reflective material durable material (33) is selected from a group consisting of sewing with natural thread, sewing with synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, and integrally forming of the material (33).

4. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 1 wherein the means (43) to secure palm section (46), opposite palm section (45), fingers (44), thumb (42), wrist section (48), and closed ends (57) is selected from a group consisting of sewing with natural thread, sewing with synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of the material (33).

5. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 1 wherein the type of vehicles (130) is selected from a group consisting of motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), law enforcement and Homeland Security vehicles, three-wheeled motorcycles, bicycles, and pull-behind carts with tractors, or horses.

6. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 1 further consisting of an electrical control package (65).

7. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 6 wherein the electrical control package (65) is consisting of an electronic control board (61) and circuitry, a set of continuous light strands (40A), a set of coin cell batteries (62), an on/off switch (63), a pocket (64) in the glove (30 for batteries (62), the controls (61), and the on/off switch (63).

8. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 7 wherein the batteries (62) are selected from a group consisting of Lithium-ion(Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium(NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride(Ni-MH), alkaline cell, rechargeable types and non-rechargeable types.

9. A pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) for a motorcycle passenger (120) to wear on each of the motorcycle passenger's hands comprised of: (a) a durable material (33) with a non-reflective surface (41) configured with four fingers (44) and a thumb (42) whereby the fingers and thumb all have an open end; (b) a palm section (45) and an opposite back of the hand section (46) all securely attached to the four fingers (44) and the thumb (42); (c) a wrist section (48) securely connected to both the palm section (45) and the opposite back of the hand section (46) wherein the wrist section (48) has an aperture (55) to receive the passenger's hand; (d) a reflective material (40) secured to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (e) a means (49) to secure the reflective material (40) to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (f) a means (43) to secure the palm section (46), the opposite palm section (45), the fingers (44), the thumb 42), and the wrist section (48) wherein the reflective material (40) permits the passenger (120) to have safety signaling gloves (30) that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight and are useful with many types of vehicles (130).

10. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 9 wherein the durable material (33) is selected from a group consisting of natural leather, cotton, silk, denim, felt, wool, rubber, rayon, nylon, latex, neoprene, synthetic rubber, a composite material, plastic, synthetic leather, and urethane.

11. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 9 wherein the means (49) to secure reflective material durable material (33) is selected from a group consisting of sewing with natural thread, sewing with synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, and integrally forming of the material (33).

12. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 9 wherein the means (43) to secure palm section (46), opposite palm section (45), fingers (44), thumb (42, wrist section (48), and closed ends (57) is selected from a group consisting of sewing with natural thread, sewing with synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of the material (33).

13. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 9 wherein the type of vehicles (130) is selected from a group consisting of motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), law enforcement and Homeland Security vehicles, three-wheeled motorcycles, bicycles, and pull-behind carts with tractors or horses.

14. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 9 further consisting of an electrical control package (65).

15. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 14 wherein the electrical control package (65) is consisting of an electronic control board (61) and circuitry, a set of continuous light strands (40A), a set of coin cell batteries (62), an on/off switch (63), a pocket (64) in the glove (30 for batteries (62), the controls (61), and the on/off switch (63).

16. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 15 wherein the batteries (62) are selected from a group consisting of Lithium-ion(Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium(NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride(Ni-MH), alkaline cell, rechargeable types and non-rechargeable types.

17. A pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) for a motorcycle passenger (120) to wear on each of the motorcycle passenger's hands comprised of: (a) a durable material (33) with a non-reflective surface (41) configured with four fingers (44) and a thumb (42) whereby the fingers and thumb all have a closed end (57); (b) a palm section (45) and an opposite back of the hand section (46) all securely attached to the four fingers (44) and the thumb (42); (c) a wrist section (48) securely connected to both the palm section (45) and the opposite back of the hand section (46) wherein the wrist section (48) has an aperture (55) to receive the passenger's hand; (d) a reflective material (40) secured to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (e) an adhesive (49) to secure the reflective material (40) to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove; (f) a sewing (43) to secure the palm section (46), the opposite palm section (45), the fingers (44), the thumb 42), the wrist section (48), and the closed ends 57) wherein the reflective material (40) permits the passenger (120) to have safety signaling gloves (30) that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight and are useful with many types of vehicles (130).

18. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 17 wherein the durable material (33) is selected from a group consisting of natural leather, cotton, silk, denim, felt, wool, rubber, rayon, nylon, latex, neoprene, synthetic rubber, a composite material, plastic, synthetic leather, and urethane.

19. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 17 wherein the type of vehicles (130) is selected from a group consisting of motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), law enforcement and Homeland Security vehicles, three-wheeled motorcycles, bicycles, and pull-behind carts with tractors or horses.

20. The pair of special safety signaling gloves (30) in claim 17 further consisting of an electrical control package (65).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the glove device. It is understood, however, that the Special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0032] FIGS. 1A through 1D are sketches of the special signaling glove for a motorcycle passenger.

[0033] FIGS. 2A through 2E are sketches of the special signaling glove for a motorcycle passenger with components and features noted.

[0034] FIGS. 3A through 3C are sketches of prototypes of the special signaling glove for a motorcycle passenger with the components and features shown from generally a top view.

[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4B are more sketches of prototype signaling glove for a motorcycle passenger.

[0036] FIGS. 5A through 5E are sketches of special signaling gloves in use to indicate directions.

[0037] FIGS. 6A through 6D are sketches of using the special signaling glove for a motorcycle passenger to slow or stop traffic.

[0038] FIGS. 7A through 7J are sketches of prior art devices used for signaling with motorcycles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0039] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 special signaling glove 30 for motorcycle passengers 120 33 glove material 33 such as natural (leather, cotton, silk, denim, felt, wool, rubber, etc.) and synthetic (rayon, nylon, latex, neoprene, rubber, leather, a composite material, plastic, urethane, etc.) 35 prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120 39 reflective surface material 39 such as mylar, foil, crystal or glass beaded/imbedded plastic such as acrylics, thermos-chromic Material, reflective film, composite material, etc. 40 reflective surfaces/stripes 40 40A Alternative light emitting diode (LED) 43A or equal strand lighting 41 non-reflective surface 41 42 thumbs 42 of the gloves 30 43 means 43 to secure palm section 46, opposite palm section 45, fingers 44, thumb 42, wrist section 48, and closed ends 57 such as sewing with natural or synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of natural or synthetic fabrics 44 fingers 44 of the gloves 30 45 back hand, opposite palm section 45 of the glove 30 46 palms 46 of the glove 30 47 band 47 between wrist 48 and palm 46 48 wrist section 48 of the gloves 30 49 means 49 to secure reflective material 39, 40 to palms 46, thumbs 42, and/or fingers 44 such as such as sewing with natural or synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of natural or synthetic fabrics 50 apertures/opening/holes/50 for fingers or thumbs 55 opening/apertures 55 at wrist 57 closed ends 57 for thumbs or fingers 60 extended arm 60 for signaling with glove 30 a direction for motorcycle 80 61 optional electronic control board 61 and circuitry to continuous light LED 40A and/or strobe 62 coin cell batteries 62 to power LED 40A through control board and circuits 61-such as but not limited to Lithium-ion(Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), alkaline cell, rechargeable or not rechargeable 63 on/off switch 63 64 pocket 64 in glove 30 for batteries 62, controls 61, and on/off switch 63 65 electrical control package 65 66 palms up extension 66 for signaling glove 30 to show Stop or Slow of the motorcycle 80 101 prior art 101 US Patent 2,092,574 a Traffic Glove by Eddy-1937 102 prior art 102 U.S. Pat. No. 1,624,429 an Automobile Gloves by Palmer-1927 103 prior art 103 U.S. Pat. No. 1,244,065 a Signal Apparatus by Miller-1917 104 prior art 104 U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,357 a Signaling Glove by Mead-1999 105 prior art 105 US Patent 2,317,227 a Hand Signal for Motorists by Sherwood-1943 106 prior art 106 U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,274 a Traffic Control Glove by Dufresne-2005 107 prior art 107 US Patent 2,787,236 Gloves for Directing Traffic by Welch-1957 108 prior art 108 EP Patent 2,014,185 a Hand Signal Glove by Hinderer-2007 109 prior art 109 US Patent 2,581,549 a Reflecting Signal Glove by McGaugh-1952 110 prior art 110 U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,384 a Communication and Display device For the Hand by Williams-1999 120 vehicle passenger 120 125 vehicle driver 125 130 vehicle such as a motorcycle, scooter, ATV, etc. 130

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PERFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] The present development is a Special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger. This invention relates to a Special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger. Particularly this relates to glove devices and more particularly pertains to a new safety glove for allowing a user to direct nearby or following traffic more easily. The present invention relates in general to communication devices by a motorcycle rider or passenger. The invention relates generally to signaling devices, and more particularly to reflective signaling gloves. This device relates to safety, signaling and low light or reflective equipment and particularly to a piece of clothing that increases safety and allows a user to signal others in low light conditions. The signal gear of the present invention is mainly used when motorcycling or riding in crowded traffic conditions. This invention relates to improvements in signal apparatus, and more particularly to such devices that are especially adapted for use by passengers of motorcycles and other vehicles. The object in view is the provision of means for enabling the passenger to readily and effectively indicate to observers, and particularly to drivers in the rear, his proposed course of action.

[0041] The advantages for the Special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0042] Enhances safety [0043] Has good night visibility [0044] Is light weight [0045] Has fingers/no finger [0046] Is useful with many types of fabrics [0047] Is affordable [0048] Can be adapted with many fabrics

[0049] The preferred embodiment of a pair of special safety signaling gloves 30 for a motorcycle passenger 120 to wear on each of his hands comprised of: (a) a durable fabric configured with four fingers 44 and a thumb 42; (b) a palm section 46 and an opposite back of the hand section 45 all securely attached to the four fingers and a thumb; (c) a wrist section 48 securely connected to both the palm section 46 and the opposite back of the hand section 45 wherein the wrist section 48 has an aperture 55 to receive the passenger's hand; (d) a durable reflective material 40 secured to the palm section 46, thumb 42, and fingers 44 of the glove 30; and (e) a means to secure the reflective material to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove wherein the reflective material permits the passenger to have safety gloves that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight, have fingers/no finger and electrical lighting options, and are useful with many types of fabrics.

[0050] There is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Special safety signaling gloves device for motorcycle passenger. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-7 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0051] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for motorcycle passenger that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the special pair of safety gloves 30 for motorcycle passengers. It is understood, however, that the device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of safety gloves and accessories for motorcycles are still understood by one skilled in the art of safety devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0052] FIGS. 1A through 1D are sketches of the special signaling glove 30 for a motorcycle passenger 120. Shown here are:

a special signaling glove 30 for motorcycle passengers 120; prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120; a reflective surfaces/stripes 40; an extended arm 60 for signaling with glove 30 a direction for motorcycle 80; and a palms up extension 66 for signaling glove 30 to show Stop or Slow of the motorcycle 80.

[0053] FIGS. 2A through 2E are sketches of the special signaling glove 30 for a motorcycle passenger with components and features noted. In these views are portrayed the following: a special signaling glove 30 for motorcycle passengers 120; a glove material 33 such as natural (leather, cotton, silk, denim, felt, wool, etc.) and synthetic (rayon, nylon, latex, neoprene, rubber, composite, plastic, urethane, etc.); a reflective surface material 39 such as mylar, foil, crystal or glass beaded/imbedded plastic such as acrylics, thermos-chromic Material, reflective film, composite material, etc.; a reflective surfaces/stripes 40; a non-reflective surface 41; thumbs 42 of the gloves 30; a means 43 (XXX) to secure palm section 46, opposite palm section 45, fingers 44, thumb 42, wrist section 48, and closed ends 57 such as sewing with natural or synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of natural or synthetic fabrics; a set of fingers 44 of the gloves 30; a back hand, opposite palm section 45 of the glove 30; a palm 46 of the glove 30; a band 47 between wrist 48 and palm 46; a wrist section 48 of the gloves 30; a means 49 to secure reflective material 39, 40 to palms 46, thumbs 42, and/or fingers 44 such as such as sewing with natural or synthetic thread, heat seal, adhesive, glue, epoxy, or integrally forming of natural or synthetic fabrics; an aperture/opening/holes/50 for fingers or thumbs; an opening/apertures 55 at wrist; and a closed ends 57 for thumbs or fingers. In FIGS. 2A and 2E are shown an electrical control package 65 including an optional electronic control board 61 and circuitry to continuous light LED 40A and/or strobe; a pair of coin cell batteries 62 to power LED 40A through control board and circuits 61such as but not limited to Lithium-ion(Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium(NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride(Ni-MH), alkaline cell, rechargeable or not rechargeable; an on/off switch 63; and a pocket 64 in glove 30 for batteries 62, controls 61, and on/off switch 63.

[0054] FIGS. 3A through 3C are sketches of prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for a motorcycle passenger 120 with the components and features shown from generally a top view. Here components and features are shown including: a prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120; a reflective surface material 39 such as mylar, foil, crystal or glass beaded/imbedded plastic such as acrylics, thermos-chromic Material, reflective film, composite material, etc.; a reflective surfaces/stripes 40; a non-reflective surface 41; thumbs 42 of the gloves 30; a set of fingers 44 of the gloves 30; a back hand, opposite palm section 45 of the glove 30; a palm 46 of the glove 30; a band 47 between wrist 48 and palm 46; a wrist section 48 of the gloves 30; an opening/apertures 55 at wrist; and a closed ends 57 for thumbs or fingers.

[0055] FIGS. 4A and 4B are more sketches of prototype signaling glove for motorcycle passengers. Again, are shown: a prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120; a reflective surface material 39 such as a mylar, foil, crystal or glass beaded/imbedded plastic such as acrylics, thermos-chromic Material, reflective film, composite material, etc.; a reflective surfaces/stripes 40; a non-reflective surface 41; thumbs 42 of the gloves 30; a set of fingers 44 of the gloves 30; a back hand, opposite palm section 45 of the glove 30; a palm 46 of the glove 30; a band 47 between wrist 48 and palm 46; a wrist section 48 of the gloves 30; an opening/apertures 55 at wrist; and a closed ends 57 for thumbs or fingers.

[0056] FIGS. 5A through 5E and FIGS. 6A through 6D are sketches of a passenger 120 using the special signaling glove 30. These sketches are described in the Operation Section shown below.

[0057] FIGS. 7A through 7J are sketches of prior art devices used for signaling with motorcycles. Here former patents and applications for various gloves and signaling devices are shown. These include: prior art 101 U.S. Pat. No. 2,092,574 a Traffic Glove by Eddy issued in 1937; prior art 102 U.S. Pat. No. 1,624,429 an Automobile Gloves by Palmer issued in 1927; prior art 103 U.S. Pat. No. 1,244,065 a Signal Apparatus by Miller issued in 1917; prior art 104 U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,357 a Signaling Glove by Mead issued in 1999; prior art 105 U.S. Pat. No. 2,317,227 a Hand Signal for Motorists by Sherwood issued in 1943; prior art 106 U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,274 a Traffic Control Glove by Dufresne issued in 2005; prior art 107 U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,236 Gloves for Directing Traffic by Welch issued in 1957; prior art 108 EP Pat. No. 2,014,185 a Hand Signal Glove by Hinderer issued in 2007; prior art 109 U.S. Pat. No. 2,581,549 a Reflecting Signal Glove by McGaugh issued in 1952; and prior art 110 U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,384 a Communication and Display device For the Hand by Williams issued in 1999. As can be seen, the Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for a motorcycle passenger is a unique combination and use as described herein.

[0058] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Special safety signaling gloves devices 30 for a motorcycle passenger may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of safety gloves and accessories for motorcycles and the like.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0059] The Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for a motorcycle passenger has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for a motorcycle passenger. The preferred embodiment of a pair of special safety signaling gloves 30 for a motorcycle passenger 120 to wear on each of his hands comprised of: (a) a durable fabric configured with four fingers 44 and a thumb 42; (b) a palm section 46 and an opposite back of the hand section 45 all securely attached to the four fingers and a thumb; (c) a wrist section 48 securely connected to both the palm section 46 and the opposite back of the hand section 45 wherein the wrist section 48 has an aperture 55 to receive the passenger's hand; (d) a durable reflective material 40 secured to the palm section 46, thumb 42, and fingers 44 of the glove 30; and (e) a means to secure the reflective material to the palm section, thumb, and fingers of the glove wherein the reflective material permits the passenger to have safety gloves that enhance safety, have good night visibility, are light weight, have fingers/no finger and electrical lighting options, and are useful with many types of fabrics.

[0060] The Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for a motorcycle passenger 120 operates as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. First, the passenger 120 obtains the safety glove devices 30 and puts them on each hand. Now the passenger 120 or ready to join the driver 125 non the motorcycle, scooter, ATV, etc. 130. The uses are shown in FIGS. 5A through 5E are sketches of special signaling gloves in use to indicate directions. These show: a prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120; an extended arm 60 for signaling with glove 30 a direction for motorcycle 80; a palms up extension 66 for signaling glove 30 to show Stop or Slow of the motorcycle 80; a vehicle passenger 120; a vehicle driver 125; and a vehicle such as motorcycle, scooter, ATV, etc. 130.

[0061] FIGS. 6A through 6D are sketches of using the special signaling glove for motorcycle passengers. These views once again show the following: a prototypes 35 of the special signaling glove 30 for passengers 120; an extended arm 60 for signaling with glove 30 a direction for motorcycle 80; a palms up extension 66 for signaling glove 30 to show Stop or Slow of the motorcycle 80; a vehicle passenger 120; a vehicle driver 125; and a vehicle such as a motorcycle, scooter, ATV, etc. 130.

[0062] Many uses and types of vehicles are anticipated for use with the Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for a motorcycle passenger. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 Motorcycles 2 All-Terrain Vehicles-ATVs 3 Law enforcement and Homeland Security vehicles 4 Three-wheeled motorcycles 5 Bicycles 6 Pull-behind carts with tractors or horses

[0063] With this description it is to be understood that the Special safety signaling gloves device 30 for motorcycle passenger is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the safety glove device 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0064] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0065] 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 these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0066] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the disclosed embodiments described above.

[0067] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0068] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0069] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in. detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described. and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.