MULTILAYERED HAIR WRAP

Abstract

A multilayered hair wrap and related methods. In one embodiment, the multilayered hair wrap comprises a hydrophobic shell portion substantially defining an outer surface of the multilayered hair wrap, and an absorbent liner portion secured to the hydrophobic shell portion, the absorbent liner portion substantially defining an inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap.

Claims

1. A multilayered hair wrap comprising: a hydrophobic shell portion substantially defining an outer surface of the multilayered hair wrap; and an absorbent liner portion secured to the hydrophobic shell portion, the absorbent liner portion substantially defining an inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap.

2. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein a lower edge portion of the inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap is defined by the shell portion, the lower edge portion defining a hydrophobic lower edge of the multilayered hair wrap.

3. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the multilayered hair wrap comprises a basket portion configured to receive a wearer's head, and a tail portion extending from the basket portion and configured to receive a portion of the wearer's hair.

4. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 3, further comprising: a button secured to the basket portion via a shank; and an elasticized loop secured to the tail portion and configured to be secured to the button and the shank for securing the tail portion to the basket portion.

5. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 3, wherein an end of the tail portion opposite the basket portion terminates in a vertical edge.

6. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 5, wherein a height of the vertical edge is at least 5 percent of a maximum height of the basket portion.

7. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion has a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least approximately 15,000 g/m.sup.2/day.

8. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion has a water column test rating of at least approximate 15,000 mm.

9. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion comprises exothermic fabric.

10. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the liner portion comprises microfiber.

11. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 10, wherein the liner portion comprises split strand microfiber.

12. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 1, wherein the shell portion is made of fabric.

13. The multilayered hair wrap of claim 11, wherein the fabric comprises polyester, nylon, and/or spandex.

14. A method comprising: placing a multilayered hair wrap on a wearer such that a basket portion of the multilayered hair wrap is positioned on the wearer's head, and a tail portion of the multilayered hair wrap extends from the basket portion in a backward direction toward a back of the wearer's head; securing the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer in a front-secured orientation, such that the tail portion is secured to the basket portion proximate a forehead of the wearer, with the wearer's hair substantially contained within the multilayered hair wrap; removing the multilayered hair wrap; placing the multilayered hair wrap on a wearer such that the basket portion of the multilayered hair wrap is positioned on the wearer's head, and the tail portion of the multilayered hair wrap extends from the basket portion in a forward direction toward a forehead of the wearer; and securing the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer in a rear-secured orientation, such that the tail portion is secured to the basket portion proximate the back of the wearer's head, with the wearer's hair substantially contained within the multilayered hair wrap.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the multilayered hair wrap further comprises: a hydrophobic shell portion substantially defining an outer surface of the multilayered hair wrap; and an absorbent liner portion secured to the hydrophobic shell portion, the absorbent liner portion substantially defining an inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap.

16. A method of claim 15, wherein a lower edge portion of the inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap is defined by the shell portion, the lower edge portion defining a hydrophobic lower edge of the multilayered hair wrap.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the securing the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer in the front-secured orientation comprises securing a loop secured to the tail portion to a button secured to the basket portion.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein an end of the tail portion opposite the basket portion terminates in a vertical edge.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein a height of the vertical edge is at least 5 percent of a maximum height of the basket portion.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion has a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least approximately 15,000 g/m.sup.2/day.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion has a water column test rating of at least approximate 15,000 mm.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydrophobic shell portion comprises exothermic fabric.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the liner portion comprises split strand microfiber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example implementations. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure. For clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a multilayered hair wrap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 2 provides a side elevational view of the multilayered hair wrap of FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a user putting on a multilayered hair wrap in a rear-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a user continuing to put on a multilayered hair wrap in a rear-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a user wearing a multilayered hair wrap in a rear-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 6 provides a close-up perspective view of a shank and loop fastening arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a user putting on a multilayered hair wrap in a front-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a user continuing to put on a multilayered hair wrap in a front-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a user securing a multilayered hair wrap in a front-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a user wearing a multilayered hair wrap in a front-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 11 provides a flow chart representation of an example method associated with using a multilayered hair wrap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The present invention addresses problems in conventional solutions to hair maintenance and protection by providing a multilayered hair wrap that is capable of protecting dry hair from external moisture while allowing moisture to escape the multilayered hair wrap, and is also able to dry wet hair. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides for a multilayered hair wrap having a shell portion and a liner portion. The shell portion is substantially waterproof, water-resistant, water-repellant, hydrophobic, and/or oleophobic. As such, the shell portion keeps external moisture away from a wearer's hair when the multilayered hair wrap is worn with the shell portion 102 on the outside. The liner portion is water-absorbent, such that it can be used to wick moisture away from a wearer's head when the multilayered hair wrap is worn with the liner portion on the inside against the wearer's head. In this way, the multilayered hair wrap is able to perform both functions of drying a wearer's wet hair, and keeping the wearer's dry hair dry. In certain embodiments, the multilayered hair wrap is reversible, such that the shell portion can be positioned on the inside, to contain moisture (e.g., from a hair treatment) inside the multilayered hair wrap. Further details and advantages associated with the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the figures.

[0065] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective and side elevational views, respectively, of a multilayered hair wrap 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the multilayered hair wrap 100 includes a shell portion 102 on an outer portion of the multilayered hair wrap 100, and an inner liner portion 104. In the embodiment shown, the shell portion 102 substantially defines an outer surface of the multilayered hair wrap 100, while the liner portion 104 substantially defines an inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap 100. The multilayered hair wrap 100 is configured to be worn on a wearer's head. The multilayered hair wrap 100 includes a basket portion 120 (shown in FIG. 2) shaped to receive a wearer's head, and a tail portion 130 (shown in FIG. 2) for wrapping the wearer's hair, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3-5 and 7-10. The tail portion 130 is secured to the basket portion 120 by wrapping a loop 134 around a button 132, which will be described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6.

[0066] In various embodiments, the shell portion 102 can be made of a waterproof, water-repellant, or water-resistant fabric. Water resistance can generally be defined by the amount of water pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), a fabric sample can withstand before leakage occurs. The waterproof fabric industry does not have a widely accepted standard for what level of water resistance qualifies as waterproof. However, 3 psi generally exceeds the force of a typical rainfall. As such, the present disclosure will use the term water-resistant to include fabrics that can withstand between 1 and 3 psi of water pressure, and waterproof to include fabrics that can withstand 3 psi or more. The term hydrophobic will be used to encompass each of the terms waterproof, water-repellant, and water resistant. In certain embodiments, the shell portion 102 can have a water column test rating of at least approximately 15,000 mm.

[0067] The hydrophobic fabric can also be breathable, such that moisture already within the multilayered hair wrap 100 can escape. A fabric's breathability can be measured based on a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), which measures the amount of vapor (in grams) that can pass through a square meter of a fabric during a 24-hour period. In certain embodiments, the MVTR of the shell portion 102 is between approximately 15,000-25,000 g/m.sup.2/day. In certain embodiments, this MVTR measurement can be measured using the desiccant inverted cup method.

[0068] The shell portion 102 can be treated with hydrophobic treatments, such as those used for rain jackets, or other outdoor recreation equipment. Some examples of breathable, hydrophobic materials, which are sometimes referred to as WP/BR material in the textile industry, include Gore-Tex, eVent, Outdry, Columbia's Omni-Dry, Polartec's NeoShell, Marmot's MemBrain, North Face's HyVent, and Patagonia's H2No. Various technologies can be employed to create hydrophobic, breathable fabrics. These include, but are not limited to, one-layer, two-layer, and three-layer technologies, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes, polyacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyurethane-based laminates and films, micro-porous coatings, and durable water-repellant (DWR) finishes. Certain breathable hydrophobic fabrics also have oleophobic properties, which can protect the shell portion 102 from contamination.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the shell portion 102 can also be exothermic to speed up evaporation of moisture. An example of an exothermic fabric is 37.5 breathable, waterproof, laminate fabric, which uses a wearer's body heat to accelerate evaporation of moisture. In various embodiments, the shell portion 102 comprises a waterproof, breathable laminate, with a durable water repellant (DWR) coating. The DWR coating can have a durability rating of at least 80/20 (i.e., 80% of water is repelled after 20 washings). In various embodiments, the breathable, waterproof laminate fabric can comprise a polyurethane membrane with an exothermic particle print, and can be made of 100% polyester, woven interlock.

[0070] The liner portion 104 can be made of a variety of absorbent materials, such as a microfiber fabric, terrycloth, cotton, hemp, bamboo, and synthetic materials. In certain embodiments, the liner portion 104 can be made of split strand or un-split strand microfiber with a range of polyester/polyamide compositions (e.g., 70% polyester and 30% polyamide, or 80% polyester and 20% polyamide). In other embodiments, the liner portion 104 can be made of 100% polyester terry, split strand microfiber. In various embodiments, the liner portion 104 can be configured to achieve INDA Standard Absorbency Test results of: absorbency time approximately 2.5 seconds, and absorptive capacity of approximate 9.5 times weight (i.e., the liner portion 104 is able to absorb approximately 9-10 times its weight in moisture in less than approximately 3 seconds). As described above with respect to the shell portion 102, the liner portion 104 can also comprise an exothermic material or coating, such that evaporation of moisture is accelerated.

[0071] Both the shell portion 102 and the liner portion 104 can be made of durable materials that can be used many times over, in contrast to disposable shower caps. Furthermore, the life of the multilayered hair wrap 100 can be further prolonged by spraying a waterproof treatment on the shell portion 102 after extended use. The shell portion 102 and the liner portion 104 can be made of solid colors or various prints/designs so as to be visually appealing when worn in public. In certain embodiments, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can include only a shell portion 102 without the absorbent liner portion 104.

[0072] The shell portion 102 can be secured to the liner portion 104 by, for example, stitching, welding, or fusing the two portions together. FIG. 1 shows a stitch 136 joining the two portions together. The stitching, welding, or fusing should be sufficiently secure so as to prevent moisture from leaking into the multilayered hair wrap 100 through any seams or openings created by the stitching, welding, or fusing. In certain embodiments, the shell portion 102 can be secured to the liner portion 104 using welded seams, which create a seam that has more stretch and less bulk than a taped seam, and is more resistant to water pressure. This can be accomplished, in some embodiments, using overlock stitching similar to multi-thread commercial stitching techniques used for wet suits. Seam sealing tape can also be used to further seal seams. In certain embodiments, the shell portion 102 and the liner portion 104 are attached only at a lower edge, similar to what is shown with the edge seam 136 in FIG. 1, such that the two portions can be separated from one another (while still being held together by the edge seam 136) to facilitate faster drying.

[0073] To further enhance the hydrophobic effect of the shell portion 102, the shell portion 102 can be folded over into an inner portion of the multilayered hair wrap 100. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the shell portion 102 folds below a lower edge, and into the inside of the multilayered hair wrap 100. As such, the inner surface of the multilayered hair wrap 100 is substantially defined by the liner portion 104, but has a hydrophobic lower edge 106 defined by the shell portion 102. The hydrophobic lower edge 106 serves several purposes. First, if the multilayered hair wrap 100 is worn by a user with wet hair, the hydrophobic lower edge 106 can help to prevent moisture from dripping out of the multilayered hair wrap 100. Additionally, the hydrophobic lower edge 106 can help to prevent moisture from entering the multilayered hair wrap 100. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic lower edge 106 is between approximately -1 in width. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic lower edge is in width. Furthermore, the hydrophobic lower edge can help to keep the multilayered hair wrap 100 in place on a wearer's head.

[0074] The composition and structure of the multilayered hair wrap 100 also improves the portability of the hair wrap compared to currently available solutions. The hydrophobic shell layer 102 stays dry, even when the absorbent liner portion 104 is wet. As such, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can be rolled up, folded, or wrapped such that the dry shell layer 102 is on the outside, keeping any moisture trapped inside in the liner portion 104. In certain embodiments, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can be rolled or folded up and secured in a compacted state using the button 132 and the loop 134. In various embodiments, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can include a built-in pouch, or a separate pouch, for easy portability of the multilayered hair wrap 100, particularly when the liner portion 104 is wet. The pouch can be made of breathable, waterproof, or exothermic material, similar to the shell portion 102.

[0075] While the multilayered hair wrap 100 has generally been depicted and described as having the hydrophobic shell portion 102 on the outside and the absorbent liner portion 104 on the inside of the multilayered hair wrap 100, in certain embodiments, the invention is reversible. In these embodiments, the absorbent liner portion 104 can be worn on the outside, with the hydrophobic shell portion 102 on the inside against a wearer's head/hair. This configuration may be desirable when hair treatments are applied and left on the hair, and the wearer wishes to keep the hair treatment enclosed within the multilayered hair wrap 100.

[0076] FIG. 2 provides a side elevational view of the multilayered hair wrap 100 to highlight some of the dimensional improvements of various embodiments of the present disclosure over current solutions. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the basket portion 120 maintains its maximum height for substantially the entire length of the basket portion 120, before changing angles and dropping more sharply into the tail portion 130. This shape helps to ensure that a generous and equivalent amount of coverage is provided all the way around the wearer's head, from forehead to crown. With a deep basket portion 120, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can fully cover the wearer's head to below the ears, if so desired (and can keep ears dry). The generous height of the basket portion 120 also allows the wearer to position the multilayered hair wrap 100 more forwardly on the forehead, such as in the center of the forehead. This reduces the pulling and consequential damage to the delicate hair of the widow's peak at the center top of the forehead. Further, this allows artificial hair that is woven into natural hair, such as braids, to be fully covered without tugging on where the natural hair and woven artificial hair meet, and preventing hair breakage. The generous dimensions of the basket area 120 also allow the wearer to enclose bangs. Further still, the wearer can gather hair atop of one's head or toward the back of the head near the crown and still have complete coverage and full functionality of the invention. In certain embodiments, the basket portion 120 has a maximum height between approximately 7-11 inches, and maintains a height within approximately 80% of the maximum height for at least 20% of the length of the multilayered hair wrap 100. In certain embodiments, the basket portion 120 maintains a height within approximately 80% of the maximum height for at least 30% of the length of the multilayered hair wrap 100.

[0077] In addition to the generous basket portion dimensions, certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved squared off tail portion 130. A pointed end design has several disadvantages. For example, a narrow tail portion that comes to a pointed end requires an excessive amount of twisting to sufficiently enclose a wearer's hair. Furthermore, the narrow channel created by a pointed end design may not properly accommodate thick, curly, unruly, braided, or artificial hair. Additionally, a pointed end can be problematic for long hair, which must be bunched or scrunched and is prevented from falling freely.

[0078] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a squared off vertical edge 140 at the end of the tail portion 130. The vertical edge 140 runs perpendicular to the opening seam. In one embodiment, the tail portion 130 created by the vertical edge 140 can accommodate all hair types, including thick, curly, or long hair, and artificial braids, weaves, and extensions. The tail portion 130 also permits a wearer's hair to fall freely without being unnaturally scrunched into a pointed end. In certain embodiments, the vertical edge 140 is approximately 2 inches in height. In certain embodiments, the height of the vertical edge is between 5%-50% of the maximum height of the multilayered hair wrap 100. In a more particular embodiment, the height of the vertical edge is between 10%-40% of the maximum height of the multilayered hair wrap 100. In an even more particular embodiment, the height of the vertical edge is between 15%-25% of the maximum height of the multilayered hair wrap 100.

[0079] In various embodiments, the shape of the multilayered hair wrap 100 can vary from that shown in the figures. For example, in various embodiments, the multilayered hair wrap 100 can have a less defined tail portion 130, or no tail portion at all, such that it approximates the shape of a shower cap. In other embodiments, the tail portion 130 can taper to a more pointed end, rather than a vertical edge as shown in the example embodiments of the figures.

[0080] FIGS. 3-5 depict a wearer putting on the multilayered hair wrap 100 in a rear-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this orientation, the basket portion 120 is placed on the wearer's head such that the tail portion 130 extends in front of the wearer, as seen in FIG. 3. The loop 134 is in front of the user, and the button 136 is proximate the back of the wearer's head and the nape of the user's neck. The wearer tilts forward with his or her hair extending forwardly over the forehead and face. Then, with the hair placed within the tail portion 130, the wearer twists the tail portion 130 about the longitudinal axis of the hair, either clockwise or counterclockwise, creating a spiral tube with the loop 134 at the end, as shown in FIG. 4. Then the wearer brings the spiral tube over his or her head and fastens the button 132 into the loop 134, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0081] The design of the multilayered hair wrap 100 and the twisting motion permit a customized fit for each individual and can accommodate a large variety of head shapes and sizes or user preferences. For instance, depending on how the wearer chooses to place his or her head into the basket portion 120, the wearer has the option to cover the ears so no water enters the ear canal. Or, the wearer might want to cover a little or a lot of the forehead area. Additionally, by twisting the tail portion 130 less tightly before fastening, the wearer can tailor a loose or tight fit according to the wearer's preferences.

[0082] FIG. 6 provides a close-up view of the loop 134 secured to the button 132, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be seen in FIG. 6 that the button 130 includes both a button 602 and a shank 604. The button 602 can include a decorative component, such as a decorative stone embedded in the button 602. The shank 604 secures the button 602 to the basket portion 120 of the multilayered hair wrap 100. The shank allows for ample space between the fabric of the multilayered hair wrap 100 and the button 602 for the loop 134 to rest without puckering, stretching, wrinkling, or unnecessarily rubbing against and causing wear of the fabric of the loop 134 or the underlying fabric of the shell portion. Additionally, the shank 604 also allows the button 602 to protrude from the fabric. This is preferred because it allows the wearer to easily locate the button 602 by touch and to quickly affix the loop 134 around it. Since a wearer might have to fasten the loop 134 around the button 602 at the nape of the neck, the wearer cannot see to complete the action and must rely on feel alone. A protruding button makes it easier for the wearer to locate the button, and also makes it easier for a wearer to secure the loop 134 over the button 602.

[0083] The loop 134 can also be made of an elastic material, such as a stretchable yarn, that makes it easier to extend the loop 134 over the button 132. A non-stretch, fixed-length cord or loop might not fit securely around the button because it does not offer any tension, which can cause the loop to gape and even dislodge from around the button. Further, a non-stretch loop offers no variance in the distance required between the loop 134 extending from the tail portion 130 and the button 132 it needs to wrap around. This can cause the fit of the hair device to be too loose or too tight, or to sag or scrunch.

[0084] In contrast, with its ability to stretch, an elastic loop has the benefit of tension and resistance to remain secure around the button. Additionally, the elastic loop enhances the customization of assembly on the wearer's head. In other words, the loop can stretch to accommodate varying distances between the tail portion 130, from which the loop 134 extends, to the button 130. In certain embodiments, the elasticized loop can comprise synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester, which is durable and mildew-resistant. The elastic loop can include various colors or prints to make it visually appealing.

[0085] FIGS. 7-10 depict a wearer putting on the multilayered hair wrap 100 in an alternative front-secured orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this orientation, the tail portion 130 extends behind the wearer, and the button 132 and the loop 134 secure near the center top of the forehead rather than near the nape of the neck. This manner of wearing the multilayered hair wrap 100 may be preferred, for example, by children and others who appreciate being able to fasten the loop 134 to the button 132 in front so that there is some visibility offered. Additionally, for users with medium to long hair, the front-secured orientation may be preferred because there is no need to lean over to contain the hair in the basket, and is easily achieved in an upright sitting or standing position. This position may also be help for assembling the hair wrap on another person, such as a person putting the hair wrap on a child, or a salon professional assembling the hair wrap on a client.

[0086] FIG. 11 depicts a flow chart of an example method 1100 associated with using a multilayered hair wrap. At block 1102, the example method 1100 can place a multilayered hair wrap on a wearer such that a tail portion of the multilayered hair wrap is proximate a back of the wearer's head. At block 1104, the example method 1100 can secure the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer in a front-secured orientation, such that the tail portion is secured to a basket portion of the multilayered hair wrap proximate the wearer's forehead, with the wearer's hair substantially contained within the multilayered hair wrap. At block 1106, the example method 1100 can remove the multilayered hair wrap from the wearer's head. At block 1108, the example method 1100 can place the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer such that the tail portion is proximate the wearer's forehead. At block 1110, the example method 1100 can secure the multilayered hair wrap on the wearer in a back-secured orientation, such that the tail portion is secured to the basket portion proximate the back of the wearer's head, with the wearer's hair substantially contained within the multilayered hair wrap.

[0087] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example structure or configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example structures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative structure and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0088] Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0089] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as meaning including, without limitation or the like; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms a or an should be read as meaning at least one, one or more or the like; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0090] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular structure or configuration.

[0091] Although the disclosure has been presented with reference only to the presently preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made without departing from this disclosure. As such, the disclosure is defined only by the following claims and recited limitations.