Abstract
A pillowcase system for securing a pillow in its location on an articulating bed. The pillowcase system includes a loop with at least one open end configured to receive a pillow and an extension member that extends from the loop. The extension member is configured to be placed between a bed frame and a mattress of an articulating bed. As a head section of the articulating bed inclines, the pillow is maintained in its location and the pillow does not slip down due to gravity. Alternatively, the pillowcase system comprises multiple components that can be assembled together to form the pillowcase system.
Claims
1. A pillowcase comprising: a loop with at least one open end configured to accommodate a pillow; an extension member that extends from the loop, wherein the extension member is configured to be placed between a bed frame and a mattress of an articulating bed.
2. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein a length of the extension member is at least two times longer than a length of the loop.
3. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the loop comprises a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end.
4. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the loop comprises a first open end and a second closed end.
5. The pillowcase of claim 4, wherein the first open end comprises an envelope closure.
6. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the pillowcase is a single piece of material.
7. The pillowcase of claim 6, wherein the single piece of material folds back on itself at a first longitudinal end of the material, and wherein the first longitudinal end is coupled to the material to form the loop.
8. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the loop and the extension member are separate components that are coupled together.
9. The pillowcase of claim 8, wherein the loop and the extension member are removably coupled together.
10. The pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the pillowcase is fabricated from a disposable material.
11. A pillowcase system comprising: a pillowcase configured to receive a pillow; an extension member that is attachable to the pillowcase; wherein a longitudinal length of the extension member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the pillowcase.
12. The pillowcase system of claim 11, wherein the extension member comprises an adhesive that extends along one of the lateral ends of the extension member.
13. The pillowcase system of claim 12, wherein the adhesive comprises a release liner that covers the adhesive to prevent premature adhering of the extension member prior to attaching to the pillowcase.
14. The pillowcase system of claim 11, wherein the extension member comprises a single layer of material.
15. The pillowcase system of claim 11, wherein the extension member and the pillowcase each comprise a rectangular shape and the extension member and the pillowcase are substantially the same size.
16. The pillowcase system of claim 11, wherein the extension member and the pillowcase are interchangeable.
17. The pillowcase system of claim 16, wherein the extension member and the pillowcase each comprise one or more adhesive strips.
18. The pillowcase system of claim 11, wherein the pillowcase and the extension member are each fabricated from a disposable material.
19. A method of forming a pillowcase, comprising: obtaining a pillowcase configured to receive a pillow; obtaining an extension member that is attachable to the pillowcase; coupling a lateral end of the extension member to the pillowcase such that a longitudinal length of the extension member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the pillowcase.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the extension member and the pillowcase are interchangeable, and wherein the extension member and the pillowcase each comprise one or more adhesive strips.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pillowcase system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the pillowcase system of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the pillowcase system of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the pillowcase system of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pillowcase system of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the pillowcase system of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a pillowcase system with a pillow inserted into a loop of the pillowcase system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of an articulating bed with a pillow inserted into a loop of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an articulating bed mattress with a pillow inserted into a loop of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed mattress, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a pillowcase system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an extension member of the pillowcase system of FIG. 10.
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of an extension member of the pillowcase system of FIG. 10.
[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of an articulating bed with a pillow inserted into a pillowcase of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of an articulating bed mattress with a pillow inserted in a pillowcase of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed mattress, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a pillowcase system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an extension member of the pillowcase system of FIG. 15.
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of an extension member of the pillowcase system of FIG. 15.
[0021] FIG. 18 illustrates a first lateral end view of the extension member of FIG. 15.
[0022] FIG. 19 illustrates a second lateral end view of the extension member of FIG. 15.
[0023] FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of an articulating bed with a pillow inserted into a pillowcase of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 21 illustrates a rear perspective view of an articulating bed mattress with a pillow inserted in a pillowcase of a pillowcase system, the pillowcase system placed on an articulating bed mattress, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
[0026] The phrase coupled to is broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical interaction. Thus, two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. The phrase attached directly to refers to interaction between two or more entities which are in direct contact with each other and/or are separated from each other only by a fastener of any suitable variety (e.g., mounting hardware or an adhesive).
[0027] References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term substantially. For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as about and substantially are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term substantially perpendicular is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in some embodiments the feature may have a precisely perpendicular configuration.
[0028] The term bed includes articulating beds and regular beds. The term regular bed means a traditional bed that remains static in a flat state across the entire length of the bed.
[0029] The term articulating bed means an adjustable bed that has two or more sections across the length of the bed, at least one of which can be raised or lowered independently of the other sections. For example, one variant of an articulating bed can have a head section that can raise to an angled position higher than a foot section. The angle that the sections form can range from a large obtuse angle (given a small amount of articulation) to a near-right angle (given a large amount of articulation).
[0030] Articulating beds can be used in a lot of different situations. Articulating beds have been found to provide relief to patients or consumers for a variety of different conditions. Articulating beds can help provide a more comfortable sleep for those recovering from surgery, aiding circulating, breathing, and swelling. Articulating beds have been used by patients in hospitals, homecare, short-term care facilities, long-term care facilities, and the like. Articulating beds are even used by consumers in a home setting.
[0031] Traditional pillowcases can cause problems for the patient or the consumer of an articulating bed. When a head section of an articulating bed is articulated (e.g. raised) to elevate the patient or the consumer to an inclined or sitting position, the pillow can slip behind the patient's or the consumer's back. This is due to gravity causing the pillow to slide down the bed as the head section of the articulating bed is articulated.
[0032] The present disclosure is directed to a no-slip pillowcase that maintains its position on an articulating bed as the head section of the articulating bed is articulated. FIGS. 1-6 illustrates a pillowcase system 100 for use with an articulating bed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the pillowcase system 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the pillowcase system 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the pillowcase system 100, the right side view being a mirror image of the left side view. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the pillowcase system 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the pillowcase system 100. FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the pillowcase system 100.
[0033] The pillowcase system 100 comprises a loop 110 and an extension member 120. The extension member 120 extends from the loop 110. The loop 110 comprises lateral ends, a first lateral end 112 and a second lateral end 114. The second lateral end 114 is opposite the first lateral end 112. FIG. 7 illustrates the pillowcase system 100 with the first lateral end 112 and the second lateral end 114 open so that a pillow 130 may be slid into the loop 110 from either the first lateral end 112 or the second lateral end 114 of the pillowcase system 100. The size of the loop 110 may vary based on the size of the pillow 130 the loop 110 is configured to accommodate. Exemplary sizes of pillows include standard, super standard, queen, king, and body. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 100 may be sized to only accommodate a specific size of pillow discussed above. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 100 may be sized to accommodate a variety of different sizes of pillows discussed above. For example, the loop 110 may accommodate both the standard and the super standard sized pillows but not the queen, king, or body sized pillows.
[0034] In some embodiments, the first lateral end 112 or the second lateral end 114 may be closed so that the pillow can only be inserted into the loop 110 from the opposite open end. For example, the first lateral end 112 may be open and the second lateral end 114 may be closed so that the user inserts the pillow into the open first lateral end 112. In some examples, the second lateral end 114 may be opened and the first lateral end 112 may be closed so that the user inserts the pillow into the open second lateral end 114. The first lateral end 112 or the second lateral end 114 may be closed in variety of different ways, such as stitching, adhesives, zipper(s), fusible tape, fabric glue, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, the open end may comprise an envelope closure for securing the pillow within the loop 110 of the pillowcase system 100. If desired, the open end may comprise another type of fastener (e.g., buttons, zipper(s), hook and loop fasteners, and the like) to close the open end after the pillow is inserted therein.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the pillowcase system 100 secured to an articulating bed 140 with a head section 142 in an inclined configuration. The extension member 120 of the pillowcase system 100 is secured between a frame 144 of the articulating bed 140 and a mattress 150. The extension member 120 helps secure the position of the pillow 130 when the head section 142 of the articulating bed 140 is in the inclined configuration due to the extension member 120 being secured between the frame 144 of the articulating bed 140 and the mattress 150. In other words, the extension member 120 prevents the pillow 130 from sliding down the articulating bed 140 due to gravity.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the pillowcase system 100 with the extension member 120 disposed underneath the mattress 150 of an articulating bed with the head section in an inclined configuration. For ease of illustrating the length of the extension member 120, the articulating bed is not shown. The length of the extension member 120 may be long enough so that the extension member 120 is firmly secured between the frame 144 of the articulating bed 140 and the mattress 150. In some embodiments, the length of the extension member 120 is at least two times longer than the length of the loop 110.
[0037] The extension member 120 of the pillowcase system 100 is coupled to the loop 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the pillowcase system 100 is a single piece of material that folds back on itself at a first longitudinal end 102 of the material. The first longitudinal end 102 is coupled to the material to form the loop 110 and the extension member 120. The first longitudinal end 102 of the material may be coupled by stitching, adhesives, fusible tape, fabric glue, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. FIG. 4 illustrates stitches 116 that couple the first longitudinal end 102 of the material to the material to form the loop 110 and the extension member 120.
[0038] In some embodiments, the loop 110 and the extension member 120 are separate components that are coupled together. The loop 110 and the extension member 120 may be coupled together in variety of different manners, such as stitching, adhesives, fusible tape, fabric glue, hook and loop fasteners, and the like.
[0039] The pillowcase system 100 may be fabricated from a number of different materials. In some embodiments, the loop 110 and the extension member 120 are fabricated from the same material. In some embodiments, the loop 110 and the extension member 120 are fabricated from different materials. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the loop 110 and the extension member 120 are fabricated from the same piece of material.
[0040] Exemplary materials for the pillowcase system 100 include fabric, linen, polyester, cotton, nylon, lyocell, flannel, satin, silk, tissue paper, and the like. In some embodiments, the pillowcase may be reusable in that the pillowcase system 100 may be washed and reused. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 100 may be fabricated from a disposable material, such as polypropylene, spunbonded polypropylene, spunlace and the like, for a single use of the pillowcase system 100.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts a pillowcase system 200 that resembles the pillowcase system 100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to 2. For example, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10-14 includes an extension member 220 that may, in some respects, resemble the extension member 120 of FIGS. 1-9. Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the pillowcase system 100 and related components shown in FIGS. 1-9 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the pillowcase system 200 and related components depicted in FIGS. 10-14. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the pillowcase system 100 and related components illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 can be employed with the pillowcase system 200 and related components of FIGS. 10-14, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates the pillowcase system 200 in an assembled configuration. The pillowcase system 200 includes a pillowcase 210 and an extension member 220. The extension member 220 is removably attachable to the pillowcase 210. The extension member 220 is configured to extend from the pillowcase 210. In some embodiments, a longitudinal length of the extension member 220 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the pillowcase 210. The pillowcase 210 comprises lateral ends, a first lateral end 212 and a second lateral end 214. The second lateral end 214 is opposite the first lateral end 212. The first lateral end 212 comprises an opening to receive a pillow 230 and the pillowcase 210 comprises a cavity to receive the entirety of the pillow 230 within the pillowcase 210. In some embodiments, the first lateral end 212 may comprise an envelope closure in addition to the opening for securing the pillow 230 within the pillowcase 210 of the pillowcase system 200. If desired, the first lateral end 212 may comprise another type of fastener (e.g., buttons, zipper(s), hook and loop fasteners, and the like) to close the open end after the pillow is inserted therein.
[0043] The size of the cavity of the pillowcase 210 may vary based on the size of the pillow 230 the pillowcase 210 is configured to accommodate. Exemplary sizes of pillows include standard, super standard, queen, king, and body. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 200 may be sized to only accommodate a specific size of pillow discussed above. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 200 may be sized to accommodate a variety of different sizes of pillows discussed above. For example, the pillowcase 210 may accommodate both the standard and the super standard sized pillows but not the queen, king, or body sized pillows.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the extension member 220 and FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the extension member 220. The extension member 220 has a rectangular shape and may comprise a single layer of material. In some embodiments, the extension member 220 is the same size as the pillowcase 210. The extension member comprises a first lateral end 222 and a second lateral end 224 opposite the first lateral end 222. The extension member 220 may comprise one or more adhesive strips 221, 223 that extend along the first lateral end 222 and/or the second lateral end 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension member 220 comprises a first adhesive strip 221 that extends along the first lateral end 222 and a second adhesive strip 223 that extends along the second lateral end 224. In some embodiments, the extension member 220 only comprises a single adhesive strip. The extension member 220 is attachable to the pillowcase 210 via one of the adhesive strips 221, 223. In some embodiments, the adhesive strips 221, 223 comprise a release liner or release paper that is attached to the adhesive strips 221, 223 to cover the adhesive strips 221, 223 to prevent premature adherence of the adhesive strip 221 and/or 223 prior to attaching the extension member 220 to the pillowcase 210. For example, a user may pull off the adhesive liner or adhesive paper to expose the adhesive strip 221 or 223 so that the user may attach the extension member 220 to the pillowcase 210. Once the extension member 220 is coupled to the pillowcase 210, the pillowcase system 200 is in the assembled configuration.
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the pillowcase system 200 secured to an articulating bed 240 with a head section 242 in an inclined configuration. The extension member 220 of the pillowcase system 200 is secured between a frame 244 of the articulating bed 240 and a mattress 250. The extension member 220 helps secure the position of the pillow 230 when the head section 242 of the articulating bed 240 is in the inclined configuration due to the extension member 220 being secured between the frame 244 of the articulating bed 240 and the mattress 250. In other words, the extension member 220 prevents the pillow 230 from sliding down the articulating bed 240 due to gravity.
[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of the pillowcase system 200 with the extension member 220 disposed underneath the mattress 250 of an articulating bed with the head section in an inclined configuration. For ease of illustrating the length of the extension member 220, the articulating bed is not shown. The length of the extension member 220 may be long enough so that the extension member 220 is firmly secured between the frame 244 of the articulating bed 240 and the mattress 250.
[0047] Exemplary materials for the pillowcase system 200 include fabric, linen, polyester, cotton, nylon, lyocell, flannel, satin, silk, tissue paper, and the like. In some embodiments, the pillowcase may be reusable in that the pillowcase system 200 may be washed and reused. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 200 may be fabricated from a disposable material, such as polypropylene, spunbonded polypropylene, spunlace and the like, for a single use of the pillowcase system 200.
[0048] FIG. 15 depicts a pillowcase system 300 in an assembled configuration that resembles the pillowcase system 200 described above in certain respects. The pillowcase system 300 includes a pillowcase 310 and an extension member 320. The extension member 320 is removably attachable to the pillowcase 310. The extension member 320 is configured to extend from the pillowcase 310. In some embodiments, a longitudinal length of the extension member 320 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the pillowcase 310. The pillowcase 310 comprises lateral ends, a first lateral end 312 and a second lateral end 314. The second lateral end 314 is opposite the first lateral end 312. The first lateral end 312 comprises an opening to receive a pillow 330 and the pillowcase 310 comprises a cavity to receive the entirety of the pillow 330 within the pillowcase 310. In some embodiments, the first lateral end 312 may comprise an envelope closure in addition to the opening for securing the pillow 330 within the pillowcase 310 of the pillowcase system 300. If desired, the first lateral end 312 may comprise another type of fastener (e.g., buttons, zipper(s), hook and loop fasteners, and the like) to close the open end after the pillow is inserted therein.
[0049] The size of the cavity of the pillowcase 310 may vary based on the size of the pillow the pillowcase 310 is configured to accommodate. Exemplary sizes of pillows include standard, super standard, queen, king, and body. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 300 may be sized to only accommodate a specific size of pillow discussed above. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 300 may be sized to accommodate a variety of different sizes of pillows discussed above. For example, the pillowcase 310 may accommodate both the standard and the super standard sized pillows but not the queen, king, or body sized pillows.
[0050] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the extension member 320 and FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of the extension member 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 are substantially or exactly the same. In other words, the extension member 320 and the pillowcase 310 are interchangeable. The terminology of each component is thus based on how is each component is used to assemble the pillowcase system 300. For example, a user may attach the extension member 320 to the pillowcase 310 and insert a pillow 330 into the pillowcase 310. Alternatively, the user may attach the pillowcase 310 to the extension member 320 and insert the pillow 330 into the extension member 320. Accordingly, a single component may be stored to form the pillowcase system 300. This is different from the pillowcase system 200 in which a user need to store the pillowcase 210 and the extension member 220 that is different from the pillowcase 210.
[0051] Both the pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 each have a rectangular shape and are substantially or exactly the same size. The pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 each comprise a first lateral end 312, 322 and a second lateral end 314, 324 opposite the first lateral end 312, 322. FIG. 18 illustrates a first lateral end view of the pillowcase 310 or the extension member 320 illustrating a slit of the opening of the first lateral end 312, 322 to receive the pillow 330. FIG. 19 illustrates a second lateral end view of the pillowcase 310 or the extension member 320. The pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 each comprise one or more adhesive strips 321, 323 that extend along the first lateral ends 312, 322 and/or the second lateral ends 314, 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 each comprise a first adhesive strip 311, 321 that extends along the first lateral end 312, 322 and a second adhesive strip 313, 323 that extends along the second lateral end 314, 324. In some embodiments, the pillowcase 310 and the extension member 320 only comprise a single adhesive strip. The extension member 320 is attachable to the pillowcase 310 via one of the adhesive strips 321, 323. Alternately, as discussed above, the pillowcase 310 is attachable to the extension member 320 via one of the adhesive strips 311, 313. In some embodiments, the adhesive strips 311, 313, 321, 323 comprise a release liner or release paper that is attached to the adhesive strips 311, 313, 321, 323 to cover the adhesive strips 311, 313, 321, 323 to prevent premature adherence of the adhesive strip 311, 313, 321 and/or 323 prior to attaching the extension member 320 to the pillowcase 310. For example, a user may pull off the adhesive liner or adhesive paper to expose the adhesive strip 311, 313, 321 or 323 so that the user may attach the extension member 320 to the pillowcase 310 or the pillowcase 310 to the extension member 320. Once the extension member 320 is coupled to the pillowcase 310 or the pillowcase 310 is coupled to the extension member 320, the pillowcase system 300 is in the assembled configuration.
[0052] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the pillowcase system 300 secured to an articulating bed 340 with a head section 342 in an inclined configuration. The extension member 320 of the pillowcase system 300 is secured between a frame 344 of the articulating bed 340 and a mattress 350. The extension member 320 helps secure the position of the pillow 330 when the head section 342 of the articulating bed 340 is in the inclined configuration due to the extension member 320 being secured between the frame 344 of the articulating bed 340 and the mattress 350. In other words, the extension member 320 prevents the pillow 330 from sliding down the articulating bed 340 due to gravity.
[0053] In some embodiments, the adhesive strips 311, 313 of the pillowcase 310 may be used to secure the pillowcase 310 to the mattress 350 of the articulating bed 340 or the adhesive strips 321, 323 may be used to secure the extension member 320 to the mattress 350 of the articulating bed 340 to secure the pillowcase system 300 to the mattress 350 of the articulating bed 340.
[0054] FIG. 21 illustrates a rear perspective view of the pillowcase system 300 with the extension member 320 disposed underneath the mattress 350 of an articulating bed with the head section in an inclined configuration. For ease of illustrating the length of the extension member 320, the articulating bed is not shown. The length of the extension member 320 may be long enough so that the extension member 320 is firmly secured between the frame 344 of the articulating bed 340 and the mattress 350.
[0055] Exemplary materials for the pillowcase system 300 include fabric, linen, polyester, cotton, nylon, lyocell, flannel, satin, silk, tissue paper, and the like. In some embodiments, the pillowcase may be reusable in that the pillowcase system 300 may be washed and reused. In some embodiments, the pillowcase system 100 may be fabricated from a disposable material, such as polypropylene, spunbonded polypropylene, spunlace and the like, for a single use of the pillowcase system 300.
[0056] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, sub-routines or only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method.
[0057] Reference throughout this specification to an embodiment or the embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0058] Similarly, it should be appreciated by one of skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.
[0059] Recitation in the claims of the term first with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the present disclosure.
