METHODS FOR FORMING MULTI-LAYERED IMAGE JIGSAW PUZZLES AND RELATED DEVICES

Abstract

Multi-layered image jigsaw puzzles include images on opposing surfaces of an optically clear and transparent structure to allow each image to be clearly viewed from either surface. The images on both surfaces of the puzzle form a complimentary image.

Claims

1. A puzzle comprising: a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure, and a second surface of the optically clear, transparent structure, wherein the first surface comprises a first image disposed thereon, and the second surface comprises a second image disposed thereon, and where the first and second images form a clear, complimentary image viewed through both surfaces and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.

2. The puzzle as in claim 1 wherein the puzzle comprises a plurality of interlockable pieces.

3. The puzzle as in claim 2 wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises one or more image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece and one or more image segments of the second image on a second and opposing surface of the respective piece.

4. The puzzle as in claim 2 wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises one or more image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece or one or more image segments of the second image on a second and opposing surface of the respective piece.

5. The puzzle as in claim 2 wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises no image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece and no image segments of the second image on a second surface of the respective piece.

6. The puzzle as in claim 1 wherein the second surface is parallel to, and opposite, the first surface.

7. The puzzle as in claim 1 wherein the first and second surfaces are separated from one another.

8. The puzzle as in claim 1 wherein the puzzle comprises a jigsaw puzzle.

9. A method for forming a puzzle comprising: forming a first image or a first image segment on a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure; and forming a second image or a second image segment on a second surface of the clear, transparent structure, wherein the first and second images or their respective segments form a complimentary image and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.

10. The method as in claim 9 further comprising: applying a mirrored version of the first image or first image segment onto a first material; applying the first material with the applied mirrored version of the first image or first image segment onto the first surface of the optically clear and transparent structure such that the first image or first image segment is non-mirrored; applying heat to the first material containing the first image or first image segment or to the first surface of the structure to create a bond between the first material and the structure; applying the second image or the second image segment onto a second material; applying the second material with the applied second image or second image segment onto the second surface of the optically clear and transparent structure; and applying heat to the second material containing the second image or second image segment or to the second surface of the structure to create a second bond between the second material and the structure.

11. The method as in claim 10 wherein the first material and the second material comprises a specially-coated, heat transfer paper.

12. The method as in claim 9 further comprising: applying the first image or first image segment directly on the first surface of the structure by directing ultra-violet responsive ink representing the first image or first image segment onto the first surface of structure; and applying a mirrored version of the second image or second image segment directly on the second surface of the structure by directing ultra-violet responsive ink representing the second image or second image segment onto the second surface of the structure.

12. The method as in claim 9 wherein the structure is composed of an acrylic.

13. The method as in claim 9 wherein the puzzle comprises a jigsaw puzzle.

14. A cube-shaped device comprising: a first surface of a first substrate composed of a first optically clear, transparent structure, comprising a first image disposed thereon; and a second, opposing surface of a second substrate composed of a second optically clear, transparent structure, comprising a second image disposed thereon, and where the first and second images form a clear, complimentary image, wherein the first and second surfaces and each of the images are separated from one another and form opposing sides of the cube-shaped device.

15. The cub-shaped wherein the first and second structures comprise jigsaw puzzles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict different views of an illustrative, exemplary inventive multi-layered image puzzle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a simplified illustration of elements of an image segment of an exemplary inventive multi-layered image puzzle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict respective diagrams of an exemplary method for forming inventive multi-layered image jigsaw puzzles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 4A to 4C depict respective diagrams of a second exemplary method for forming inventive multi-layered image jigsaw puzzles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 depicts an illustration of a cube-shaped device that includes one or more jigsaw puzzles according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION, WITH EXAMPLES

[0026] Exemplary embodiments for forming inventive multi-layered image puzzles are described herein and are shown by way of example in the drawings. Throughout the following description and drawings, like reference numbers/characters refer to like elements. It should be understood that although specific embodiments are discussed herein, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, it should be understood that the embodiments discussed herein are for illustrative purposes, and that modified and alternative embodiments that otherwise fall within the scope of the disclosure are contemplated.

[0027] It should be noted that one or more exemplary embodiments may be described as a process or method (the word method may be used interchangeably with the word process herein). Although a process/method may be described as sequential, it should be understood that such a process/method may be performed in parallel, concurrently or simultaneously. In addition, the order of each step within a process/method may be re-arranged. A process/method may be terminated when completed, and may also include additional steps not included in a description of the process/method if, for example, such steps are known by those skilled in the art.

[0028] It should be understood that when a system or device (e.g., a structure), or a component or element of a system or device, is referred to, or shown in a figure, as being connected to (or other tenses of connected) another system, device (or component or element of a system or device) such systems, devices, components or elements may be directly connected, or may use intervening components or elements to aid a connection. In the latter case, if the intervening systems, devices, components or elements are well known to those in the art they may not be described herein or shown in the accompanying figures for the sake of clarity.

[0029] It should be understood that, as used herein, the designations first, second, third, fourth and top and bottom are used to distinguish one parameter or element from another and does not indicate a priority or order. The parameters or elements could be re-designated (i.e., re-numbered) and it would not affect the methods or devices described herein.

[0030] As used herein the phrases top and bottom are relative terms used to distinguish a view of elements shown in a figure and are not intended to limit the orientation or direction of those elements. Consequently, depending on how a structure is held or viewed, the top and bottom of a structure can be perceived as reversed.

[0031] As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural form, unless the context and/or common sense indicates otherwise. It should be understood that the terms comprises, comprising,, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof. As used herein the term configured to means functions to unless the context, common sense or knowledge of one skilled in the art indicates otherwise.

[0032] As used herein the phrases embodiment or exemplary mean a non-limiting example of the present disclosure. Though the embodiments described herein and shown in the figures may depict certain geometric shapes, it should be understood that these shapes are merely exemplary, and, accordingly, other shapes may be substituted for the so described and depicted shapes.

[0033] As used herein the word clear, clearly or its tenses means visually transparent e.g., the opposite of opaque.

[0034] As used herein the phrase jigsaw puzzle means a structure that comprises uniquely shaped, interlockable elements (i.e., pieces) that when separated, challenge a person to assemble the elements into a cohesive image of interlocked elements, and where usually, but not always, the elements may be colored.

[0035] As used herein the phrase multi-layered image jigsaw puzzle means a jigsaw puzzle that includes two or more (a plurality) of images, where each image is on a different, substantially parallel layer or plane within a transparent structure. As used herein the phrase multi-layered means multiple layers.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B there are illustrated top and side views of an exemplary inventive multi-layered image jigsaw puzzle 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1A the inventive puzzle 1 may comprise a plurality of interlockable jigsaw puzzle elements or pieces 4a to 4n (where n represents the last jigsaw puzzle piece). When each of the pieces 4a to 4n is interlocked with at least one other piece, the interlocked jigsaw pieces 4a to 4n form the puzzle 1.

[0038] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the puzzle 1 may comprise a first surface 2a of an optically clear, transparent structure 6 having a first image 2 (e.g., an artistically designed image) applied onto its surface and interlockable pieces 4a to 4n (e.g., top surface) and a second surface 3a of the optically clear, transparent structure 6 having a second image 3 (e.g., an artistically designed image) applied onto its surface and interlockable pieces 4a to 4n (e.g., bottom surfaces).

[0039] In an embodiment, when the pieces are connected to the structure 6 the second surface is typically parallel to, and opposite, the first surface. In an embodiment, each of the surface on opposite sides of the structure 6 form a different layer of the puzzle 1. Having images on two surfaces, the puzzle 1 may be referred to as a multi-layered image jigsaw puzzle. Further, each of the surfaces of the structure, and therefore each of the images 2,3 may be separated (distance-wise) from one another due to, for example, a thickness of the structure. Alternatively an air gap or another gap (not shown in figure) may be created within the structure in between the two opposing surfaces. Yet further, if needed, miniature mechanical supports may be inserted into the structure between the two surfaces to support a given surface or surfaces.

[0040] In an embodiment, both images 2,3 may be visible from either side of the puzzle 1. Said another way, the puzzle 1 may be configured to allow both images 2,3 to be clearly viewed through both surfaces and from either side of the puzzle (e.g., when the puzzle is laying horizontally, both images can be seen) due to the fact that the structure 6 may be composed of an optically clear and transparent material upon which the images may be attached to or formed on a respective surface.

[0041] In an embodiment, when viewed from one side the image 2 on one surface may be in the foreground while image 3 on another surface may be in the background (see FIG. 1B). Alternatively, when viewed form an opposite side the image 2 may be in the background while the image 3 may be in the foreground. Further, in an embodiment, both images may be selected to form an overall image when the images are combined. Said another way, both images visually complement one another when combined on the same material (i.e., a complimentary image).

[0042] In sum, an inventive jigsaw puzzle 1 may comprise a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure 6, and a second surface of the optically clear, transparent structure 6, wherein the first surface comprises a first image 2 disposed thereon and the second surface comprises a second image 3 disposed thereon, and where the first and second images form a clear, complimentary image viewed through both surfaces and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.

[0043] In an embodiment, one or more of the interlockable jigsaw puzzle pieces 4a to 4n having first surfaces that form the first image 2 may, or may not, be the same as the one or more jigsaw puzzle pieces 4a to 4n having second surfaces that form the second image 3. Because some of the pieces 4a to 4n may have two different images on opposite surfaces, for the sake of clarity we will refer to the pieces that form both images as 4a to 4n.

[0044] In an embodiment, the first image 2 may comprise one or more first image segments formed on a first surface (e.g., top surface) of an optically clear and transparent structure 6 and the second image 3 may also comprise one or more second image segments formed on a second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the structure 6. In an embodiment, the structure 6 may be composed of an optically clear and transparent acrylic material, for example. The thickness of the acrylic material may vary depending on a desired application. In two non-limiting embodiments, the thickness may be of an inch, or 1/16.sup.th of an inch, for example. In an embodiment, the images 2, 3 may be clearly seen on the optically clear and transparent structure 6 when viewed from either side. In an embodiment, each of the surfaces forms a different layer of the structure 6.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is depicted a single jigsaw puzzle piece 40n (where n indicates one jigsaw puzzle piece) which may be part of the puzzle 1. As illustrated, piece 40n may comprise one or more first image segments 20a of a first image 20 formed on a first surface 50a (e.g., top surface) of an optically clear and transparent structure 60 and one or more second image segments 30a of a second mage 30 formed on a second surface 50b (e.g., bottom surface) of the structure 60. In an embodiment, the structure 60 may be composed of an optically clear and transparent acrylic material, for example. The thickness of the acrylic material may vary depending on a desired application. In two non-limiting embodiments, the thickness may be of an inch, or 1/16.sup.th of an inch, for example. In an embodiment, the opposing image segments 20a, 30a (as well as opposing non-image segments discussed below) on surfaces 50a,50b may be separated (distance-wise) from one another and may be clearly seen on the optically clear and transparent structure 60 when viewed from either side. In an embodiment, each of the surfaces 50a, 50b forms a different layer of the structure 60.

[0046] In addition, in an embodiment, upon being formed on the structure 60 the image segments 20a and 30a form a combined, complimentary image.

[0047] Though FIG. 2 depicts a single first image segment 20a it should be understood that this is merely exemplary and that a given puzzle piece (such as pieces 40n or 4a to 4n) may comprise more than one first image segment on its first surface or none at all. Similarly, though FIG. 2 depicts two second image segments 30a it should be understood that this is merely exemplary and that a given puzzle piece may comprise a single second image segment, more than two second image segments or none at all on its second surface.

[0048] That is to say, in various embodiments, (i) one or more interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces 4a to 4n may comprise one or more image segments of the first image 20 on a first surface 50a of a respective piece 4a to 4n (e.g., 40n) and one or more image segments of the second image 30 on a second and opposing surface 50b of the respective piece, or (ii) one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces 4a to 4n comprises one or more image segments of the first image 20 on a first surface 50a of a respective piece or one or more image segments of the second image 30 on a second and opposing surface 50b of the respective piece, or (iii) one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces 4a to 4n comprises no image segments of the first image 20 on a first surface 50a of a respective piece and no image segments of the second image 30 on a second surface 50b of the respective piece.

[0049] Those portions of a surface that include an image segment may be referred to as image portions while those portions that do not include at least one image segment may be referred to as non-image portions. In FIG. 2, the first surface 50a includes two non-image portions 80 while the second surface 50b includes one non-image portion 70. For the sake of clarity, the portion of surface 50a upon which image segment 20a is applied can be referred to as an image portion 20aa and the portions upon which image segments 30a are applied can also be referred to as image portions 30aa.

[0050] In FIG. 2, the non-image portion 70 is illustrated between image portions 30aa. Accordingly, in an embodiment each of the plurality of image portions 30aa may be separated by a non-image portion 70 (i.e., though this is optional). Said another way, a given puzzle piece 40n may comprise a portion (or portions) of a first or second surface 50a, 50b that does not have an image segment formed thereon (see also portion 5 on the bottom of puzzle 1 in FIG. 1B). It should be noted that an exemplary puzzle may not include pieces that include a non-image portion. Said another way, all of the pieces of an exemplary puzzle may comprise image portions without any non-image portions.

[0051] In an embodiment, though a surface may include a non-image portion, such as portion 70 on second surface 50b, an opposing image segment and its respective opposing image portion on an opposing surface (i.e., on a different layer), such as segment 20a and portion 20aa on a first surface 50a, may be clearly visible and viewed through portion 70 because the structure 60 is optically clear and transparent.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3C and 4a to 4C there are illustrated two methods of forming a jigsaw puzzle where both methods include the steps of (i) forming a first image or a first image segment on a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure; and (ii) forming a second image or a second image segment on a second surface of the clear, transparent structure, wherein the first and second images or their respective segments form a complimentary image and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.

[0053] Specifically, FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate a simplified diagram of an exemplary method 100 for forming an inventive multi-layered image jigsaw puzzle 16. It should be understood that the method 100 that follows may be applied to a complete image or to an image segment.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3A, during step 101 a mirrored version of a first image segment or first image 10a may be applied to (printed onto) a first material 9, by a light source (laser printer). In an embodiment, the mirrored version of the first image segment or image 10a may first be generated by a computer system (not shown) connected to the light source (e.g., laser printer; not shown) before being applied to the first material 9 by mirroring the orientation of an original image (e.g., TOP).

[0055] In more detail, the first material 9 may comprise a specially-coated, heat transfer paper that may be applied to a substantially smooth and hard surface.

[0056] Thereafter, during step 102 the first material 9 comprising the imprinted, mirrored version of the first image segment or image 10a may be applied to a first surface 11 (e.g., top surface) of an optically clear and transparent acrylic structure 12 such that the first image segment or image 10a of the original image (e.g., TOP) can be correctly viewed and seen (i.e., a non-mirrored image) (see FIG. 3B). Next, during step 103 energy (e.g., thermal energy, heat) may be applied to the first material 9 containing the first image segment or first image 10a and/or the first surface 11 of the acrylic structure 12 in order to create an adhesive bond between the first material 9 (upon which the first image segment or image 10a has been formed) and the acrylic structure 12.

[0057] Continuing, during step 104 a second image segment or image 14a (e.g., BOTTOM) may be applied to (printed onto) a second material 13 by a light source (e.g., laser printer, not shown) (see FIG. 3C). In an embodiment, the second image segment or image 14a may first be generated by a computer system (not shown) connected to the light source before it is applied to the second material 13.

[0058] In an embodiment, the second material 13 may also comprise a specially-coated, heat transfer paper that may be used on a substantially smooth and hard surface.

[0059] During step 105 the second material 13 comprising the imprinted version of the second image segment or image 14a may be applied to the second surface 15 (e.g., bottom surface) of the optically clear and transparent acrylic structure 12 such that the second image segment or image 14a (e.g., BOTTOM) can be viewed and seen (see FIG. 3B).

[0060] During the same step or another step energy (e.g., thermal energy, heat) may be applied to the second material 13, image segment or image 14a and the second surface 15 of acrylic structure 12 in order to create an adhesive bond between the second material 13 (upon which the second image segment or image 14a has been applied) and the acrylic structure 12.

[0061] Backtracking somewhat, in more detail, during steps 103 and 105 as energy (heat) is being applied to either the first or second materials 9, 13 the substance (e.g., ink) that makes up the first and second image segments or images 10a, 14a may be separated from a respective material 9,13 and transferred onto acrylic structure 12.

[0062] Similar to before, the opposing images 10a, 14a on surfaces 11,15 may be separated (distance-wise) from one another.

[0063] In embodiments, the thickness of the structure 12 may again be of an inch, or 1/16.sup.th of an inch, for example, and both image segments or images 10a, 14a may be clearly seen on the optically clear and transparent structure 12. In an embodiment, upon applying materials 9,13 to surfaces 11,15 the resulting structure forms a multi-layered image structure 12.

[0064] In an embodiment, upon being applied to the structure 12 the image segments 10a and 14a may form a combined, complimentary image.

[0065] Alternatively, instead of applying (e.g., imprinting) the first and second image segments or images on a paper, the images may be directly formed on an acrylic structure itself through a method 200 that makes use of ultraviolet (UV) printing means (e.g. UV light). In embodiments, the wavelength of a UV light source that may be used by an inventive method may depend on the ink used and type of light source used (e.g., laser diode versus LED). In embodiments, the wavelength of a laser diode or LED light source configured to cure or dry such ink instantly as it is applied to a prepared substrate may range between 200 nanometers (nm) and 405 nm for laser diode light sources and 385 nm and 395 nm for LED light sources, with a preferred wavelength being 350 nm for a laser diode light source to name just one of many preferred wavelengths.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4C there is illustrated a simplified diagram of an alternative, exemplary method 200 for forming an inventive multi-layered image jigsaw puzzle 17 using UV light. It should be understood that the method 200 that follows may be applied to a complete image or to an image segment.

[0067] In more detail, during step 201 (see FIG. 4A) a first image segment or image 10b may be directly applied to a first surface 11 (top surface) of an optically clear and transparent acrylic structure 12 by, for example, a UV light source (not shown) that directs UV responsive ink representing the first image or first image segment 10b onto the first surface 11 of the structure 12. Further, during step 201 the UV light source may apply UV light to the first surface 11 and ink to simultaneously and instantly cure the UV responsive ink to the structure 12.

[0068] Thereafter, during step 202 the structure 12 may be flipped or turned so that a second surface 15 is now facing the UV light source (see FIG. 4B). Alternatively, during step 202 the structure 12 may remain as oriented during step 201 but the UV light source is moved so that it is now able to direct UV light towards the second surface 15.

[0069] In either case, during step 203 (see FIG. 4B) a mirrored, second image segment or image 14b may be directly applied to the second surface 15 (bottom surface) of the same optically clear and transparent acrylic structure 12 by, for example, the UV light source (not shown) that directs UV responsive ink that represents the second image or second image segment 14b onto the structure 12. Further, during step 203 the UV light source may apply UV light to the second surface 15 and ink to simultaneously and instantly cure the UV responsive ink to the structure 12.

[0070] Thereafter, during step 204 the structure 12 may then be turned or otherwise oriented such that the first surface 11 is now the top surface (see FIG. 4C) so that both first and second image segments or images 10b, 14b now form a combined, complimentary image when viewed from the top.

[0071] In an embodiment, upon applying images 10b,14b to surfaces 11,15 the resulting structure forms a multi-layered image structure 12.

[0072] Similar to before, the opposing images 10b,14b on surfaces 11,15 may be separated (distance-wise) from one another, Further, in embodiments, the thickness of the structure 12 may again be of an inch, or 1/16.sup.th of an inch, for example, and both image segments or images 10b, 14b may be clearly seen on the optically clear and transparent structure 12.

[0073] When FIGS. 3A to 3C and 4A to 4C represent images instead of image segments, after methods 100 or 200 are completed, the acrylic structure (i.e., substrate) 12 may be cut or otherwise separated into the plurality of jigsaw puzzle pieces (e.g., pieces 4a to 4n). In an embodiment, the cutting or separation may be completed by a CO.sub.2 laser cutting tool in order to produce puzzle pieces that fit precisely together and interlock.

[0074] In more detail, the following method may be used to cut the structure 12.

[0075] In an embodiment, a low adhesion, minimum or no residue masking tape may be applied to both sides (i.e., first and second or top and bottom) of the structure 12. The application of the masking tape helps protect the surfaces of both sides and their respective images from debris or deposits that are created when small pieces of the structure are removed and scattered as the structure 12 is cut into the jigsaw puzzle pieces (e.g., pieces 4a to 4n).

[0076] Once the masking tape is applied, the structure 12 may be inserted or otherwise positioned on a cutting machine, such as a CO.sub.2 laser cutter (e.g., manufactured by Glowforge Pro). Thereafter, a user may input specific settings into the cutting machine to cut the structure 12 that comprises images on each of its sides into a plurality of jigsaw puzzle pieces (e.g., 4a to 4n).

[0077] Yet further, upon completing the cutting process the masking tape is removed from each jigsaw puzzle piece.

[0078] It should be understood that the inventive puzzles 1, 16 and 17 in FIGS. 1A to 4C which include the features described herein may form a number of different shaped puzzles. That is, though shown as rectangular the inventive puzzles may be formed in a number of shapes, such as triangular, circular and hexagon to name just a few examples.

[0079] In addition, the first and second opposing surfaces of an inventive puzzle may be separated by more than of an inch, or 1/16.sup.th of an inch. For example, such surfaces may be separated by a distance such that the opposing surfaces form surfaces of a cube (side-to-side).

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is depicted a device 500 that includes one or more inventive jigsaw puzzles 506, 507. In this embodiment the first surface 505 of an optically clear, transparent substrate 508 of the first puzzle 506 may comprise a first image 501 applied to its surface while the second, opposing surface 502 of a second optically clear, transparent substrate 509 of the second puzzle 507 may comprise a second image 504 applied to its surface, where both images can be viewed when looking through either surface (through the top or bottom surface, or side-to side). Other shaped puzzles may also be formed by separating the first and second surfaces.

[0081] In slightly more detail, the first and second substrates 508, 509 may be composed of an acrylic for example.

[0082] In an embodiment, the combination of the first and second images 501,504 form a clear, complimentary image viewed through both surfaces and at least the first and second surfaces 502,505 form multiple layers.

[0083] In addition, in an embodiment the first and second surfaces 502, 505 and therefore each of the images 501, 504 may be separated (distance-wise) from one another due to, for example, a distance corresponding to the length of another side 503 of the cube-shaped device 500, for example.

[0084] It should be noted that each surface may be considered a side of the cube-shaped device 500, such that the opposing surfaces 502,505, their corresponding images 501,504 and substrates 508,509 form opposing sides of the cube-shaped device 500.

[0085] Each of the puzzles 506,507 described above may be formed by one or more of the methods described elsewhere herein, for example.

[0086] The description above has focused on exemplary embodiments for creating inventive multi-layered image puzzles. While certain embodiments have been described it should be understood that the inventive methods and devices are not limited to the described embodiments. Other variations of the inventive methods and devices may be implemented.

[0087] It should be understood that the features described above with respect to one embodiment illustrated by one figure, for example, may also be incorporated into another embodiment described herein and/or shown in a different figure. For the sake of clarity, however, such features have not been repeated for each other embodiment.

[0088] Numerous changes and modifications to the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the general spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is best defined by the claims that follow.