KITCHEN SINK WITH INTERCHANGEABLE MODULAR COMPONENTS

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to kitchen sinks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to modular kitchen sinks configured to receive and use functional modules for various utilitarian purposes. One example is a modular kitchen sink having a faucet, a basin, a sink chassis configured to partially receive one or more functional modules, and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis, such that the one or more functional modules are partially sealed within the sink chassis and partially positioned above the cover plate proximate the faucet. Each of the one or more functional modules may be configured to perform a kitchen sink function such as heating or cooling fluids, or dispensing soap, for example. Examples of the present disclosure advantageously satisfy the functional and aesthetic requirements necessary for modern sinks while incorporating multiple functional modules configured to perform a variety of useful functions.

Claims

1. A modular sink, comprising: a basin; a sink chassis configured to partially receive one or more functional modules; and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis, wherein the cover plate is configured to partially seal one or more functional modules within the sink chassis, and wherein the cover plate is configured to enable one or more functional modules to partially extend above the cover plate.

2. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis defines a cuboid geometry.

3. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis defines a plurality of openings for partially receiving one or more functional modules.

4. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis defines a plurality of separated cavities for partially receiving one or more functional modules.

5. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis is configured to receive one or more functional modules through a top chassis surface, and wherein the sink chassis is configured to receive one or more utility tubes through a bottom chassis surface.

6. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the cover plate is removably coupled to the sink chassis.

7. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the cover plate defines a first plurality of openings aligned with a second plurality of openings of the sink chassis, and wherein the first and second pluralities of openings are configured to receive one or more functional modules, such that the cover plate separates one or more functional modules between a sealed portion within the sink chassis and an external portion positioned above the cover plate.

8. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis defines at least one support structure configured to removably couple one or more functional modules to the sink chassis.

9. The modular sink of claim 1, wherein the sink chassis is configured to accommodate two or more interlocked functional modules.

10. A modular sink, comprising: a basin; a sink chassis defining a first plurality of openings extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the sink chassis is configured to receive a functional module through the top surface of each of the first plurality of openings, and wherein the sink chassis is configured to receive at least one utility tube through the bottom surface of each of the first plurality of openings; at least one support structure positioned within each of the first plurality of openings, wherein the at least one support structure is configured to interface with a functional module when received by the sink chassis, to removably couple a functional module to the sink chassis; and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis, wherein the cover plate defines a second plurality of openings aligned with the first plurality of openings of the sink chassis, such that the cover plate is configured to enable at least one functional module to extend partially above the cover plate when received by the sink chassis.

11. The modular sink of claim 10, wherein the at least one support structure is positioned against a wall defined between the top surface and the bottom surface of the first plurality of openings.

12. The modular sink of claim 10, wherein the at least one support structure comprises a snap-in feature configured to removably couple a functional module to the sink chassis.

13. The modular sink of claim 10, wherein the cover plate is configured to enable a utility connection structure of a functional module to extend below the cover plate when received by the sink chassis, and wherein the cover plate is configured to enable an external feature of a functional module to extend above the cover plate when received by the sink chassis.

14. The modular sink of claim 10, further comprising a faucet positioned along the sink chassis.

15. The modular sink of claim 10, wherein the cover plate is removably coupled to the sink chassis.

16. The modular sink of claim 10, wherein the sink chassis is configured to accommodate two or more interlocked functional modules.

17. A modular sink, comprising: a basin; a plurality of functional modules each configured to perform a unique utilitarian function; a sink chassis defining a first plurality of openings extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the plurality of functional modules are received through the top surface of the first plurality of openings, and wherein the sink chassis is configured to receive at least one utility tube through the bottom surface of the first plurality of openings; at least one support structure positioned within each of the first plurality of openings, wherein the at least one support structure is configured to interface with at least one functional module of the plurality of functional modules, to removably couple the at least one functional module to the sink chassis; and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis, wherein the cover plate defines a second plurality of openings aligned with the first plurality of openings of the sink chassis, wherein the cover plate is configured to separate each of the plurality of the functional modules between a sealed portion within the sink chassis and an external portion positioned above the cover plate.

18. The modular sink of claim 17, wherein the plurality of functional modules comprises at least one of a glass rinser, a soap dispenser, a side sprayer, an instant hot water module, a filtered water module, a utensil module, an acoustic speaker, a heating or cooling module, a lighting module, an aroma module, and an ultraviolet sanitizer module.

19. The modular sink of claim 17, wherein the plurality of functional modules are configured to interlock with each other.

20. The modular sink of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of functional modules comprise a utility connection structure and an external feature, and wherein the cover plate is configured to separate each utility connection structure of the plurality of the functional modules from each external feature of the plurality of functional modules, such that each utility connection structure is sealed within the sink chassis and each external feature extends above the cover plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of examples of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular kitchen sink, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of various modular kitchen sink configurations, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3D are side views of a modular kitchen sink having at least one functional module, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 3E and 3F are side views of a functional module, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3G is a side view illustrating utility connection structures for a modular kitchen sink, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover plate positioned over a sink chassis, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a side view of interlocking functional modules, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5B is a side view illustrating the arrangement of a sink deck and a functional module of a modular kitchen sink, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5C is a side view of an interlocking functional module, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates side, top, and perspective views of a modular kitchen sink having an accessory chassis, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modular kitchen sink, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0023] While various examples are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative examples and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a modular kitchen sink 100 may include a basin 102, a faucet 104 proximal to the basin 102, a sink chassis 106 configured to partially receive one or more functional modules 110, and a cover plate 108 positioned over the sink chassis 106. The cover plate 108 acts as a barrier separating utility connection structures of the faucet 104 and the functional modules 110 (e.g., fluid and electrical connections) positioned within the sink chassis 106, from external features of these components located outside and above the sink chassis 106 (e.g., faucet sprayer, soap dispenser). Cover plate 108 advantageously seals sink chassis 106 from exposure to the outside environment while also minimizing debris build-up along a top surface of cover plate 108. Moreover, the functional modules 110 may be couplable to cover plate 108 in any suitable manner (e.g., modules 110 extending through openings defined in cover plate 108). Modular kitchen sink 100 may optionally include one or more sink accessories 120 positioned inside basin 102 as illustrated in FIG. 1, or positioned proximal to the basin 102 or other sink 100 components.

[0026] As depicted particularly in later figures, sink chassis 106 (and its equivalents) generally comprise an internal cavity configured to receive one or more support structures and to partially receive one or more functional modules 110. For example, sink chassis 106 may have a cuboid geometry with support structures positioned against opposing walls (illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, for example). In addition to the space defined by sink chassis 106, the support structures may be configured to receive the one or more functional modules 110 and contain the module(s) 110 within chassis 106. Sink chassis 106 may define one or more openings on a bottom surface thereof that utility tubes/hoses/cables (collectively, tubes) may extend through to connect to corresponding utility connection structures on the module(s) 110. Sink chassis 106 may be internally sealed using cover plate 108 which separates the utility tubes and connection structures from the usable features of the module(s) 110 located above cover plate 108. Cover plate 108 may have a length and width that is substantially similar to the length and width of sink chassis 106, in order to cover the entirety of chassis 106.

[0027] In operation, modular kitchen sink 100 may be used in conjunction with one or more functional modules 110 to achieve benefits other than mere fluid dispersal through faucet 104. For example, sink 100 may include a glass rinser module for rinsing vessels and other items, and a soap dispenser module for dispensing soap and other cleaning products. The glass rinser and soap dispenser modules will generally include utility connection structures which connect to utility tubes inside sink chassis 106. The utility tubes provide for the transport of fluid, soap, electrical power, etc. to the modules as needed to enable their operation. The glass rinser and soap dispenser modules may be disposed on opposite sides of faucet 104 along cover plate 108, or on the same side. The module utility connections are generally located within sink chassis 106 while the functional features of the modules (i.e., fluid dispersal for vessel rinsing, soap dispensing) are provided above the cover plate 108 proximate to the faucet 104. Accordingly, modular kitchen sink 100 may perform several different functions simultaneously all within the sink area.

[0028] In examples of the present disclosure, modular kitchen sink 100 may include or otherwise incorporate one or more of the following functional modules 110 (not specifically depicted in the figures): a glass rinser for rinsing vessels and other similarly shaped objects (e.g., bar-style glass rinser); a soap dispenser for dispensing soap or other cleaning products (e.g., manual or electronic soap dispenser); a side sprayer for spraying fluids horizontally rather than vertically (e.g., may include soap or ozone in addition to fluid); a clean zone module (i.e., smooth area on cover plate 108 if no other feature is desired); an instant hot module configured to provide boiling water from a faucet; a filtered water module configured to provide filtered water from a faucet; an air gap module for features such as a waterfall rinser; a waterfall rinser for washing objects using a waterfall fluid pattern; and a debris disposal button for starting a garbage disposal (e.g., air or electronic button).

[0029] In examples of the present disclosure, modular kitchen sink 100 may further include or otherwise incorporate one or more of the following functional modules 110 (not specifically depicted in the figures): a drying stone configured to absorb water (e.g., passive drying stone); a heating/cooling module which acts as a heated or cooled surface along cover plate 108; a utensil holder/washer module for cleaning, drying, and holding utensils such as knives; an accessory holder for storing various accessories and items along cover plate 108 (e.g., bottle holder, phone holder); an acoustic speaker (e.g., Bluetooth speaker); a lighting module to provide light to sink 100 and surrounding areas (e.g., may be an individual functional module 120 or a feature on every other module 120); an aroma therapy module configured to release aromas (e.g., aroma release after kitchen and sink are cleaned); an ultraviolet (UV)/air sanitizer module for sanitizing kitchen utensils; a compost/grease catch module for removing compost and grease before they enter basin 102; and a moving faucet module configured to enable faucet 104 to slide horizontally along a sink deck (i.e., countertop that sink 100 is formed within).

[0030] Several of these example functional modules 110 require one or more utility connection structures to operate (e.g., several modules need a fluid connection and/or a soap connection). For example, the following example modules 110 may require a hot fluid connection: the glass rinser; the side sprayer; the waterfall module; the moving faucet module; and the utensil holder/washer module. The following example modules 110 may require a cold fluid connection: the glass rinser; the side sprayer; the instant hot module; the filtered water module; and the moving faucet module.

[0031] The following example modules 110 may require a soap or other cleaning product connection: the glass rinser; the soap dispenser; the side sprayer; the waterfall module; and the utensil holder/washer module. The following example modules 110 may require a drain connection: the glass rinser; the clean zone module; the air gap module; the utensil holder/washer module; and the UV/air sanitizer module. The following example modules 110 may require an electrical connection: the soap dispenser; the clean zone module; the debris disposal button; the heating/cooling module; the acoustic speaker; the lighting module; the aroma therapy module; and the UV/air sanitizer module. The debris disposal button may require an air connection. The following example modules 110 may require a sink chassis 106 that defines a through hole for receiving utility connection structures: the air gap module; the moving faucet module; and the compost/grease catch module.

[0032] The hot fluid, cold fluid, and through hole utility connection structures may be used with various faucet types including a pulldown faucet, a semipro faucet, a bridge faucet, and a remote valve faucet, for example.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, modular kitchen sink 200 may comprise a sink chassis 206 configured to receive any number of functional modules 210, including nine individual functional modules 210, three individual functional modules 210, two individual functional modules 210, and one functional module 210. The functional modules 210 may be positioned substantially equidistant along sink chassis 206 or may be positioned in any suitable pattern (e.g., more than half of the functional modules 210 may be positioned on a leftward side of sink chassis 206 rather than rightward side). Modular kitchen sink 200 has many similarities to modular kitchen sink 100, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

[0034] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3A-3G, a modular kitchen sink 300 having a sink chassis 306 configured to partially receive multiple functional modules 310 is illustrated. Modular kitchen sink 300 has many similarities to modular kitchen sinks 100, 200, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

[0035] Sink chassis 306 may define a through-hole opening 326 in a bottom surface thereof where utility tubes may extend through. Sink chassis 306 may have a geometry sufficient to receive three functional modules 310 as illustrated, or any number of functional modules 310 depending on the size of the area occupied by sink 300. Sink chassis 306 may include a pair of support structures 324 for receiving and containing the functional modules 310 within the space defined by chassis 306. Each functional module 310 may include one or more utility connection structures 322 configured to receive the utility tubes. Utility tubes enable the transport of fluids, soap, power, etc. to functional modules 310 through the utility connection structures 322, to enable the modules 310 to be operated in conjunction with other components of modular kitchen sink 300.

[0036] In examples of the present disclosure, sink chassis 306 may be designed to receive three functional modules, two functional modules, or one functional module, for example. Sink chassis 306 may include a through-hole opening 326 in a bottom surface thereof, may include multiple through-hole openings 326 in the bottom surface, or may include no openings in the bottom surface. In examples, various utilities may connect to the functional modules 310 via utility tubes (e.g., hoses, cables, cords) extending through sink 300, or may connect in a different manner (e.g., utility tubes extending through a wall proximate the sink 300, rather than through the sink 300). In examples, a bottom portion of the functional modules 310 may be thinner (i.e., smaller, skinnier) than a top portion of the module to form a T-shaped geometry (as illustrated in FIG. 3F, for example). Said another way, functional modules 310 may have a tapered geometry to ensure a tight fit when placed inside sink chassis 306. In examples, sink 300 may include one or more standard functional modules 310 configured to perform specific features (e.g., heating/cooling fluids, dispensing filtered water). Standard functional modules 310 may have unique geometries suitable to the specific functions they perform.

[0037] Functional modules 310 may be attached to the sink chassis 306 and/or the support structures 324 in several ways. For example, the functional modules 310 may be attached using fasteners 311 inserted from the side, the bottom, or the top of sink chassis 306, as partially illustrated in FIG. 3C (showing side and bottom fastener 311 attachment). Functional modules 310 may also be attached to sink chassis 306 via a bottom snap-in feature 315, as illustrated in FIG. 3C (e.g., snap structure connected to functional module 310, snap structure is placed in direct contact with a bottom surface of sink chassis 306 to secure functional module 310 therein).

[0038] Similarly, functional modules 310 may be attached to sink chassis 306 via a side snap-in feature 312 received within side snap-in openings 313 defined within opposing walls of chassis 306 (illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D with functional module 310 being inserted into sink chassis 306 and side snap-in features 312 being received by side snap-in openings 313). Alternatively, functional modules 310 may be attached to sink chassis 306 using an expanding seal 314 wrapped around an outer functional module surface, as illustrated in FIG. 3E (showing functional module 310 with expanding seal 314, expanding seal 314 may be placed in direct contact with the walls of sink chassis 306 to secure functional module 310 therein).

[0039] In examples of the present disclosure, the various module utilities may connect to the sink chassis 306 at a single point or position. In examples, fluids, electricity, and other utilities may be distributed to the functional modules 310 through the sink chassis 306 as described previously. In examples, each functional module 310 may have a temperature control feature. Alternatively, or additionally, sink chassis 306 may be configured to control the temperature of each functional module 310 from a single point or position within chassis 306. In examples, each functional module 310 may be sealed around the outside. In examples, functional modules 310 positioned on the ends of sink chassis 306 may have a different geometry (e.g., edge structure) than functional modules 310 positioned between the ends, to hide seals/seams potentially present in cover plate 308.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, a sink chassis 406 and a cover plate 408 are illustrated. Sink chassis 406 is depicted as having three separate pockets (i.e., cavities, openings) each configured to receive a functional module (not depicted). As discussed previously, cover plate 408 may seal sink chassis 406 to separate the utility connections of the functional modules from the functional features located above cover plate 408. Cover plate 408 is generally configured to cover all or substantially all seams along the sink deck (i.e., countertop) to eliminate or minimize debris build-up therein.

[0041] Referring now generally to FIGS. 5A-5C, a modular kitchen sink 500 may include two or more functional modules 510 configured to interlock with one another. Modular kitchen sink 500 has many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

[0042] Interlocking functional modules 510 may include one or more receiving cavities 516 and one or more connecting portions 518 as illustrated in the figures. Receiving cavity 516 may be configured to receive connecting portion 518 to secure two functional modules 510 together without the need for fasteners or snap-in features. Functional module 510 may include two receiving cavities 516 and two connecting portions 518 corresponding to receiving cavities 516 and connecting portions 518 on a second functional module 510. Interlocking two or more functional modules 510 in this manner advantageously seals the modules 510 to the sink deck while eliminating or minimizing the presence of seams in the cover plate (not depicted). In examples of the present disclosure, receiving cavities 516 and connecting portions 518 have small edge radii to eliminate stress points while maintaining tight connections when functional modules 510 are interlocked. In examples, functional modules 510 positioned on the ends of sink chassis (not depicted) have a different geometry than functional modules 510 positioned between the ends, to hide seals/seams not covered by the interlocked module configuration.

[0043] FIG. 5B illustrates overhang of the modular kitchen sink 500 deck over a functional module 510. This is one example of how the present disclosure accounts for tolerances between the sink chassis and the functional modules 510. In other examples, tolerances are reduced by using expanding functional modules 510 or functional modules 510 having expanding seals (e.g., inflatable seals) attached thereto.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, a modular kitchen sink 600 may include a basin 602, a faucet 604 proximal to the basin 602, a sink chassis 606 configured to partially receive one or more functional modules 610, a cover plate 608 positioned over the sink chassis 606, and an accessory chassis 630 positioned on a side of the basin 602 (e.g., front or back sides, leftward or rightward sides). Accessory chassis 630 may be configured to receive one or more sink accessories (e.g., scrub brush, soap bar, rag, etc.) on a top surface thereof. Modular kitchen sink 600 has many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

[0045] Modular kitchen sink 600 includes an accessory chassis 630 for receiving various sink and kitchen accessories. Accessory chassis 630 may have a generally rectangular geometry and may be positioned on a side of basin 602 such that chassis 630 is geometrically even with the sink deck (i.e., countertop), or such that chassis 630 is sunken below the sink deck to function like a wet area. Accessory chassis 630 may be removably couplable to the sink deck or to basin 602 in any suitable manner (e.g., tight tolerances, fasteners, snap-in features). In examples of the present disclosure, accessory chassis 630 may be received along a ledge defined within basis 602 (i.e., an indented portion of the basin 602 walls). In examples, accessory chassis 630 may include one or more openings so that fluids may seep through chassis into basin 602, for example when chassis 630 is used for drying vessels or cleaning items.

[0046] In examples, additional accessories for use within the sink may be contemplated and may include one or more of a strainer basket, a drain cover that may function as a heat-resistant platform for holding pots and pans, a drying rack, such as a roll-up sink rack, for use within the sink basin, an in-sink caddy for holding sponges, brushes, utensils and the like, and may attach, for example, to a side of the sink basin, a colander that may be mounted within the sink basin, a cutting board that may fit along the ledge of the sink such that it is flush with the sink deck, and other accessories.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, a modular kitchen sink 700 may include a basin 702, a faucet (not depicted) proximal to the basin 702, and a sink chassis 706 configured to partially receive one or more functional modules (not depicted). Sink chassis 706 may include a pair of module portions 707a separated by a faucet portion 707b. The pair of module portions 707a may each define a plurality of module openings 707c, for example three through-hole openings, for partially receiving functional modules therein. The faucet portion 707b may define a plurality of faucet openings 707d, for example three through-hole openings, for receiving the faucet and, for example, a pair of handles for activating fluid flow through the faucet. Openings 707c,d may be evenly spaced along a length of sink chassis 706 or may be spaced non-evenly.

[0048] Modular kitchen sink 700 has many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous. Moreover, it should be understood that features and characteristics of any of the previously described modular kitchen sinks, including those to be described for modular kitchen sink 700, may be combined in any suitable manner to achieve the user customization benefits described herein.

[0049] In an example, the sink chassis 706 may include at least one cover plate (not depicted) positioned over the chassis 706, for example separate cover plates positioned over the module portions 707a. Sink chassis 706 is generally fixedly or removably received within a recess defined in a top surface of a sink deck as shown in FIG. 7. Sink chassis 706 may be dimensioned such that an outer perimeter surface of chassis 706 is in direct contact with an inner perimeter surface of the recess (i.e., the chassis 706 and the recess are coincident). Direct contact between sink chassis 706 and the recess prevents or reduces water and debris ingress into the recess during use of modular kitchen sink 700. In other examples, the recess may be defined in a flat deck mounted configuration, or may be characterized as being partially formed in the sink deck (i.e., a partial recess not spanning the entire length of a sink deck; this could be an open front pocket configuration, for example).

[0050] Although sink chassis 706 is illustrated as having six module openings 707c and three faucet openings 707d in FIG. 7, it should be understood that chassis 706 may have any number of openings 707c,d so long as sufficient space is available in the sink deck. For example, sink chassis 706 may have four module openings 707c defined in a first module portion 707a and two module openings 707c defined in a second module portion 707b, with two faucet openings 707d defined in faucet portion 707b (i.e., the faucet is operated with a single handle rather than dual handles). Sink chassis 706 is generally made from a plastic or polymer material to advantageously accommodate all sink materials, for example stainless steel, cast iron, and Neoroc from Kohler Co., which require different material tolerances because of their respective manufacturing processes. Other materials for sink chassis 706 such as metals, ceramics, and composites, are contemplated herein.

[0051] As illustrated and described, modular kitchen sink 700 includes six module openings 707c and three faucet openings 707d to enable users to choose which functional modules and faucets they want to use with sink 700, and where they want the functional modules and faucet placed. This advantageously allows functional modules to be placed in any arrangement within module portions 707a as desired by the user. For example, a filtered water module may be placed in any one of the module openings 707c; other functional modules such as a glass rinser and a soap dispenser may be placed in any of the remaining openings 707c. Modular kitchen sink 700 thus provides maximum user flexibility in choosing which functional modules and faucet types to use. Variability in where the functional modules and the faucet may be positioned allows a user to customize the functionality and design of modular kitchen sink 700 to fit their unique preferences.

[0052] The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes. Therefore, the illustrated examples should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Any claims provided herein are to ensure adequacy of the present application for establishing foreign priority and for no other purpose.

[0053] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only be way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosures. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the examples that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional examples. Moreover, while various material, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed disclosures.

[0054] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood be persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example may be implemented in other examples even when not described in such examples unless otherwise noted.

[0055] Any incorporation of reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0056] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.