FIRE BARRIERS WITH LINKED COVERS FOR CAMPFIRES

Abstract

Fire barriers including a sidewall, an anchor, and a cover. The sidewall defines a combustion region and a top opening. The sidewall is configured to surround and laterally isolate the combustion region inside the sidewall from the environment outside the sidewall. The anchor has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is configured to be anchored into the ground. The anchor is linked to the sidewall proximate the second end. The cover is moveably mounted to the anchor between the first end and the second end. The cover is complementarily configured with the sidewall to cover the top opening when the cover is selectively moved along the anchor to a cover position overlying the top opening and resting on the sidewall. In some examples, the fire barrier includes a grate supported on the sidewall.

Claims

1. A fire barrier, comprising: a sidewall that defines a combustion region and a top opening, the sidewall configured to surround and laterally isolate the combustion region inside the sidewall from the environment outside the sidewall; an anchor having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to be anchored into the ground and the anchor is linked to the sidewall proximate the second end; and a cover moveably linked to the anchor between the first end and the second end, the cover being complementarily configured with the sidewall to cover the top opening when the cover is selectively moved along the anchor to a cover position overlying the top opening and resting on the sidewall.

2. The fire barrier of claim 1, wherein the sidewall defines a sidewall opening extending through the sidewall.

3. The fire barrier of claim 2, wherein the anchor extends through the sidewall opening to link the anchor to the sidewall.

4. The fire barrier of claim 3, wherein: the sidewall opening defines a first sidewall opening; the sidewall defines a second sidewall opening horizontally spaced from the first sidewall opening; and the anchor includes: a first rail extending through the first sidewall opening; and a second rail horizontally spaced from the first rail and extending through the second sidewall opening.

5. The fire barrier of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a curved section proximate the first end of the anchor.

6. The fire barrier of claim 5, wherein the curved section includes multiple curve portions.

7. The fire barrier of claim 6, wherein the curved section includes: a first curve portion that projects radially outwards from a longitudinal axis of the anchor in a first direction; and a second curve portion that projects radially outwards from the longitudinal axis of the anchor in a second direction distinct from the first direction.

8. The fire barrier of claim 7, wherein the first direction is 180 degrees offset from the second direction.

9. The fire barrier of claim 6, wherein: the curved section is configured to be disposed under the ground; and the curved section is configured to restrict the anchor from being pulled out of the ground.

10. The fire barrier of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a bent section proximate the second end of the anchor.

11. The fire barrier of claim 10, wherein the cover may travel along the anchor from the cover position to a ground position where the cover rests on the ground.

12. The fire barrier of claim 11, wherein the cover remains linked to the anchor in the ground position.

13. The fire barrier of claim 10, wherein the bent section causes the second end of the anchor to be proximate a medial portion of the anchor.

14. The fire barrier of claim 10, wherein the sidewall may slide along the anchor when lifting the sidewall off the ground to provide lateral access to the combustion region for cleaning out the combustion region.

15. The fire barrier of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is formed from steel.

16. The fire barrier of claim 1, wherein the sidewall defines a fire ring.

17. The fire barrier of claim 1, further comprising a grate supported on the sidewall.

18. The fire barrier of claim 17, wherein the sidewall defines notches in which the grate rests.

19. The fire barrier of claim 18, wherein: the sidewall includes a sidewall tab defining a sidewall tab opening; the cover includes a cover tab defining a cover tab opening aligned with the sidewall tab opening when the cover is in the cover position; the sidewall tab and the cover tab cooperate to secure the cover over the top opening to restrict access to the combustion region when a shackle of a lock passes through the aligned cover tab opening and the sidewall tab opening.

20. The fire barrier of claim 19, wherein the grate is retained in the notches of the sidewall between the cover and the sidewall when the cover is secured over the top opening with a lock.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first example of a fire barrier with a cover resting on the ground beside a sidewall and a grate spaced above notches defined in the sidewall.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the cover spaced above the sidewall and the grate supported on the notches in the sidewall.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with a lock locking the cover over a top opening of the sidewall and over the grate.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the sidewall lifted off the ground to clean out fire remnants contained inside sidewall.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the cover resting on the ground beside the sidewall and the grate spaced above the notches defined in the sidewall.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the cover spaced above the sidewall and the grill grate supported on the notches in the sidewall.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the cover covering the sidewall and the grate.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the fire barrier shown in FIG. 1 with the sidewall lifted off the ground to clean out fire remnants contained inside the sidewall.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second example of a fire barrier, which includes an anchor with curved sections distal a sidewall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The disclosed fire barriers will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

[0029] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various fire barriers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

[0030] The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0031] Substantially means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range,

[0032] shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a substantially cylindrical object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

[0033] Comprising, including, and having (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

[0034] Terms such as first, second, and third are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

[0035] Coupled means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

Fire Barriers with Linked Covers for Campfires

[0036] With reference to the figures, fire barriers with linked covers for campfires will now be described. The fire barriers discussed herein function to isolate fires and combustion regions from the environment outside the fire barrier. Further, the fire barriers are configured to selectively lock a cover over a combustion region when one intends to restrict use of the fire barrier and/or to protect a combustion region inside the fire barrier.

[0037] The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed fire barriers address many of the shortcomings of conventional fire rings. For example, the novel fire barriers have means to selectively lock covers over sidewalls that can define a fire ring. The lockable cover of the novel fire barriers helps maintain a combustion region within a sidewall. The lockable cover is also a security and safety measure.

[0038] For example, the lockable cover of the novel fire barriers helps ensure that the cover will remain in place to keep rain and other elements from saturating a combustion region with water. As a result, the novel fire barriers help avoid wet conditions inside the fire barrier making it difficult to start a fire within the fire barrier. The novel fire barriers also help avoid animals getting into the combustion region, which can degrade the combustion region and create a mess in a camp site.

[0039] Another benefit to the lockable cover of the novel fire barriers is more effectively ensuring that potential hot embers from a recent fire are contained within the fire barriers. Locking the cover over the sidewall after a fire helps avoid remaining hot embers from being carried out of the fire barrier by the wind and potentially starting an unintended fire.

[0040] The novel fire barriers provide multiple security benefits as well. For example, the lockable cover of the novel fire barriers can prevent someone from starting a fire within the fire barrier. Effective means to restrict access to the fire barrier is helpful when a camp site is closed or fire risk conditions indicate that camp fires should be prohibited for safety. Locking the cover on the novel fire barriers can also deter unauthorized people from using campsites.

[0041] Improving over conventional fire rings, the cover of the novel fire barriers are not welded to the sidewall. The cover of the novel fire barriers can be moved away from the sidewall yet remain linked to the sidewall by a common anchor. Because the cover is not welded to the sidewall, the cover can be moved more freely relative to the sidewall. However, because the cover remains linked to the sidewall by an anchor, the cover remains close at hand when needed. Further, it is difficult to steal the cover because it is linked to an anchor secured in the ground and linked to the sidewall.

[0042] An advantage of the novel fire barriers is that they enable their covers to be moved out of the way when not in use. The novel fire barriers avoid creating trip hazards and maintain good freedom of movement around the sidewall when the cover is not used to cover the sidewall. Beneficially, the cover of the novel fire barriers is configured to lie flat on the ground when not covering the sidewall.

[0043] Cleaning out combustion regions surrounded by the sidewall is convenient with the novel fire barriers. The novel fire barriers include means to support the sidewall above the ground to facilitate cleaning out remnants of a fire contained within the sidewall. With the novel fire barriers, it is not necessary to move the fire barrier aside or to attempt clearing out debris with the fire barrier in place. Desirably, the novel fire barriers are easily supported above a combustion region to enable conveniently clearing debris that the sidewall surrounds when on the ground.

[0044] A grill grate included in some examples of the novel fire barriers is another improvement over conventional fire rings. The grates of the novel fire barriers are supported below the rim of the sidewall to avoid interfering with the cover lying flat over the sidewall. Advantageously, the grate of the novel fire barriers can be fully removed to facilitate unfettered use of the combustion region surrounded by the sidewall. Desirably, the removable grate of the novel fire barriers can be secured via a lockable cover.

[0045] Another benefit of the novel fire barriers is that they enable a cover and grate to be easily integrated into the fire barrier without the cover and grate being manufactured with the same grade of steel as the sidewall. As a result, the novel fire barriers are more cost effective than conventional fire rings with integrated cover and grates, which are typically manufactured with high-grade steel used for the fire ring.

Fire Barrier Embodiment One

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1-8, a first example of a fire barrier, fire barrier 100, will now be described. FIG. 9 depicts a second embodiment of a fire barrier, fire barrier 200, and is described in a separate section below.

[0047] Fire barrier 100 includes a sidewall 101, an anchor 102, a cover 103, and a grate 104. In some examples, the fire barrier does not include one or more features included in fire barrier 100. For example, some fire barrier examples do not include a grate. In other examples, the fire barriers include additional or alternative features, such as a lock. The components of fire barrier 100 are described in the sections below.

[0048] The size and shape characteristics of the fire barrier may vary from fire barrier 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-8 in different examples. The proportion of components of the fire barrier may be different while still enabling the interoperability characteristics described below.

Sidewall

[0049] Sidewall 101 defines a fire ring and a combustion region 115. Sidewall 101 functions to laterally surround a fire burning on the ground in combustion region 115. Sidewall 101 also functions to support grate 104. Another function of sidewall 101 is to cooperate with cover 103 to selectively lock cover 103 in a position covering a top opening 116 of sidewall 101.

[0050] In the present example, sidewall 101 is formed from heavy gauge, heat resistant steel. However, the sidewall may be formed from any material suitable for containing a fire and withstanding the heat of a fire. Suitable alternative materials include metals other than steel, ceramics, brick, stone, and composite materials.

[0051] In FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, sidewall 101 is depicted resting on the ground with anchor 102 driven partially below ground level (the ground level corresponds with the bottom of sidewall 101 in FIGS. 1-3, which is spaced above the bottom of anchor 102). In FIGS. 4 and 8, sidewall 101 is depicted raised off the ground. When sidewall 101 rests on the ground, it surrounds combustion region 115 and a fire burning in combustion region 115. When sidewall 101 is raised off the ground, combustion region 115 can be conveniently cleaned.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, sidewall 101 extends vertically and in a circle to form a cylinder with a top opening 116. Combustion region 115 is defined by sidewall 101 between opposing, inner faces of sidewall 101. Sidewall 101 defines sidewall openings 111 through which anchor 102 extends.

[0053] While a cylindrical shape is most common for fire rings, the sidewall could define other shapes. For example, the sidewall could form a square or rectangle with a rectilinear top opening instead of a circular top opening. Alternatively, the shape of the sidewall could be another regular polygon, an oval, or an irregular shape.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, sidewall 101 is moveably linked to anchor 102. Sidewall 101 defines sidewall openings 111 that receive anchor 102. Sidewall openings 111 function as bearing surfaces for sidewall 101 to move over anchor 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, sidewall 101 may move along anchor 102 to raise sidewall 101 off the ground. In FIGS. 4 and 8, sidewall 101 is tilted off the ground in addition to sliding over anchor 102.

[0055] As apparent in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, sidewall 101 defines notches 112. Notches 112 are configured to removably receive and support grate 104. Notches 112 are defined on opposite sides of sidewall 101 proximate top opening 116 defined by sidewall 101.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, grate 104 spans top opening 116 when resting in notches 112. Grate 104 spanning top opening 116 places grate 104 above a fire in combustion region 115 surrounded by sidewall 101. Notches 112 supporting grate 104 over the fire facilitates cooking food on grate 104. Notches 112 also enable grate 104 to be secured inside sidewall 101 when sidewall 101 is covered by cover 103 and cover 103 is locked to sidewall 101.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, sidewall 101 includes a sidewall tab 113 projecting radially from sidewall 101, and cover 103 includes a cover tab 133 projecting from a cover body 130. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the reader can see that sidewall tab 113 defines a sidewall tab opening 114, and cover tab 133 defines a cover tab opening 134. When cover 103 overlies sidewall 101 and top opening 116, cover tab 133 overlies sidewall tab 113 with cover tab opening 134 aligned with sidewall tab opening 114 to cooperatively define a lock mount 105.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 3, sidewall tab 113 cooperates with a cover tab 133 to define a lock mount 105 when cover tab 133 overlies sidewall tab 113. As shown in FIG. 3, lock mount 105 facilitates locking cover 103 over sidewall 101 by receiving a shackle of a lock 160 through the aligned openings of lock mount 105; namely, cover tab opening 134 and sidewall tab opening 114. When a shackle of lock 160 extends through the aligned openings, cover 103 is restricted from moving away from sidewall 101, which restricts access into sidewall 101 and use of combustion region 115.

Anchor

[0059] Anchor 102 functions to link sidewall 101 and cover 103 together. Anchor 102 enables cover 103 to move relative to sidewall 101 to selectively cover top opening 116 of sidewall 101. Anchor 103 further facilitates lifting sidewall 101 off the ground to clean fire debris in combustion region 115. Anchor 102 also functions to secure fire barrier 100 to the ground in a selected location.

[0060] Sidewall 101 and cover 103 are moveably mounted to anchor 102 via sidewall openings 111 and cover openings 131. Anchor 102 extends through sidewall openings 111 and cover openings 131. Anchor 102 facilitates sidewall 101 and cover 103 moving relative to anchor 102 by supporting sidewall 101 and cover 103 at sidewall openings 111 and cover openings 131, respectively, as sidewall 101 and cover 103 slide over anchor 102.

[0061] In addition to sliding sidewall 101 and cover 103 over anchor 102 in contact with the outer surface of anchor 102, sidewall 101 and cover 103 can be moved relative to anchor 102 without contacting the outer surface of anchor 102. The outer diameter of anchor 102 is smaller than the diameter of sidewall openings 111 and cover openings 131. The relative size of anchor 102 and the openings enables sidewall 101 and cover 103 to be lifted to space sidewall openings 111 and cover openings 131 from anchor 102. When sidewall 101 and cover 103 are lifted to space them from anchor 102 at their openings, they may be moved relative to anchor 102 without contacting anchor 102.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the reader can see that anchor 102 is disposed partially in the ground. Driving anchor 102 into the ground secures it in place. Securing anchor 102 to the ground secures cover 103 and sidewall 101 in place since they are mounted to anchor 102. Anchor 102 also secures grate 104 at a selected location when grate 104 is secured between cover 103 and sidewall 101.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, anchor 102 defines parallel, spaced rails 120. In the present example, anchor 102 defines two rails 120, but may include additional or fewer rails in other examples. For instance, the anchor may include a single rail or may include three or more rails. Rails 120 have a circular cross section shape, but may be other cross section shapes in other examples, such as square, other regular polygons, or irregular shapes.

[0064] As is apparent in FIGS. 1-8, rails 120 include a straight portion 121 and a bent portion 122. Anchor 102 has a shape substantially similar to the letter P with bent portion 122 defining a loop. Bent portion 122 causes the second end of anchor 102 to be proximate a medial portion of anchor 102.

[0065] Straight portion 121 extends vertically into the ground, and bent portion 122 is spaced above the ground. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, sidewall 101 is linked to rails 120 of anchor 102 at bent portion 122. The shape of anchor 102 enables sidewall 101 to slide along rails 120 of anchor 102 to lift sidewall 101 off the ground.

[0066] Cover 103 may also selectively move over rails 120 between straight portion 121 and bent portion 122. Cover 103 covers top opening 116 of sidewall 101 when moved to bent portion 122. Cover 103 rests on the ground beside sidewall 101 out of the way when moved to straight portion 121. Anchor 102 is disposed between cover 103 and sidewall 101 when cover 103 lies on the ground beside sidewall 101. Anchor 102 enables cover 103 to rest flat on the ground when cover 103 is moved away from sidewall 101.

Cover

[0067] Cover 103 functions to selectively cover sidewall 101 to restrict access into and use of combustion region 115 laterally surrounded by sidewall 101. Cover 103 cooperates with sidewall 101 and lock 160 to selectively lock cover 103 over sidewall 101.

[0068] As depicted in FIGS. 1-8, cover 103 includes a cover body 130 and cover tab 133. Cover body 130 defines cover openings 131, which are configured to receive rails 120 extending through them to moveably couple cover 103 to anchor 102.

[0069] Cover tab 133 extends from cover body 130 and overlies sidewall tab 113 when cover 103 covers top opening 116 of sidewall 101. Cover tab 133 defines a cover tab opening 134 that aligns with sidewall tab opening 114 when cover 103 covers sidewall 101. As shown in FIG. 3, a shackle of lock 160 may extend through cover tab opening 134 aligned with sidewall tab opening 114 to lock cover 103 over sidewall 101. Locking cover 103 over sidewall 101 restricts access into sidewall 101 and restricts use of combustion region 115 within sidewall 101.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, cover 103 moveably links to anchor 102 via cover openings 131. Cover 103 moves over anchor 102 between a cover position, shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, and a ground position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. FIGS. 2 and 6 demonstrate that cover 103 may be moved to intermediate access positions between the cover position and the ground position.

[0071] In the cover position shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, cover 103 overlies top opening 116 of sidewall 101. In the ground position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, cover 103 is moved away from top opening 116 of sidewall 101 to a maximum extent. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, cover 103 lies flat on the ground beside sidewall 101 in the ground position. Cover 103 resting on the ground in the ground position helps avoid cover 103 creating a trip hazard or being in the way when tending a fire in combustion region 115.

[0072] Of note, cover 103 remains linked to anchor 102 in the cover position, the ground position, and the intermediate access positions. Cover 103 remaining linked to anchor 102 in all positions helps avoid cover 103 from being stolen or misplaced. Cover 103 remaining linked to anchor 102 in all positions also helps ensure that fire barrier 100 remains effectively locked and unusable when cover 103 is selectively locked to sidewall 100.

[0073] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 5-8, cover tab 113 defines a t-shaped handle to facilitate moving cover 103 relative to sidewall 101. The size and shape of the cover tab may vary in different examples and still serve as a handle.

[0074] Cover 103 is formed from lower grade steel than sidewall 101. Using lower grade steel for cover 103 enables fire barrier 100 to be produced more cost effectively. However, the cover may be formed from the same or comparable grade steel as the fire ring in other examples. The cover may be formed from any currently known or later developed material suitable for selectively covering and securing a fire ring, including polymers, metals other than steel, and composite materials.

Grate

[0075] Grate 104 supports food above a fire in combustion region 115 surrounded by sidewall 101 to facilitate cooking or reheating food. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, grate 104 is removably supported on sidewall 101 to enable removing grate 104 when it is not needed. While removable, grate 104 may be secured in fire barrier 100 when supported on sidewall 101 and covered by cover 103 locked over sidewall 101.

[0076] Grate 104 is removably supported in notches 112 of sidewall 101. Grate 104 spans top opening 116 defined by sidewall 101. Accordingly, grate 104 is disposed over top opening 116 and above a fire in combustion region 115 inside sidewall 101. Notches 112 stably support grate 104 on sidewall 101 from below and from lateral sides.

[0077] The size, shape, and configuration of the grate may vary in different examples. While grate 104 is shown with five grate members in the figures, the grate may have additional or fewer grate members in other examples. In some fire barrier examples, multiple grates are provided while other examples do not include a grate.

[0078] Grate 104 is formed from lower grade steel than sidewall 101. Using lower grade steel for grate 104 enables fire barrier 100 to be produced more cost effectively. However, the grate may be formed from the same or comparable grade steel as the sidewall in other examples. The grate may be formed from any currently known or later developed material suitable for cooking grate applications, including polymers, metals other than steel, and composite materials.

Second Embodiment

[0079] With reference to FIG. 9 not yet discussed, the discussion will now focus on an additional fire barrier embodiment, fire barrier 200. Fire barrier 200 includes many similar or identical features to fire barrier 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of fire barrier 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between fire barrier 200 and fire barrier 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different fire barrier examples.

[0080] As can be seen in FIG. 9, fire barrier 200 includes a sidewall 201, an anchor 202, and a cover 203. In some examples, fire barriers configured similarly to fire barrier 200 include a grate and/or a lock.

[0081] A distinction between fire barrier 200 and fire barrier 100 is that anchor 202 is configured differently than anchor 102. As depicted in FIG. 9, anchor 202 includes a curved section 221 proximate the first end of anchor 202 instead of straight section 121 in anchor 102. Curved section 221 is configured to be disposed under the ground to restrict anchor 202 from being pulled out of the ground. Making it more difficult to pull anchor 202 from the ground better secures fire barrier 200 from theft or being moved to different locations.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, curved section 221 of anchor 202 includes multiple curve portions. In particular, curved section 221 includes a first curve portion 223 and a second curve portion 224. First curve portion 223 projects radially outwards from a longitudinal axis of anchor 202 in a first direction, and second curve portion 224 projects radially outwards from the longitudinal axis in a second direction distinct from the first direction. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first direction is 180 degrees offset from the second direction, but could be other offset angles, such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.

[0083] The anchor may include alternative structures than curved section 221 to deter removal of the fire barrier. For example, the below ground portion of the anchor may be configured as an inverted pedestal to make pulling the anchor out of the ground more difficult. The size and shape of the buried portion of the anchor may be any size and shape the restricts pulling the anchor out of the ground when desired to have the anchor help retain the fire barrier at a specific location.

[0084] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite a element, a first element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0085] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.