COMBINED DISH RACK AND DRYING MAT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to organizational devices for dishwashing environments. The disclosed technology includes a combined sink caddy and counter mat. The combined sink caddy and counter mat can include a sink caddy and a counter mat. The sink caddy can include a frame, a plurality of ridges, and a basket. The plurality of ridges can extend from the frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face. The basket can include a plurality of walls and a flat bottom forming therethrough a plurality of draining apertures. The counter mat can be attachable to the sink caddy along a first long side of the frame. The counter mat can include panels hingedly connected in series such that the panels can be folded such that a first panel lies flat-faced against a second panel. Each panel can have a profile similar in dimension to that of the frame.

Claims

1. A combined sink caddy and counter mat, comprising: a sink caddy comprising: a frame comprising a flat face and a substantially rectangular profile; a plurality of ridges extending from the frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face; and a basket comprising a plurality of walls and a flat bottom forming therethrough a plurality of draining apertures; and a counter mat removably and hingedly attachable to the sink caddy along a first long side of the frame and comprising: a plurality of panels hingedly connected in series such that the panels can be folded such that a first panel lies flat-faced against a second panel, each panel having a profile similar in dimension to that of the frame.

2. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 1, wherein the combined sink caddy and counter mat is convertible between: a countertop configuration in which at least one panel of the counter mat is configured to be placed on a countertop with the ridges extending in a first direction away from the countertop; a sink configuration in which at least one panel of the counter mat is configured to be placed on the countertop and the sink caddy is at least partially disposed in a sink with the ridges extending in a second direction opposite the first direction; a storage configuration in which the counter mat is folded and collapsed against the frame.

3. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 2, wherein the basket is a collapsible basket, and wherein the plurality of walls comprises a plurality of tiered collapsible wall sections such that the collapsible basket can collapse between an expanded configuration in which the flat bottom is farther from the frame in the first direction than the plurality of ridges and a collapsed configuration in which the flat bottom is substantially coplanar with the ridges.

4. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 3, wherein the frame further comprises a support arm slidably stowable in the frame and selectively movable from a stowed configuration in which the support arm is stowed in the frame and an extended configuration in which the support arm extends out from the frame such that the sink caddy can be suspended in a sink with the support arms resting on a counter.

5. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 4, wherein the support arm is a first support arm, and the frame further comprises a second support arm slidably stowable in the frame and opposite the first and configured to slide out of the frame to maintain the flat face of the frame coplanar with the counter mat when the counter mat is at least partially unfolded.

6. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 5, wherein the ridges are spaced apart such that a dish can rest substantially vertically therebetween when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration in which the flat face of the frame lies flat-faced against the first panel.

7. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 6, wherein the ridges are perforated such that fluid and debris can pass therethrough.

8. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 7, wherein the plurality of draining apertures in the collapsible basket are sized such that a piece of silverware can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration.

9. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 8, wherein each ridge comprises a plurality of perforations sized such that a piece of silverware can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration.

10. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 9, wherein each panel of the counter mat comprises a first side with a first texture and second side with a second texture.

11. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 10, wherein the plurality of panels are connected via living hinges.

12. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 11, wherein each living hinge connecting at least one panel to another is configured to allow each first side of one panel to touch the first side of each adjacent panel and further to allow each second side of one panel to touch the second side of each adjacent panel.

13. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 12, wherein in the countertop configuration the flat face of the frame lies against the second side of the counter mat and the first side of the counter mat lies against a countertop.

14. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 13, wherein the first texture comprises a plurality of raised polygons.

15. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 14, wherein the second texture comprises a plurality of raised ridges.

16. The combined sink caddy and counter mat claim 15, wherein the countertop mat comprises a flexible antimicrobial material.

17. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 16, wherein the collapsible basket comprises a flexible antimicrobial material.

18. A combined sink caddy and counter mat, comprising: a sink caddy comprising: a frame comprising a flat face and a substantially rectangular profile; a plurality of ridges extending from the frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face; and a basket comprising a plurality of walls and a flat bottom forming therethrough a plurality of draining apertures; and a counter mat removably and hingedly attachable to the sink caddy along a first long side of the frame and comprising: a plurality of panels hingedly connected, wherein the plurality of panels can be selectively moved from a first configuration in which the panels lie flat-faced next to each other and a second configuration in which the panels are stacked on top of each other, each panel having a profile similar in dimension to that of the frame.

19. A combined sink caddy and counter mat, comprising: a sink caddy comprising: a frame comprising a flat face and a substantially rectangular profile; a plurality of perforated ridges extending from the substantially rectangular frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face and spaced apart such that a dish can rest substantially vertically between the ridges; and a collapsible basket comprising a plurality of walls and a flat bottom comprising a plurality of openings configured to allow fluid and debris to pass therethrough; and a counter mat removably and hingedly attachable to the sink caddy along a first long side of the frame and comprising: a plurality of textured panels each having a rectangular profile similar in dimension to that of the frame and connected to at least one other textured panel via a living hinge such that the panels can be folded such that a first textured panel lies flat-faced against a second textured panel.

20. The combined sink caddy and counter mat of claim 19, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a plurality of tiered collapsible wall sections such that the collapsible basket can collapse between an expanded configuration in which the flat bottom is further from the frame in the first direction than the plurality of ridges and a collapsed configuration in which the flat bottom is substantially coplanar with the ridges, and wherein the frame further comprises a first support arm and a second support arm, each slidably stowable in the frame and selectively movable from a stowed configuration in which each support arm is stowed in the frame and an extended configuration in which each support arm extends out from the frame such that the sink caddy can be suspended in a sink with the support arms resting on a counter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a combined sink caddy and counter mat in a sink configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a combined sink caddy and counter mat in a countertop configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a combined sink caddy and counter mat in a sink configuration in a sink, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a combined sink caddy and counter mat in a countertop configuration on a countertop, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of sink caddy in a counter configuration with a collapsible basket in an expanded configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view of sink caddy in a counter configuration with a collapsible basket in a collapsed configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5C depicts a perspective view of sink caddy in a sink configuration with a collapsible basket in a collapsed configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of sink caddy with support arms extended and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6B depicts a front view of a sink caddy with a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of sink caddy with support arms stowed in the frame and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of sink caddy with support arms extended and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7B depicts a front view of a sink caddy with support arms stowed in the frame and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 8A depicts a top view of sink caddy with support arms extended, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8B depicts a top view of a sink caddy with support arms stowed in the frame, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 8C depicts a side view of a sink caddy with support arms stowed in the frame and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8D depicts a side view of a sink caddy with support arms extended and a collapsible basket expanded, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a partially folded counter mat, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a top and bottom views of an unfolded counter mat, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure pertains to a modular, combined sink caddy and counter mat that can enhance kitchen space utilization and promote cleanliness. The combined sink caddy and counter mat is compact and expandable, which allows for efficient use of precious space when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is not in use and for modular utility when it is in use. In particular, the combined sink caddy and counter mat provides several dimensions of adjustability that allows the combined sink caddy and counter mat to be used more seamlessly with other kitchen implements.

[0040] The combined sink caddy and counter mat can include a sink caddy and a counter mat. The sink caddy can include a frame, a plurality of ridges, and a basket. The frame can include a flat face and a substantially rectangular profile. The plurality of ridges can extend from the frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face. The basket can include a plurality of walls and a flat bottom forming therethrough a plurality of draining apertures. The draining apertures can facilitate air circulation and faster drying of the contents of the basket as well as prevent water accumulation that could lead to unsanitary conditions. The draining apertures in the basket also serve to support utensils stored upright when the sink caddy is folded over into the counter configuration. The counter mat can be removably and hingedly attachable to the sink caddy along a first long side of the frame. The counter mat can include a plurality of panels hingedly connected in series such that the panels can be folded such that a first panel lies flat-faced against a second panel. Each panel can have a profile similar in dimension to that of the frame. In some embodiments, each panel having the same outer profile as one another as well as the sink caddy provides the advantage of allowing neat accordion style folding of all or part of the counter mat with the sink caddy on top, folding of the panels into an equilateral triangle on which large dishes can rest, and numerous other configurations.

[0041] In some embodiments, the combined sink caddy and counter mat can be convertible between a countertop configuration, a sink configuration, and a storage configuration. In the countertop configuration, at least one panel of the counter mat is on a countertop and the ridges extend upward, away from the countertop. In the sink configuration, at least one panel of the counter mat is on a countertop and the sink caddy is at least partially disposed in a sink with the ridges extending in a direction opposite that of the countertop configuration. In the storage configuration, the counter mat can be completely folded and collapsed against the frame.

[0042] In some embodiments, the basket can be a collapsible basket. The plurality of walls can include a plurality of tiered collapsible wall sections such that the collapsible basket can collapse between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the flat bottom is further from the frame in the first direction than the plurality of ridges. In the collapsed configuration, the flat bottom is substantially coplanar with the ridges. In some embodiments, the collapsible basket can include a flexible antimicrobial material.

[0043] In some embodiments, the frame can further include a support arm slidably stowable in the frame and selectively movable from a stowed configuration in which the support arm is stowed in the frame and an extended configuration in which the support arm extends out from the frame such that the sink caddy can be suspended in a sink with the support arms resting on a counter. Each of the support arms can slide out of the frame approximately the entire length of the frame, meaning that the sink caddy can be used in sinks from approximately the width of the sink caddy up to slightly less than two- to three-times the width of the sink caddy, accommodating different sink sizes and user preferences.

[0044] In some embodiments, the support arm can be a first support arm, and the frame can further include a second support arm slidably stowable in the frame. The second support arm can be disposed opposite the first and configured to slide out of the frame to maintain the flat face of the frame coplanar with the counter mat when the counter mat is at least partially unfolded.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ridges can be spaced apart such that a dish can rest substantially vertically therebetween when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration. In some examples of the countertop configuration, the flat face of the frame can lie flat-faced against the first panel.

[0046] In some embodiments, the ridges can be perforated such that fluid and small debris can pass therethrough. In some embodiments, each ridge can include a plurality of perforations sized such that a piece of silverware can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of draining apertures in the collapsible basket can be sized such that a piece of silverware can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration.

[0048] In some embodiments, each panel of the counter mat can include a first side with a first texture and second side with a second texture. In some embodiments, the first texture can include a plurality of raised polygons. In some embodiments, the second texture can include a plurality of raised ridges. In some embodiments, the countertop mat can include a flexible antimicrobial material.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels can be connected via living hinges. In some embodiments, each living hinge connecting at least one panel to another is configured to allow each first side of one panel to touch the first side of each adjacent panel and further to allow each second side of one panel to touch the second side of each adjacent panel.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the combined sink caddy and counter mat is in the countertop configuration, the flat face of the frame can lie against the second side of the counter mat and the first side of the counter mat can lie against a countertop.

[0051] The disclosed technology can also include a combined sink caddy and counter mat, including a counter mat attachable to a sink caddy. The counter mat can include a plurality of panels hingedly connected and selectively movable from a first configuration in which the panels lie flat-faced next to each other and a second configuration in which the panels are stacked on top of each other. Each panel can have a profile similar in dimension to that of the frame.

[0052] The disclosed technology can also include a combined sink caddy and counter mat, including a sink caddy including a frame and a plurality of perforated ridges extending from the substantially rectangular frame in a first direction perpendicular to the flat face and spaced apart such that a dish can rest substantially vertically between the ridges, and a collapsible basket. The combined sink caddy and counter mat can include a counter mat including a plurality of textured panels each having a rectangular profile similar in dimension to that of the frame and connected to at least one other textured panel via a living hinge such that the panels can be folded such that a first textured panel lies flat-faced against a second textured panel.

[0053] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a combined sink caddy and counter mat 10. The combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 includes a sink caddy 110 and a counter mat 120. Sink caddy 110 can include a frame 111. Frame 111 can include a flat face 112 and a substantially rectangular profile R so that frame 111 can be folded over at its first long side 118 onto the counter mat 120 so that frame 111 lies flat. The frame 111 can also include a plurality of ridges 113 extending from the frame 111 in a first direction D.sub.1 perpendicular to the flat face 112 and a basket 114. The basket 114 can include a plurality of walls 115 and a flat bottom 116 forming therethrough a plurality of draining apertures 117. The counter mat 120 can be removably and hingedly attachable to the sink caddy 110 along a first long side 118 of the frame 111 such that the sink caddy 110 can be folded over onto the counter mat 120 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows one example of the countertop configuration of the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10. In this countertop configuration, the ridges 113 are useful for storing dishes 200 upright in a space-efficient manner so that dishes 200 can dry. Similarly, the draining apertures 117 in the flat bottom 116 of the basket also serve to keep utensils 300 upright in a space efficient manner so that utensils 300 can dry in a space-efficient manner. The counter mat 120 can be further folded such that the counter mat 120 is completely folded and collapsed against the frame 111 to put the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 into a storage configuration.

[0055] In FIG. 3, the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 is in a sink configuration with the sink caddy 110 supported over a sink. In the sink configuration, at least one panel of the counter mat 120 rests on a countertop and the sink caddy 110 is at least partially disposed in a sink with the ridges 113 extending in a direction opposite that of the countertop configurationinto the sink basin. The ridges 113 can be arrayed in a zig-zag pattern such that the ridges 113 provide similar available utensil storage space when the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 is in either the sink configuration or the counter configuration. Stated otherwise, the ridges 113 can form a series of peaks and valleys, where the peaks of the sink configuration are the valleys of the counter configuration. The frame 111 can include one or more support arms 119 slidably stowable in the frame 111 and selectively movable from a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, shown in FIG. 3, in which the support arm 119 extends out from the frame 111 such that the sink caddy 110 can be suspended in the sink with the support arm 119 resting on the counter. Generally, the purpose of the support arms 119 is to maintain the flat face 112 of the frame 111 coplanar with the counter mat 120 when the counter mat 120 is at least partially unfolded. In the stowed configuration, the support arms 119 are stowed in the frame 111 so that support arms 119 do not take up unnecessary counter space.

[0056] In addition to the sink caddy 110 being able to fold over onto counter mat 120 to make space in the sink, the counter mat 120 can include a plurality of panels 122 hingedly connected in series such that the panels 122 can be folded. The panels 122 can fold accordion-style such that a first panel 122a lies flat-faced against a second panel 122b, as depicted in FIG. 9. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each panel can have profile R similar in dimension to that of the frame 111 to allow neat stacking of the panels with the sink caddy 110.

[0057] In FIG. 4, two panels 122 are folded on top of one another, and one panel 122 is under sink caddy 110. FIG. 4 shows a countertop configuration of the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 in which at least one panel of the counter mat 120 is on a countertop and the ridges 113 extend away from the countertop. In the countertop configuration, the flat face 112 of the frame 111 lies against the second side of the counter mat 120 and the first side of the counter mat 120 lies against the countertop. This countertop configuration can be achieved without the need to move the counter mat 120 by simply folding the sink caddy 110 along the first long side 118 so that the frame 111 rests against the counter mat 120. In the countertop configuration, the support arms 119 are not needed to support the sink caddy 110 over the sink, so they can be stowed. Ridges 113 can be spaced apart such that a dish 200 can rest substantially vertically therebetween when the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 is in the countertop configuration in which the flat face 112 of the frame 111 lies flat-faced against the first panel. Furthermore, the ridges 113 can be perforated such that fluid and debris can pass therethrough. The perforations can also be sized such that a piece of silverware 300 can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 is in the countertop configuration. In this way, the perforated ridges 113 are useful for drying individual pieces of silverware 300.

[0058] FIG. 5A shows a portion of sink caddy 110 in the countertop configuration with collapsible basket 114 in an expanded configuration. The walls 115 can include tiered collapsible wall sections 115 such that the collapsible basket 114 can collapse between the expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the flat bottom 116 is substantially coplanar with the ridges 113. In the expanded configuration, the flat bottom 116 is further from the frame 111 in the first direction D.sub.1 than the plurality of ridges 113. The collapsible basket 114 can be made from a flexible antimicrobial material.

[0059] FIG. 5B shows sink caddy 110 in the counter configuration with the collapsible basket 114 in a collapsed configuration in which the flat surface 116 is coplanar with the top surface of the ridges 113 in the countertop configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of draining apertures 117 in the collapsible basket 114 are sized such that a piece of silverware 300 can rest substantially vertically therein when the combined sink caddy and counter mat 10 is in the countertop configuration.

[0060] FIG. 5C shows sink caddy 110 in a sink configuration with the collapsible basket 114 in an expanded configuration. This configuration of the basket 114 is the same as that in FIG. 5A, but the entire frame 111 is upside-down compared to that in FIG. 5A.

[0061] FIG. 6A shows sink caddy 110 with support arms 119 extended and the collapsible basket 114 expanded. In this configuration, the sink caddy 110 can be used to dry dishes while supported over a sink, for example if the sink is full of water or unwashed dishes. FIG. 6B depicts a front view of the sink caddy 110 with the collapsible basket 114 expanded, similar to that in FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of sink caddy 110 with support arms 119 stowed in the frame 111 and the collapsible basket 114 expanded. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the sink caddy 110 can be used to store and dry dishes.

[0062] FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the sink caddy 110 with the first support arm 119a and the second support arm 119b extended and collapsible basket 114 expanded. The sink caddy 110 having two support arms 119 can allow a user to adjust the position of the sink caddy 110 within the sink. This allows a user to fit the sink caddy 110 around other in-sink implements, such as sponge caddies, soap dispensers, and the like. For example, if there is a sponge caddy attached to the back of the sink, the first support arm 119a can be fully extended and the second support arm 119b can be only partially extended such that sink caddy 110 is not centered on the sink but rather closer to the front to accommodate the sponge caddy. FIG. 7B depicts a similar view of the sink caddy 110 as in FIG. 7A but with support arms 119 stowed in the frame 111 and the collapsible basket 114 expanded.

[0063] FIG. 8A depicts a top view of the sink caddy 110 in the configuration shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8B depicts a top view of the sink caddy 110 in the configuration shown in FIG. 7B. FIG. 8C depicts a side view of the sink caddy 110 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6C. FIG. 8D depicts a side view of the sink caddy in the configuration shown in FIG. 6A.

[0064] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a partially folded counter mat 120. Each panel of the counter mat 120 comprises a first side 122a with a first texture and second side 122b with a second texture. In another embodiment, the mat has the same texture on each side. The countertop mat 120 can be made of a flexible antimicrobial material. The panels 122 can be connected via living hinges 123 to enable this style of folding. In other words, each living hinge 123 that connects at least one panel 122 to another is configured to allow each first side of one panel to touch the first side of each adjacent panel and further to allow each second side of one panel to touch the second side of each adjacent panel.

[0065] FIG. 10A depicts a top view of a first side of an unfolded counter mat which has a first texture with a plurality of raised polygons 124. The raised polygons 124 can provide a lower contact surface area with drying dishes as compared to a completely flat mat in order to better facilitate airflow and sanitary dish drying. In examples in which the counter mat 120 is made of a flexible material, the polygons 124 can also deform to allow certain dishes or curved utensils to be accommodated between the polygons 124 so that the utensils are clamped upright by the polygons 124.

[0066] FIG. 10B depicts a top view of a second side of the unfolded counter mat 124. The second texture can include a plurality of raised ridges 125. Similar to polygons 124, the raised ridges 125 can provide reduced surface area and more rapid, sanitary dish drying. The ridges 125 can also provide more stability than the polygons 124 for circular dishes, such as cups, glasses, and mugs.

Example Use Case

[0067] The following example use case describes how an example of a combined sink caddy and counter mat according to the present disclosure may be used. This section is intended solely for explanatory purposes and not for limitation.

[0068] The combined sink caddy and counter mat can be stowed out of the way in a storage configuration with the mat completely folded, the basket collapsed, the arms stowed, and the sink caddy folded over on top of the counter mat. The user can easily align the counter mat close to the edge of the sink such that the sink caddy can be folded over the sink when the user is washing dishes.

[0069] Depending on the number of dishes to be washed, the user can decide how many panels of the counter mat to fold out. In some examples, the counter mat can include up to four panels. For example, folding the panel furthest from the sink caddy over the panel second-furthest from the sink caddy can provide one panel with each texture (one with the first, one with the second) so that various dishes can be accommodated.

[0070] The expandable basket can also be adjusted to accommodate various dishes or dish washing implements, such as sponges and scrub brushes.

[0071] The user can also leave the sink caddy folded on top of the counter mat rather than folding it out over the sink. In this configuration, the ridges can be used to stack plates, bowls, or other similar dishes, and the basket and perforations in the ridges can be used to store forks, knives, and other similar utensils.

[0072] The various configurations of the combined sink caddy and counter mat allow the user to preserve sink and counter space by configuring the combined sink caddy and counter mat specifically for the dish washing task at hand.

[0073] The elements of the figures are not exclusive. Other embodiments may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0074] While various illustrative embodiments incorporating the principles of the present teachings have been disclosed, the present teachings are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present teachings and use its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure that are within known or customary practice in the art to which these teachings pertain.

[0075] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the present disclosure are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that various features of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0076] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various features. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0077] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0078] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as open terms (for example, the term including should be interpreted as including but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to, et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of comprising various components or steps (interpreted as meaning including, but not limited to), the compositions, methods, and devices can also consist essentially of or consist of the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.

[0079] As used in this document, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0080] In addition, even if a specific number is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, a system having at least one of A, B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, sample embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase A or B will be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B.

[0081] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed.