Abstract
A scalable, light-weight, portable, self-supporting and adjustable, multi-purpose, cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) structural system, made of a membrane that defines a space and resiliently flexible poles, that maintain a stable shape as the membrane is pushed out by the poles connected together in flexed pole loops contained within the space, that are caused to bow in a flexed condition and are biased in place by the membrane when the poles are positioned in a freestanding manner, with adjustable section lengths that slip fit connect together to form various flexed pole loop configurations in proportion with the membrane to be biased in place, the membrane is constituted by pliable mesh that is substantially impermeable to insects, comprised of durable, high-tenacity synthetic fiber, resistant to puncture, prolong exposure to the sun, wind, and weather elements, substantially waterproof, thermally insulated, fire resistant, and configured in various shapes and sizes.
Claims
1. A scalable, light-weight, portable, self-supporting and adjustable, multi-purpose, cubular utility barrier enclosure, the enclosure comprising, a membrane configured to define a space, resiliently flexible poles having straight sections and angled corners, connected together to form flexed pole loops, having the straight sections bowed and the angled corners contained within the space, said flexed pole loops having the opposite straight sections being connected cross each other to define sidewalls of the enclosure to maintain a stable shape as the membrane is pushed out by the flexed pole loops, the pole loops are caused to bow in a flexed condition and are biased in place by the membrane when the flexed pole loops are positioned in a freestanding manner, the pole loops are scalable with adjustable section lengths that slip fit connect together to form various flexed pole loop configurations, having the bowed straight sections and the angled corners, proportionally with the membrane to be biased in place, wherein the membrane includes a plurality of anchoring straps for anchoring the flexed pole loops at the angled corners to the ground or a base, to force the bowed straight sections along the ground or base to press into the ground or base, causing increased structural tension in the stable shape without the need for guy wires, and the cubular utility barrier enclosure deployed alongside with additional cubular utility barrier enclosures, having the flexed pole loops with the bowed straight sections and the angled corners, proportionally with the membrane to be biased in place, and the group of cubular utility barrier enclosures covered together under an additional membrane shell to function as one enclosure.
2. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, wherein the membrane is, constituted by any ridged or pliable sheet material, constituted by pliable mesh that is substantially impermeable to insects, comprised of durable, high-tenacity synthetic fiber, resistant to puncture, prolong exposure to the sun, wind and weather elements, constituted by other properties that include solar shading, substantially waterproof, thermally insulated, fire resistant, chemically treated, and configured in various shapes and sizes.
3. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, wherein the pole loops are, formed by a plurality of pole segments that are inter-fitted and detachable, being tubular with an insert and/or outsert element extending from an end portion thereof and designed to fit within an end portion of the adjacent pole segment, being interconnected by an elastic“shock-cord” running through the inside of each of the pole segments, and slip-fit adjustable in a telescoping manner to adjust the pole segment lengths, further comprising the flexed pole loops secured to the membrane with reinforced fasteners.
4. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the additional membrane is pushed out further on the inside, using an additional straight pole, the enclosure is biased in place by the additional membrane when positioned vertically in a freestanding manner.
5. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, further comprising additional membranes that are biased in place together by the flexed pole loops.
6. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, further comprising additional membranes that are attached to the poles and secured tight horizontally or suspended vertically.
7. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, further comprising the cubular utility barrier enclosure deployed inside a larger cubular utility barrier enclosure having flexed pole loops with bowed straight sections and angled corners, proportionally with a larger membrane to be biased in place.
8. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the poles are each formed by a plurality of pole segments that are inter-fitted and detachable, being tubular with an insert and/or outsert element extending from an end portion thereof and designed to fit within an end portion of the adjacent pole segment being inter-fitted and adjustable in a telescoping manner to adjust the pole segment lengths.
9. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the poles are each formed by a plurality of pole segments that are inter-fitted and detachable, being tubular with an insert and/or outsert element extending from an end portion thereof and designed to connect an end portion of the adjacent pole segment being inter-fitted with fixed pole segment lengths.
10. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the pole loops are each formed by a plurality of pole segments that are inter-fitted and detachable, being tubular with end tip elements extending from the two opposite end sections of a pole loop thereof and designed to connect to clamps at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, combining the two pole loops into one flexed structural frame.
11. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the pole loops are each formed by a plurality of pole segments that are inter-fitted and detachable, being tubular with end tip elements extending from the two opposite end sections of a pole loop thereof and designed to connect to clamps at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, with an additional telescoping pole section that enables connection of the two end sections of the same pole loop without using the clamps.
12. A cubular utility barrier enclosure in claim 1, whereas the membrane defines the space that has a closed floor with a waterproof membrane that extends partially up the side to create a waterproof tub.
Description
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views. It is to be understood that in some instances, various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
(2) Appendix 1 sets forth illustrations of the present invention as FIGS. 1-22. In the Drawing:
(3) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a closed door configuration with an open floor and inside skirt;
(4) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in an open door configuration with an open floor and inside skirt;
(5) FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a lower inside corner portion of the enclosure of FIG. 2 showing two crossing pole angle members, lower corner strap and an anchoring method;
(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a membrane storage pouch with the enclosure, poles and stakes of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 inside;
(7) FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of four pole members connected together to form a continuous loop, in an assembled flexed condition, with the membrane boundary of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shown dotted;
(8) FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of one of the four separate pole members of FIG. 5 in a pole segments connected, non-flexed condition;
(9) FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating a lower angle member connecting portion of the pole segments of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;
(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating an upper angle member connecting portion of the pole segments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;
(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating a straight member connecting portion of the pole segments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;
(12) FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partly broken away, similar to FIG. 9, illustrating the interconnecting and flexible nature of the “shock-cord”.
(13) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention using a two pole loops configuration with a closed floor and a closed door;
(14) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention using a two pole loops configuration with a closed floor and an open door;
(15) FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of two pole members connected together to form two continuous pole loops, in an assembled flexed condition, with the membrane boundary of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 shown dotted;
(16) FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of one of the two separate pole members of FIG. 13 in a pole segments connected, non-flexed condition;
(17) FIG. 15 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating three stages of optionally connecting the two end sections of one pole loop in clamps at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(18) FIG. 15A is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating the two end sections of one pole loop lined-up to optionally connect in clamps at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(19) FIG. 15B is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating the two end sections of one pole loop positioned in clamps to optionally connect to the mid-section of the other pole loop at the location where the two pole loops cross, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(20) FIG. 15C is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating the two end sections of one pole loop positioned in clamps with a securing mechanism in place to optionally connect to the mid-section of the other pole loop at the location where the two pole loops cross, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(21) FIG. 16 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating two stages of connecting the two end sections of one pole loop together optionally using a telescoping pole section, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(22) FIG. 16A is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating the two end sections of one pole loop lined-up to optionally connect together using a telescoping pole section, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(23) FIG. 16B is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating the two end sections of one pole loop positioned end to end, to optionally connect together using a telescoping pole section, of the pole segments of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;
(24) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole loops, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, covered together under an additional membrane shell to function as one;
(25) FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of two pairs of pole members connected together to form four continuous loops, in an assembled flexed condition, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, with the membrane boundary of FIG. 17 shown dotted;
(26) FIG. 19 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole loops, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, covered together under an additional composite membrane shell to function as one, of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18;
(27) FIG. 20 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole loops, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, covered together under an additional composite membrane shell to function as one, of FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19;
(28) FIG. 21 is a floor plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole loops, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, covered together under an additional composite membrane shell to function as one, of FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20; and
(29) FIG. 22 is a roof plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole loops, and an optional straight pole with end caps, pushing-up at center of the membrane, covered together under an additional composite membrane shell to function as one, of FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21;
5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(30) A scalable, light-weight, portable, self-supporting and adjustable, multi-purpose, cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) provides improvements over other utility enclosures by employing a membrane that defines a space and resiliently flexible segmented poles, that maintain a stable shape as the membrane is pushed out by the poles connected together in loops contained within the space, that are caused to bend in a flexed condition and are biased in place by the membrane when the poles are positioned in a freestanding manner, with adjustable section lengths that slip fit connect together to form various flexed loop configurations in proportion with the membrane to be biased in place.
(31) Referring to Appendix 1, an exemplary embodiment of a utility 10 is illustrated. The utility 10 can comprise providing a multi-purpose, cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.).
(32) Embodiments of the versatile utility can be any membrane or combination of membranes proportionally configured with any flexed pole loop configurations to be biased in place, defining space.
(33) For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is set forth below.
(34) FIG. 1 illustrates the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) invention 10 in a closed configuration with an open floor and inside skirt designed to accommodate a tree or persons with enough room to stand-up and walk around inside, being lightweight and easily transportable making it ideal for military applications, disaster relief, humanitarian shelters, insectary field cage applications, storage and shipping, as well as recreational use.
(35) The cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10 being a pliable mesh membrane covering 20, having four side walls and a ceiling 21, a floor skirt 22, and is a self-supporting structure in that it does not require suspension lines to hold its shape or to maintain stability.
(36) More specifically, the side walls and ceiling 21 and the floor skirt 22, hold their shape as they are pushed-out by resiliently flexible, segmented poles 60 having straight sections 61, and angles 63 and 64 each, held in a flexed condition and biased in place by the proportions of the side walls, ceiling, floor skirt, and poles, as the poles 60 being connected together in loops, contained within the space, are caused to bend in a flexed condition and are biased in place by the membrane 20 when the poles are positioned in a freestanding manner, bowed-out as the poles cross diagonally, optionally being secured in place with membrane reinforcing patches 23 and securable straps 31 at the top inside corners and at midpoint of side walls where the poles intersect, thereby forming the shape that supports the freestanding, cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10.
(37) The segmented poles 60 having straight sections 61, with angles 63 and 64 each, are bowed-out, being held in a resiliently flexed loop shape position that causes a tensing of the poles with side walls and ceiling 21 and the floor skirt 22. Membrane reinforcing patches 23 and securable straps 31 attached on the exterior of the four top corners provide an alternative “back-up” method of suspension in absence of the flexible poles, and straps 32 attached on the exterior of the four lower corners to provide an optional means to secure to the ground or base. The side wall has a door opening that includes two reversible zippers 41, and 42 configured in a “V”, each having zipper sliders 43 operable from either inside or outside the enclosure, and “loop” tabs 51 in the door flap point that allows the door flap 26 to be pulled back and secured to “hook” tabs 52 at the top of the inside side wall. A pliable membrane pouch 27 having a “hook and loop” fastener 53, is attached on the inside to provide storage for items and reverses to store the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10 with poles 60 and anchor stakes 81 for transport.
(38) FIG. 2 illustrates the open configuration of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10 showing its side wall 21 having the door flap 26 made operable with zippers 41 and 42 of membrane 20, pulled-back and secured open to the inside side wall with “hook and loop” tabs 51 and 52 providing full accessibility.
(39) FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a lower inside corner portion of the enclosure of FIG. 2 showing two crossing pole angle members 63, lower inside corner of side wall 21 with floor skirt 22, securing strap 24 with hole 25, and anchor stakes 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring method in the lower inside corners causes the poles to flex even further, increasing the stability of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10 without the need for guy wires.
(40) FIG. 4 illustrates how the membrane pouch 27 with a “hook and loop” fastener 53 conveniently and securely packages the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10, with the poles 60 and stakes 81 for transport.
(41) FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred construction of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10, showing four segmented poles 60 connected together in a continuous loop, and in an assembled flexed condition, with the membrane boundary 20 shown dotted. The pole members are each formed by a plurality of respective straight segments 61, with angles 63 and 64 each, are bowed-out, being held in a resiliently flexed loop shape position that causes a tensing of the poles 60 with the membrane 20, each preferably made from a resiliently flexible round tubing of aluminum alloy, high strength carbon, fiberglass, PVC or other flexible pole material.
(42) FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of one of the four separate pole members of FIG. 5 in an assembled non-flexed condition, showing straight sections 61, and angles 63 and 64.
(43) FIG. 7 illustrates how the tubular angle member 63 with inserts 62 and the elastic “shock-cord” running through 71 connect to adjacent pole segments 61, and form the lower corners of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10.
(44) FIG. 8 illustrates how the tubular angle member 64 with inserts 62 and the elastic “shock-cord” running through 71 connect to adjacent pole segment 61, and form the top corners of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10.
(45) FIG. 9 illustrates how the pole segments 61 are detachable and inter-fitted by a tubular insert portion 62 that extends from one end of respective segment and of a diameter to slip fit within an open end portion of an adjacent segment 61. The elastic “shock-cord” 71 running through the inside of the pole members interconnects adjacent segments, pulling them together to hold securely when assembled and maintaining their respective positions when disassembled.
(46) FIG. 10 illustrates how the pole segments 61 with insert 62 are designed to be collapsible due to the interconnecting and flexible nature of the “shock-cord”, for convenient storage and transport, yet to be quickly and easily assembled.
(47) FIG. 11 illustrates the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) invention 10 in a two pole loops 60 configuration with a closed door 26 and closed floor with waterproof membrane 28, reinforcing patches 23 and securable straps 31 at the top inside corners and at midpoint of side walls where the poles intersect, and straps 32 at the lower exterior corners, designed to accommodate a person with enough room to stand-up and walk around inside membrane 20, being lightweight and easily transportable making it ideal for military applications, disaster relief, humanitarian shelters, insectary field cage applications, storage and shipping, as well as recreational use.
(48) FIG. 12 illustrates the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) invention 10 in a two pole loops 60 configuration with a open door 26 and closed floor with waterproof membrane 28, reinforcing patches 23 and securable straps 31 at the top inside corners and at midpoint of side walls where the poles intersect, and straps 32 at the lower exterior corners, designed to accommodate a person with enough room to stand-up and walk around inside membrane 20.
(49) FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred construction of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10, showing two segmented poles 60 connected together with optional telescoping pole section 65, in two continuous loops, and in an assembled flexed condition, with the membrane boundary 20 shown dotted. The pole members are each formed by a plurality of respective straight segments 61, with angles 63, are bowed-out, being held in a resiliently flexed loop shape position that causes a tensing of the poles 60 with the membrane 20, each preferably made from a resiliently flexible round tubing of aluminum alloy, high strength carbon, fiberglass, PVC or other flexible pole material.
(50) FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of one of the two separate pole members of FIG. 13 in a segment connected, non-flexed condition, showing straight sections 61, angles 63, and optional telescoping pole section 65, end tips 72 and clamps 73.
(51) FIG. 15 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating three stages of optionally connecting the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 of one pole loop in clamps 73 with securing mechanism 74, at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross.
(52) FIG. 15A is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating three stages of optionally connecting the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 of one pole loop in clamps 73 with securing mechanism 74, at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, showing the two end sections 61 separated.
(53) FIG. 15B is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating three stages of optionally connecting the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 of one pole loop in clamps 73 with securing mechanism 74, at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, showing the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 connected in clamps 73.
(54) FIG. 15C is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating three stages of optionally connecting the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 of one pole loop in clamps 73 with securing mechanism 74, at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, showing the two end sections 61 with end tips 72 connected in clamps 73 and securing mechanism 74 fastened.
(55) FIG. 16 is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating two stages of connecting the two end sections 61 of one pole loop together optionally using a telescoping pole section 65.
(56) FIG. 16A is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating two stages of connecting the two end sections 61 of one pole loop together optionally using a telescoping pole section 65, showing the two end sections 61 separated.
(57) FIG. 16B is a perspective view, partly broken away, illustrating two stages of connecting the two end sections 61 of one pole loop together optionally using a telescoping pole section 65, showing the two end sections 61 connected with telescoping poles section 65.
(58) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) 10 side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole 60 loops, with reinforcing patches 23 and straps 31 on membrane 20 where poles intersect, and optional straight poles 66 and 67 with end caps 68, pushing-up at center of the membrane 20, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80, creating a vent opening at the top 81, and functioning as one, having a mud flap 82 and mud flap skirt 83, and access through door panel 26.
(59) FIG. 18 illustrates a preferred construction of the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10, in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole 60 loops, the larger showing optionally connecting the two end sections end tips 72 of one pole loop in clamps 73 at the mid-section of the other pole loop where the two pole loops cross, into two combined pole 60 loops, and the smaller showing connecting the two end sections of each of the pole 60 loops connected together optionally using a telescoping pole section 65, and in an assembled flexed condition, with the membrane boundary 20 and optional straight poles 66 and 67 with end caps 68, pushing-up at center of the membrane 20, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80, creating a vent opening at the top 81.
(60) FIG. 19 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with two (C.U.B.E.) 10 side by side, one larger than the other, each having two pole 60 loops, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80, creating a vent opening at the top 81, and functioning as one, and access through door panel 26.
(61) FIG. 20 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with three (C.U.B.E.) 10 side by side, one larger than the other two, each having two pole 60 loops, and optional straight poles 66 and 67 with end caps 68, pushing-up at center of the membrane 20, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80, creating a vent opening at the top 81, and functioning as one, with optional window flaps 82.
(62) FIG. 21 is a floor plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with three (C.U.B.E.) 10 side by side, one larger than the other two, each having two pole 60 loops, and optional straight pole 66 with end cap 68, pushing-up at center of the membrane 20, with optional horizontal straps 90 connected to pole 60 loops and optional straight center pole 66 for additional tension, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80, and functioning as one with a mud flap skirt 83.
(63) FIG. 22 is a roof plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention showing invention in a scaled-up configuration with three (C.U.B.E.) 10 side by side, one larger than the other two, each having two pole 60 loops, biased in placed with membrane 20, covered together under an additional membrane shell 80 with roof vent 81, and functioning as one.
(64) As illustrated herein, the new cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10 structure and the novel method of support provide features not heretofore available in the known art. Specifically, the stable shape created is due to the configuration of the pole loops positioned in a freestanding manner within the interior space defined by the proportions of the membrane as it is pushed out by the pole loops that are caused to bend in a flexed condition and are biased in place by the membrane.
(65) The various membrane material, scalable poles with adjustable section lengths provide a variety of shapes and sizes with an anchoring method structural dynamic that alleviates the need for the “securing means” or sleeves for the resilient members and the flexible sheeting material as required in prior art, allowing for an increased versatility, stability, ease and speed of deployment and disassembly.
(66) As such the cubular utility barrier enclosure (C.U.B.E.) 10, being light-weight, portable, scalable with adjustable freestanding pole loops, can be configured to enclose objects of various shapes and sizes, and connected together utilizing various membranes having diverse properties.
(67) Notwithstanding all of these advantages over the known apparatus, the overall versatility, scalability and adaptability features provided are unprecedented in the art.
(68) While the present invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be understood, that the invention is intended to be defined and limited by the appended claims.
(69) Additionally, while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
APPENDICES/APPENDIX
(70) Additional details of the above described embodiments are set forth in the appendix or appendices referred to hereinabove in the section entitled “Reference to Appendix,” which appendix or appendices are attached hereto and form part of the Detailed Description of this utility patent application.
(71) Where applicable, it is further contemplated that numerical values, as well as other values that are recited herein are modified by the term “about,” whether expressly stated or inherently derived by the discussion of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “about” defines the numerical boundaries of the modified values so as to include, but not be limited to, tolerances and values up to, and including the numerical value so modified. That is, numerical values can include the actual value that is expressly stated, as well as other values that are, or can be, the decimal, fractional, or other multiple of the actual value indicated, and/or described in the disclosure.
(72) The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.
(73) While embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to certain examples and features, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by claims that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.
(74) All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
(75) The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention.
