Patent Grant
10182617
Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, thereby being positioned between the upper and the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistant material, such as rubber. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the void and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.
The upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. The lacing system also permits the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying dimensions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter to limit movement of the heel.
A variety of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally utilized in manufacturing the upper. In athletic footwear, for example, the upper may have multiple layers that each include a variety of joined material elements. As examples, the material elements may be selected to impart stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different areas of the upper. In order to impart the different properties to different areas of the upper, material elements are often cut to desired shapes and then joined together, usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover, the material elements are often joined in a layered configuration to impart multiple properties to the same areas. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the material elements may also increase. Waste material from cutting and stitching processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, uppers with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. By decreasing the number of material elements utilized in the upper, therefore, waste may be decreased while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.
An article of footwear is disclosed below as having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. A knitted component of the upper includes a collar portion and a throat portion. The collar portion has a cylindrical configuration defining an ankle opening. The throat portion extends outward from the collar portion and through at least a portion of a length of a throat area of the upper. The collar portion and the throat portion form (a) a first area of an exterior surface of the upper and (b) a first area of an interior surface of the upper. A cover component of the upper is secured to the knitted component and extends between the knitted component and the sole structure. The cover component forms (a) a second area of the exterior surface of the upper and (b) a second area of the interior surface of the upper.
In another aspect, a knitted component for an article of footwear is disclosed below. The knitted component includes a collar portion, a throat portion, a first knit layer, and a second knit layer. The collar portion has a cylindrical configuration. The throat portion extends outward from the collar portion. The first knit layer forms a first surface of the collar portion and the throat portion. The second knit layer is located adjacent to the first knit layer and forms an opposite second surface of the collar portion and the throat portion.
A method for manufacturing an article of footwear is also disclosed below. The method includes utilizing a circular knitting process to form a knitted component by (a) knitting two substantially coextensive layers and (b) joining peripheral areas of the layers to each other. The method also includes incorporating the knitted component into an upper of the article of footwear, with (a) the knitted component forming a collar of the upper and (b) the knitted component extending through a majority of a length of a throat area of the upper.
The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying figures that describe and illustrate various configurations and concepts related to the invention.
The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety of concepts relating to knitted components and the manufacture of knitted components. Although the knitted components are disclosed with reference to articles of footwear having configurations that are suitable for running and basketball, concepts associated with the knitted components may be applied to a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including baseball shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, and walking shoes, for example. Concepts associated with the knitted components may also be utilized with footwear styles that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. Accordingly, a variety of footwear styles and configurations may incorporate concepts discussed herein.
General Footwear Configuration
An article of footwear 100 is depicted in
For reference purposes, footwear 100 may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region 101, a midfoot region 102, and a heel region 103. Forefoot region 101 generally includes portions of footwear 100 corresponding with toes of the foot and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 102 generally includes portions of footwear 100 corresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel region 103 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Footwear 100 also includes a lateral side 104 and a medial side 105, which extend through each of regions 101-103 and correspond with opposite sides of footwear 100. More particularly, lateral side 104 corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e. the surface that faces away from the other foot), and medial side 105 corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Regions 101-103 and sides 104-105 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 100. Rather, regions 101-103 and sides 104-105 are intended to represent general areas of footwear 100 to aid in the following discussion. In addition to footwear 100, regions 101-103 and sides 104-105 may also be applied to sole structure 110, upper 120, and individual elements thereof.
The primary elements of sole structure 110 are a midsole 111, an outsole 112, and a sockliner 113. Midsole 111 is secured to a lower surface of upper 120 and may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In further configurations, midsole 111 may incorporate plates, moderators, fluid-filled chambers, lasting elements, or motion control members that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, or midsole 21 may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber. Outsole 112 is secured to a lower surface of midsole 111 and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. Sockliner 113 is located within upper 120 and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of footwear 100. Although this configuration for sole structure 110 provides an example of a sole structure that may be used in connection with upper 120, a variety of other conventional or nonconventional configurations for sole structure 110 may also be utilized. Accordingly, the features of sole structure 110 or any sole structure utilized with upper 120 may vary considerably.
Upper 120 defines a void 121 within footwear 100 for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 110. Void 121 is shaped to accommodate the foot. When the foot is located within void 121, therefore, upper 120 extends along a lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. A collar 122 is located in at least heel region 103 and forms an ankle opening 123 that provides the foot with access to void 121. When the foot is located within void 121, collar 122 and ankle opening 123 extend around or otherwise encircle the ankle. In further configurations, upper 120 may include additional elements, such as a lacing system that assists with tightening upper 120 around the foot and loosening portions of upper 120 to allow entry and removal of the foot from void 121. Further configurations of upper 120 may also include one or more of (a) a heel counter in heel region 103 for enhancing stability, (b) a toe guard in forefoot region 101 that is formed of a wear-resistant material, and (c) logos, trademarks, and placards with care instructions and material information. Accordingly, upper 120 may incorporate various features and elements, in addition to the features and elements discussed herein and shown in the figures.
A majority of upper 120 is formed from a knitted component 130 and a cover component 140, which are depicted separately in
Upper 120 includes an exterior surface 125 and an opposite interior surface 126. Whereas exterior surface 125 forms a portion of an outer surface of footwear 100, interior surface 126 defines a portion of void 121. As such, a foot located within void 121 (or a sock covering the foot) will contact portions of interior surface 126. Surfaces 125 and 126 are cooperatively formed by each of knitted component 130 and cover component 140. More particularly, knitted component 130 forms a first area of exterior surface 125 and cover component 140 forms a second area of exterior surface 125, and knitted component 130 forms a first area of interior surface 126 and cover component 140 forms a second area of interior surface 126. Although the proportions may vary significantly, each of components 130 and 140 may form more than thirty percent of each of surfaces 125 and 126. Accordingly, knitted component 130 and cover component 140 each form separate portions of exterior surface 125 and interior surface 126.
Advantages of knitted component 130 include stretch and recovery properties, as well as enhanced fit and comfort. When locating the foot within void 121, collar 122 may stretch to permit the foot to enter void 121 through ankle opening 123. As the foot progresses into upper 120, portions of knitted component 130 located in throat area 124 may also stretch to permit the foot to fully enter void 121. In addition to stretching, knitted component may recover or contract to secure the foot within upper 120. More particularly, collar 122 may recover to securely extend around the ankle, and the portion of knitted component 130 in throat area 124 may recover to draw cover component 140 against the foot, thereby tightening upper 120 around the foot. Various features of knitted component 130, including materials and knit structure, may be utilized to impart specific stretch and recovery properties to knitted component 130. That is, the degree of stretch and recovery may be engineered into knitted component 130. As a result, knitted component 130 may be designed to extend around the ankle and tighten upper 120 around the foot in a manner that enhances the overall fit of footwear 100. Moreover, knitted component 130 lays against the foot and provides a compliant aspect to upper 120 that enhances the overall comfort of footwear 100.
Knitted Component Configuration
Knitted component 130 is depicted individually and separate from a remainder of footwear 100 in
Although the configuration of knitted component 130 may vary considerably, knitted component 130 is depicted as including a collar portion 131, a throat portion 132, and a heel portion 133. Collar portion 131 has a cylindrical configuration that forms collar 122 and defines ankle opening 123 when incorporated into footwear 100. Throat portion 132 extends outward from collar portion 131 and extends through at least a portion of a length of throat area 124 when incorporated into footwear 100. Heel portion 133 also extends outward from collar portion 131 and through at least a portion of a height (e.g., a majority of the height) of heel region 103 when incorporated into footwear 100. In some configurations of footwear 100, heel portion 133 may be absent from knitted component 130.
Although knitted component 130 may be formed from a single layer of textile material, knitted component 130 is depicted as including (a) a first or exterior knit layer 134 and (b) a second or interior knit layer 135 that contact and lay against each other. Each of knit layers 134 and 135 extend through and form opposite surfaces of collar portion 131, throat portion 132, and heel portion 133. That is, each of portions 131-133 are formed from both of knit layers 134 and 135. Referring to the cross-sectional views of
Exterior knit layer 134 and interior knit layer 135 are formed during the knitting process and may also be joined to each other through the knitting process, thereby being formed of unitary knit construction. Although the specific locations in which knit layers 134 and 135 are joined may vary, edges or peripheral areas of knit layers 134 and 135 are depicted as being joined to each other, whereas central areas of knit layers 134 and 135 are depicted as being unjoined to each other. In effect, therefore, knit layers 134 and 135 are separate layers of knitted material, but may be joined at their peripheries. When joined, knit layers 134 and 135 may be joined during the knitting process or following the knitting process. In addition to aesthetic aspects, an advantage of joining knit layers 134 and 135 relates to retaining the relative positions of knit layers 134 and 135 following the knitting process and during the process of incorporating knitted component into upper 120. In other configurations of knitted component 130, however, the peripheral areas of knit layers 134 and 135 may be unjoined or both the peripheral and central areas may be joined.
Although knitted component 130 is formed of unitary knit construction and may be substantially seamless, knitted component 130 may include a seam 136 that joins areas of interior knit layer 135 in collar portion 131. During the knitting process for knitted component 130, which is discussed in greater detail below, a first section of interior knit layer 135 is initially formed, then the exterior knit layer 134 is formed, and finally a second section of interior knit layer 135 is formed, all as a one-piece element. Once the knitting process is effectively complete, the two sections of interior knit layer 135 are joined at seam 136. The joining of interior knit layer 135 at seam 136 may be performed as at a final stage of the knitting process, or following the knitting process. In further configurations, seam 136 may be located in throat portion 132 or heel portion 133, or seam 136 may be located in exterior knit layer 134. Accordingly, in configurations of knitted component 130 that include seam 136, the location of seam 136 may be positioned in various areas of knitted component 130.
Knitted component 130 may be formed from a single type of yarn that imparts common properties to each of portions 131-133 and knit layers 134 and 135. In order to vary the properties of knitted component 130, however, different yarns may be utilized in different areas of knitted component 130. That is, portions 131-133 and knit layers 134 and 135 or different areas of portions 131-133 and knit layers 134 and 135 may be formed from different yarns to vary the properties between areas of knitted component 130. Moreover, one area of knitted component 130 may be formed from a first type of yarn or combination of yarns that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of knitted component 130 may be formed from a second type of yarn or combination of yarns that imparts a second set of properties. Properties may vary throughout knitted component 130, therefore, by selecting specific yarns for different areas of knitted component 130. Examples of properties that may be varied through choice of yarn include color, pattern, luster, stretch, recovery, loft, hand, moisture absorption, biodegradability, abrasion-resistance, durability, and thermal conductivity. It should also be noted that two or more yarns may be utilized in combination to take advantage of properties from both yarns, such as when yarns are plated or form different courses in the same area.
The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of knitted component 130 partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. Cotton, for example, provides a soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. Elastane and stretch polyester each provide substantial stretch and recovery, with stretch polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides high luster and moisture absorption. Wool also provides high moisture absorption, in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is durable, abrasion-resistant, and has relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides relatively high durability. Yarns that incorporate thermoplastic materials may also permit areas of knitted component 130 to be fused or stabilized through the application of heat. In addition to materials, other aspects of the yarns selected for knitted component 130 may affect properties. For example, a yarn forming knitted component 130 may be a monofilament yarn or a multifilament yarn. The yarn may also include separate filaments that are each formed of different materials. In addition, the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials, such as a bi-component yarn with filaments having a sheath-core configuration or two halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twist and crimping, as well as different deniers, may also affect the properties of knitted component 130. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to separate areas of knitted component 130.
In addition to the type of yarn that is selected for knitted component 130, the knit structure in knitted component 130 imparts particular properties. As depicted, a majority of knitted component 130 is formed to have a common or single knit structure, which is relatively untextured and may be referred to as a tubular or plain knit. In further configurations, however, knitted component 130 may have a rib knit structure or mesh knit structure, or knitted component 130 may have a hybrid knit structure in which multiple types of knit structures are utilized in one area. In order to vary the properties of knitted component 130, different knit structures may be utilized in different areas of knitted component 130. That is, portions 131-133 and knit layers 134 and 135 or different areas of portions 131-133 and knit layers 134 and 135 may be formed from different knit structures to vary the properties between areas of knitted component 130. Moreover, one area of knitted component 130 may be formed from a first knit structure or combination of knit structures that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of knitted component 130 may be formed from a second knit structure or combination of knit structures that imparts a second set of properties. Properties may vary throughout knitted component 130, therefore, by selecting specific knit structures for different areas of knitted component 130. Examples of properties that may be varied through choice of yarn include pattern, luster, stretch, recovery, loft, hand, moisture absorption, abrasion-resistance, durability, and thermal conductivity.
Properties may be further varied by selecting both the type of yarn and the knit structure that is utilized in knitted component 130 or areas of knitted component 130. By combining various types of yarn with various knit structures, further combinations of properties may be imparted to knitted component 130. For example, a first type of yarn and a first knit structure may be utilized in one area of knitted component 130 to provide a set of properties, and a second type of yarn and a second knit structure may be utilized in a different area of knitted component 130 to provide a different set of properties. As more specific examples: (a) collar portion 131 may incorporate types of yarn and knit structures that impart high stretch, and throat portion 132 may incorporate types of yarn and knit structures that impart low stretch or (b) exterior knit layer 134 may be formed from types of yarn and knit structures that are durable and impart a particular aesthetic, and interior knit layer 135 may be formed from types of yarn and knit structures that are comfortable and wick moisture away from the wearer. Accordingly, selecting particular combinations of types of yarn and knit structures for each area of knitted component 130 permits each area to have a particular combination of beneficial properties.
Based upon the above discussion, a portion of upper 120 incorporates knitted component 130, which is formed of unitary knit construction. Knitted component 130 may form collar 122 and extend into throat area 124. Knitted component 130 may also extend downward and into heel region 103. Although knitted component may be formed from a single knit layer, knitted component 130 may also have two or more knit layers.
Further Configurations
The configuration of footwear 100 and knitted component 130 discussed above and depicted in the figures provides one example relating to the structure of footwear 100 and knitted component 130. In further configurations, numerous features of footwear 100 and knitted component 130 may vary considerably. Referring to
A further variation of footwear 100 is depicted in
In addition to variations in other areas of footwear 100, numerous features of knitted component 130 may vary considerably. Referring to
A further variation of knitted component 130 is depicted in
Although a knitting process that forms knitted component 130 may be performed by hand, the commercial manufacture of multiple knitted components 130 will generally be performed by knitting machines. In general, knitting involves forming courses and wales of intermeshed loops of a yarn or multiple yarns. In production, knitting machines may be programmed to mechanically-manipulate one or more yarns into the configuration of knitted component 130. That is, knitted component 130 may be formed by mechanically-manipulating one or more yarns to form a one-piece textile element that has the shape and features of knitted component 130. As such, knitted component may be formed of unitary knit construction utilizing a knitting machine.
Although knitted component 130 may be formed through a variety of different knitting processes and using a variety of different knitting machines, circular knitting (i.e., the use of a circular knitting machine) has the capability of forming knitted component 130 to have the various features discussed above. In general, circular knitting involves forming a plurality of courses and wales. As an example, courses are circular rows of loops that extend entirely around collar portion 131 and across the widths of throat portion 132 and heel portion 133. Wales are columns of loops that extend perpendicular to the courses and from collar portion 131 to each of throat portion 132 and heel portion 133. That is, the courses in knitted component 130 may extend from collar portion 131 to either of throat portion 132 and heel portion 133. Although general or conventional circular knitting processes may be utilized to form knitted component 130, specific examples of knitting processes that may be utilized include wide tube circular knitting, narrow tube circular knitting, narrow tube circular knit jacquard, single knit circular knit jacquard, double knit circular knit jacquard, warp knit jacquard, and flat knitting, for example.
Manufacturing knitted component 130 through circular knitting provides advantages of simplicity and efficient manner. Other advantages or combinations of advantages may, however, be gained through utilizing another of the various knitting processes mentioned above. For example, flat knitting may be utilized to form knitted component 130 with different stretch and recovery properties, apertures within the knit structure that enhance breathability, and various levels of durability. Accordingly, different advantages or features may be gained through selection of the knitting process utilized to form knitted component 130.
The knitting process for forming knitted component 130 will now be discussed in greater detail. For purposes of simplicity and clarity, the configuration of
In addition to sections 151-156, pattern 150 also includes various additional features, including a first seam edge 157, a pair of side edges 158, a second seam edge 159, and a plurality of courses 160. As discussed in greater detail below, seam edges 157 and 159 represent portions of pattern 150 located and joined at seam 136. Side edges 158 are primarily located in throat section 152 and represent the edges or peripheral areas of knit layers 134 and 135 that are joined to each other in throat section 152. Additionally, courses 160 represent the various courses in knitted component 130, which are rows of loops that extend entirely around collar portion 131 (i.e., circular courses) and across the widths of throat portion 132 (i.e., non-circular or linear courses). For purposes of reference, a dashed line 161 extends across first collar section 151 at the interface between sections 154 and 155 and represents the position of ankle opening 123.
Pattern 150 is a graphical representation of data that is processed by a circular knitting machine to form knitted component 130. In forming knitted component 130, the knitting machine reads data associated with each course 160, starting at first seam edge 157 and continuing successively downward to second seam edge 159. Initially, therefore, the knitting machine reads data associated with the course 160 located at first seam edge 157 and forms a circular course based upon that data. In addition to identifying the particular knit structures that are formed, the data also identifies the particular yarns that form the knit structures. Once this data is processed, the knitting machine mechanically-manipulates the yarns to form a first course of knitted component 130. For purposes of reference, pattern 150 identifies the first course 160 (i.e., the course 160 located at first seam edge 157) as being in first collar section 151 and first interior layer section 154. As a result, the first course formed by the knitting machine will form a portion of knitted component 130 located in collar portion 131 and interior knit layer 135, and the first course may be held on a dial of the knitting machine. At this point, the knitting machine continues knitting circular courses, each of which are located in collar portion 131 and interior knit layer 135.
After knitting a defined number of courses, the knitting machine reads data from pattern 150 associated with courses 160 that are in first collar section 151 and exterior layer section 155. As such, the knitting machine has transitioned to forming circular courses of knitted component 150 located in collar portion 131 and exterior knit layer 134.
As the knitting process continues, the knitting machine reads data from pattern 150 associated with courses 160 that are in throat section 152 and exterior layer section 155. As such, the knitting machine has transitioned to forming courses of knitted component 150 located in throat portion 132 and exterior knit layer 134. Whereas prior courses were circular, these courses are non-circular or linear and only extend between the edges or peripheral areas of throat portion 132.
Once the knitting process completes forming the areas of knitted component 130 located in throat portion 132 and exterior knit layer 134, the knitting machine reads data from pattern 150 associated with courses 160 that are in throat section 152 and second interior layer section 156. As such, the knitting machine has transitioned to forming courses of knitted component 130 located in throat portion 132 and interior knit layer 135. These courses are also non-circular or linear and only extend between the edges or peripheral areas of throat portion 132. As the knitting machine forms these courses, the knitting machine also joins the edges of knit layers 134 and 135 in throat portion 132.
As the knitting process continues, the knitting machine reads data from pattern 150 associated with courses 160 that are in second collar section 153 and second interior layer section 156. As such, the knitting machine has transitioned to forming circular courses of knitted component 150 located in collar portion 131 and interior layer 135. As the knitting process continues further, the knitting machine mechanically-manipulates the yarns to form a final course of knitted component 130. For purposes of reference, pattern 150 identifies the final course 160 (i.e., the course 160 located at second seam edge 159) as being in second collar section 153 and second interior layer section 156. When forming the final course of knitted component 130, the first course may be joined to the final course, thereby forming seam 136. That is, the first course, which was held on the dial throughout the knitting process, may be joined to the final course to form seam 136. In some configurations, seam 136 may be formed by hand or through a stitching process, or a flat seam or flat stitch may extend over the seam 136 stitch to provide a more finished appearance.
Many aspects of the knitting process discussed above may be performed using a conventional circular knitting machine. In order to facilitate some portions of the knitting process, however, the circular knitting machine may be modified to raise and lower the dial, which holds the first course formed in knitted component 130. Additionally, a blower may be utilized to ensure that knitted component 130 remains properly located within the circular knitting machine during the knitting process.
Based upon the discussion above, the circular knitting process forms knitted component 130 by (a) forming knit layers 134 and 135 to be substantially coextensive layers and (b) joining peripheral areas of knit layers 134 and 135 to each other, particularly in throat portion 132. Once the knitting process is complete, knitted component 130 is incorporated into upper 120 such that knitted component 130 forms collar 122 and extends through a portion of, possibly a majority of, a length of throat area 124. Either stitching, adhesive bonding, or thermal bonding may be used to join knitted component 130 with cover component 140.
Another example of a manufacturing process that may be utilized to form knitted component 130 will now be discussed. In manufacturing knitted component 130, a circular knitting process is utilized to form a tubular structure 170, as depicted in
In order to form knitted component 130, tubular structure 170 is cut into two separate portions, as depicted in
Another configuration of tubular structure 170 is depicted in
The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying figures with reference to a variety of configurations. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the configurations described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140137433 A1 | May 2014 | US |
