Patent Grant
10900219
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
This invention relates to systems for protecting windows and doors during a high-wind event such as a hurricane.
Applicant invented various systems for protecting openings such as doors and windows against wind-borne debris, and patented those systems in U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,059 B1. The '059 patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Now, unexpectedly, Applicant has invented new, improved systems that can protect a wider variety of openings, including windows and doors that have frames that protrude from the surface of the surrounding wall.
Significantly, window and door units that protrude from the adjacent wall pose a significant problem for adequately protecting the opening. Anchoring any protection system in the window or door unit itself is unacceptable, and building codes reflect that by requiring any protection system to anchor in the adjacent wall—specifically, in the structural wall framing or into the 2″×4″ studs. Heretofore, it has not been very convenient or satisfactory to employ known systems to protect those openings.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems for protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, one such system comprising:
Further embodiments of the present invention relate to anchor bolts for a system for protecting an opening, one such anchor bolt comprising:
Some embodiments provide brackets for a system for protecting an opening, one such bracket comprising:
Additional embodiments relate to resilient straps for a system for protecting an opening, one such resilient strap comprising:
Still further embodiments relate to methods of protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, one such method comprising: obtaining a panel having a plurality of strap slots therein;
Yet other embodiments relate to methods of making an anchor bolt, one such method comprising:
Certain further embodiments relate to systems that do not require a resilient strap, perhaps because a window unit does not protrude beyond the adjacent wall, for example. Thus, certain further embodiments of the present invention relate to systems for protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, one such system comprising:
While the disclosure provides certain specific embodiments, the invention is not limited to those embodiments. A person of ordinary skill will appreciate from the description herein that modifications can be made to the described embodiments and therefore that the specification is broader in scope than the described embodiments. All examples are therefore non-limiting.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.
Where ever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.
The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that don't negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.
The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.
The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b and c. Similarly, the phrase: “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
As stated herein, some embodiments relate to a system for protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, comprising:
Such a system can further comprise any useful components, such as, for example, a panel suitable for withstanding high wind and the impact of wind-borne debris against it. Any suitable panel material can be used, such as, for example, metal, wood, plastic, or a combination thereof. In some cases, wood and wood products can be used, such as, for example, oriented strand board and plywood. In some cases, plywood is stronger and lasts longer than oriented strand board. The panel can be coated, painted, colored, or otherwise rendered aesthetically pleasing; or the panel can simply have a functional appearance. Among other features, a panel useful with the systems of the present invention can have a plurality of strap slots. Strap slots can appear in any suitable configuration on the panel, such as, for example, one or two strap slots positioned near each corner of a rectangular panel. Singly or in pairs, strap slots receive the resilient straps as described herein, and allow the resilient straps to hold the panel over the opening. Strap slots can be imparted to the panel in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by cutting, drilling, molding, welding, or combinations thereof. Optionally, the panel further comprises padding to protect the opening and the surrounding frame from cosmetic or more serious damage from the panel mounted against them. In some cases, the panel is at least 0.25″ thick. In other cases, the panel is no thicker than 4.0″ thick. In still further cases, a panel is about 0.75″ thick. Furthermore, the panel can be of any suitable dimensions relative to the opening it will protect. For example, the panel can be at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 20% wider than the opening. For another example the panel can be at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 20% longer or taller than the opening. In yet another example, the panel can be narrower or shorter than the opening, at the risk of offering less protection to the opening. Optionally, the panels can be labeled as to which opening is to be protected by which panel, and the orientation of the panel for deployment.
Any suitable opening can be protected by the systems of the present invention. In some cases, the opening is a window or a door. In further cases, the opening protrudes beyond the wall adjacent to the opening. In the past, protruding openings have presented an obstacle to deploying known systems for protecting such openings, as the anchor bolts would have to extend past the protrusion to engage the panel. As used herein, “frame” generally means the unit that forms the opening, such as a window unit or a door unit. Certain embodiments of the present invention address those situations in which the frame or window unit, for example, protrudes beyond the surrounding wall. “Frame” should not be confused with the structural framing, such as 2″×4″ wall studs, that support the surrounding wall.
It can be helpful in some instances of the present invention if the anchor bolt is adapted to be permanently anchored into the wall adjacent to the opening. This prevents the need for a homeowner, for example, to install anchor bolts around each opening of a home as a storm approaches. Installation of anchor bolts can happen once, perhaps when the home is built, and the panels can be deployed using the permanently-installed anchor bolts without tools as needed. In other instances, the anchor bolt or a portion thereof can be adapted to be removed from the wall adjacent to the opening when there is no need to protect the opening. For example, a threaded shaft can be permanently installed in the wall, and a head comprising an axial shaft can be removable from the threaded shaft. Then, the head and axial shaft can be reinserted into the permanently-installed threaded shaft to support a panel when a storm approaches. Optionally, threads on the axial shaft can engage a threaded female chamber that is part of the threaded shaft permanently installed in the wall. An attractive cap, such as of plastic, can cover the threaded shaft when not in use.
In further instances of the present invention, the anchor bolt or a portion thereof is adapted to retract into the wall adjacent to the opening when there is no need to protect the opening, and the anchor bolt is adapted to be permanently anchored into the wall adjacent to the opening. In these instances, the head of the anchor bolt can be placed in a retracted position, and optionally covered with an attractive cap to hide and protect the head when not in use. Such a cap can be made out of any suitable material and colored any suitable color. Suitable materials and colors include, but are not limited to, white plastic. Optionally, the cap is colored or painted to match the wall adjacent the opening. When a storm approaches, the cap can be removed, and the head can be pulled out from the wall to receive the resilient strap as described below. Optionally, the head can connect to the shaft via a reciprocating chamber joining the head to the shaft.
The resilient straps that can be used in accordance with the present invention are not limited. In some cases, the resilient strap engages the panel substantially in the proximity of a single strap slot or two strap slots located relatively close together on the panel. In other cases, the resilient strap engages a strap slot on one side of the opening, crosses the panel, and engages another strap slot on the other side of the opening. Straps crossing a panel can cross in any desirable direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Resilient straps can be made of any suitable material. In some cases, the resilient straps must be flexible enough to maneuver into position through one or more strap slots on the panel. In other cases, the resilient straps must be strong enough to hold the panel and withstand the forces applied to the panel during the storm. Accordingly, in certain cases, the resilient strap comprises high tensile strength steel, polymer, or a combination thereof. High tensile strength steel includes those steels known as spring steels. Any suitable polymer can be used, such as, for example, polyalkane including polyethylene and polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and combinations thereof. The material of the strap can be monolithic, woven, nonwoven, or combinations thereof.
The resilient strap comprises at least one bolt engagement opening. The bolt engagement opening fits over the head of the anchor bolt, and connects the resilient strap to the wall. An extension portion connects the bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion of the strap. In cases where the resilient strap is designed to engage two strap slots on the panel, there may optionally exist a first bolt engagement opening, and a second bolt engagement opening; and a first extension portion joining the first bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion, and a second extension portion joining the second bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion.
Sometimes, a resilient strap can be made in the field, that is, when the anchor bolts are being installed in the wall on either side of the opening. Once the anchor bolts are installed, and strap slots have been cut in the panel, two half-straps can be connected to the anchor bolts by their anchor bolt engagement openings, and passed through the respective strap slots. The loose ends of the half-straps can be trimmed to an appropriate length, leaving enough so the half-straps overlap with each other. Then, the region of overlap can be joined, for example, by melting, crimping, adhering, or a combination thereof, one half-strap to the other half-strap. Thereby, a resilient strap having the exactly correct length can be formed, comprising a first bolt engagement opening connected by a first extension portion to a first panel support portion, a second bolt engagement opening connected by a second extension portion to a second panel support portion; and the first panel support portion and the second panel support portion join together in a linking region where they overlap.
Sometimes, to accommodate slight variations in dimensions, a resilient strap can have more than one bolt engagement opening. That allows the bolt engagement opening at the correct position to be chosen when protecting an opening with a system of the present invention. It can be said, in certain instances, a first bolt engagement opening comprises a plurality of first bolt engagement openings; and if present, a second bolt engagement opening comprises a plurality of second bolt engagement openings.
Any suitable design for the bracket can be employed. As stated herein, a bracket may have an aperture for receiving the head of a bolt, and a slot extending from the aperture. The slot can have any suitable geometry, such as, for example, the slot can be narrower than the head of the bolt but wider than a shaft of the bolt. The bracket can have any suitable profile. In some cases, the bracket is substantially flat. In other cases, the bracket comprises a slope increasing from the aperture along the slot. The bracket can have any suitable shape. In some cases, the bracket has a rectangular shape. A rectangular shape can be helpful, for example when the aperture is placed on the head of the anchor bolt and then slid along the slot. The weight of the bracket hanging below the head of the anchor bolt can help keep the bracket from disengaging from the head.
The bracket can include any suitable material. For example, the bracket may comprise steel, aluminum, a structural polymer, or a combination thereof. Structural polymers include nylons, polyalkanes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.
In some cases, a bracket can include a fingerhold comprising one or more structures, such as finger divots, for receiving one or more fingers. A fingerhold allows a user to push on the bracket when installing it, so that the bracket firmly holds the resilient strap to the anchor bolt.
Any suitable anchor bolt can be used. Sometimes, the shaft comprises a threaded shaft for anchoring into a wall; the head further comprises an axial stem; and the anchor bolt further comprises a reciprocating chamber embracing the axial stem and connecting the head to the threaded shaft. A reciprocating chamber can be a hollow cylinder that attaches to a threaded shaft at one end, and receives the head of the anchor bolt at the other end. This can be accomplished in any suitable fashion. For example, the reciprocating chamber can comprise a threaded bushing for connecting the threaded shaft. For another example, the reciprocating chamber can comprise a smooth bushing for embracing the axial stem.
Driving the anchor bolt into the wall next to an opening can be accomplished by any suitable means. In some cases, the smooth bushing of an anchor bolt comprises one or more engagement recesses proximal to the head, and the head of the anchor bolt comprises, proximal to the smooth bushing, one or more engagement fins adapted to engage the one or more engagement recesses. When the one or more engagement fins engages the one or more engagement recesses, turning the head turns the smooth bushing and the threaded shaft. This can be useful both for installing the anchor bolt into the wall, and for removing it from the wall if needed.
The anchor bolts and the components thereof can be made from one or more pieces. In some cases, the reciprocating chamber and the threaded bushing are made from a single piece. In further cases, the reciprocating chamber and the smooth bushing are made from a single piece. In still further cases, the reciprocating chamber, threaded bushing, and smooth bushing are made from a single piece.
The components of the systems of the present invention can be made by any suitable methods. In some cases, a method of making an anchor bolt, comprises:
obtaining a cylindrical reciprocating chamber having a first end and a second end;
crimping a threaded bushing in the first end;
securing a threaded shaft in the threaded bushing;
placing a head having an axial stem into a smooth bushing, and securing a nut to the axial stem to secure the axial stem in the smooth bushing; and
crimping the smooth bushing in the second end of the cylindrical reciprocating chamber, thereby connecting the head to the threaded shaft via the cylindrical reciprocating chamber, and thereby making the anchor bolt.
Optionally, a suitable adhesive such as a currently-known thread-locking compound or composition, a smooth-surface to smooth-surface adhering compound or composition, epoxy, polyacrylate, methacrylate, or the like, can be used to secure threaded or smooth connections. Examples include those methacrylates sold under the brand name Vibra-Tite® by ND Industries, and LOCTITE® methacrylate adhesive.
Methods of protecting an opening, such as a window or door of a building, appear in certain embodiments of the present invention. One such method comprises:
obtaining a panel having a plurality of strap slots therein;
attaching a resilient strap to the panel by feeding the resilient strap through a strap slot in the plurality of strap slots, the resilient strap comprising a bolt engagement opening for receiving the head of an anchor bolt, a panel support portion, and an extension portion joining the bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion;
engaging an anchor bolt anchored into a wall adjacent to the opening, the anchor bolt comprising a head connecting a shaft, by passing the head into the bolt engagement opening of the resilient strap; and
securing the resilient strap on the anchor bolt by passing the head of the anchor bolt into a bracket comprising an aperture for receiving the head and a slot extending from the aperture, and sliding the bracket so the head enters the slot, thereby positioning the panel over the opening and thereby protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris.
Certain instances provide that the plurality of strap slots comprises pairs of strap slots. That allows a resilient strap to loop around a portion of the panel between the strap slots and back to the anchor bolt. Further instances provide that the resilient strap comprises a second extension portion joining a second bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion, and engaging the anchor bolt further comprises passing the head of the anchor bolt into the second bolt engagement opening.
Further instances of the present invention allow for the protection of an opening without using the resilient straps as described herein. That is possible, for example, when a window unit does not protrude much beyond the wall adjacent to the opening. An anchor bolt such as those described herein is installed in the wall; a panel such as a rectangular piece of plywood having a circular or similar holes where the anchor bolts will engage the panel, is mounted on the anchor bolts; and then a bracket such as those described herein is placed over the head of the anchor bolt to secure the panel to the wall. The anchor bolt or a portion thereof can retract into the wall when the system is not in use. The bracket can be any suitable bracket, such as those that are substantially flat, and those that have a sloping profile. Any suitable panel can be used as described herein. Holes, or other openings large enough to receive the head of an anchor bolt, are required in the panel instead of strap slots.
Further embodiments of the present invention can be described by reference to the accompanying drawings.
A system for protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, comprising:
an anchor bolt adapted for anchoring into a wall adjacent to the opening, comprising a head connecting a shaft;
a resilient strap adapted to support a panel, the resilient strap comprising at least one bolt engagement opening for receiving the head of the anchor bolt, a panel support portion, and at least one extension portion joining the at least one bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion;
a bracket for securing the resilient strap to the head of the anchor bolt, the bracket comprising an aperture for receiving the head of the anchor bolt and a slot extending from the aperture for securing the resilient strap to the anchor bolt.
The system of embodiment 1, wherein the opening is a window or a door.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-2, wherein the opening protrudes beyond the wall adjacent to the opening.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the anchor bolt is adapted to be permanently anchored into the wall adjacent to the opening.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the anchor bolt or a portion thereof is adapted to be removed from the wall adjacent to the opening when there is no need to protect the opening.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the anchor bolt or a portion thereof is adapted to retract into the wall adjacent to the opening when there is no need to protect the opening, and the anchor bolt is adapted to be permanently anchored into the wall adjacent to the opening.
The system of embodiment 6, wherein:
the head connects the shaft via a reciprocating chamber joining the head to the shaft.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the resilient strap comprises high tensile strength steel, polymer, or a combination thereof.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein
the at least one bolt engagement opening comprises a first bolt engagement opening, and a second bolt engagement opening; and
the at least one extension portion comprises a first extension portion joining the first bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion, and a second extension portion joining the second bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the bracket is substantially flat.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the bracket comprises a slope increasing from the aperture along the slot.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the slot has a width that is less than the head of the bolt but greater than the width of the shaft.
The system of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein:
the shaft comprises a threaded shaft for anchoring into a wall; the head further comprises an axial stem; and
the anchor bolt further comprises a reciprocating chamber embracing the axial stem and connecting the head to the threaded shaft.
The system of embodiment 13, wherein the reciprocating chamber comprises a threaded bushing for connecting the threaded shaft.
The system of any one of embodiments 13-14, wherein the reciprocating chamber comprises a smooth bushing for embracing the axial stem.
The system of embodiment 15, wherein the smooth bushing comprises one or more engagement recesses proximal to the head, and
the head comprises, proximal to the smooth bushing, one or more engagement fins adapted to engage the one or more engagement recesses so that when the one or more engagement fins engages the one or more engagement recesses, turning the head turns the smooth bushing and the threaded shaft.
The system of any one of embodiments 14-16, wherein the reciprocating chamber and the threaded bushing are made from a single piece.
The system of any one of embodiments 14-17, wherein the reciprocating chamber and the smooth bushing are made from a single piece.
An anchor bolt for a system for protecting an opening, the anchor bolt comprising:
a threaded shaft for anchoring into a wall;
a head having an axial stem; and
a reciprocating chamber embracing the axial stem and connecting the head to the threaded shaft.
The anchor bolt of embodiment 19, wherein the reciprocating chamber comprises a threaded bushing for connecting the threaded shaft.
The anchor bolt of any one of embodiments 19-20, wherein the reciprocating chamber comprises a smooth bushing for embracing the axial stem.
The anchor bolt of embodiment 21, wherein
the smooth bushing comprises one or more engagement recesses proximal to the head, and
the head comprises, proximal to the smooth bushing, one or more engagement fins adapted to engage the one or more engagement recesses so that when the one or more engagement fins engages the one or more engagement recesses, turning the head turns the smooth bushing and the threaded shaft.
The anchor bolt of any one of embodiments 20-22, wherein the reciprocating chamber and the threaded bushing are made from a single piece.
The anchor bolt of any one of embodiments 20-23, wherein the reciprocating chamber and the smooth bushing are made from a single piece.
A bracket for a system for protecting an opening, the bracket comprising:
an aperture for receiving a head of a bolt; and
a slot extending from the aperture, wherein the slot is narrower than the head of the bolt but wider than a shaft of the bolt.
The bracket of embodiment 25, wherein the bracket is substantially flat.
The bracket of embodiment 25, wherein the bracket comprises a slope increasing from the aperture along the slot.
The bracket of any one of embodiments 25-27, wherein the bracket has a rectangular shape.
The bracket of any one of embodiments 25-28, wherein the bracket comprises steel, aluminum, a structural polymer, or a combination thereof.
The bracket of any one of embodiments 25-29, further comprising a fingerhold, comprising one or more structures for receiving one or more fingers.
A resilient strap for a system for protecting an opening, the resilient strap comprising:
a first bolt engagement opening for receiving a head of a bolt;
a panel support portion; and
a first extension portion joining the first bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion.
The resilient strap of embodiment 31, wherein the resilient strap comprises high tensile strength steel, polymer, or a combination thereof.
The resilient strap of any one of embodiments 31-32, further comprising:
a second bolt engagement opening; and
a second extension portion connecting the second bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion.
The resilient strap of embodiment 33, wherein the panel support portion comprises a linking region that connects a first panel support portion that joins the first extension portion, and a second panel support portion that joins the second extension portion.
The resilient strap of embodiment 34, wherein the linking region is formed by melting, crimping, adhering, or a combination thereof the first panel support portion with the second panel support portion.
The resilient strap of any one of embodiments 31-35, wherein the first bolt engagement opening comprises a plurality of first bolt engagement openings.
The resilient strap of any one of embodiments 33-36, wherein the second bolt engagement opening comprises a plurality of second bolt engagement openings.
A method of protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, comprising:
obtaining a panel having a plurality of strap slots therein;
attaching a resilient strap to the panel by feeding the resilient strap through a strap slot in the plurality of strap slots, the resilient strap comprising a bolt engagement opening for receiving the head of an anchor bolt, a panel support portion, and an extension portion joining the bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion;
engaging an anchor bolt anchored into a wall adjacent to the opening, the anchor bolt comprising a head connecting a shaft, by passing the head into the bolt engagement opening of the resilient strap; and
securing the resilient strap on the anchor bolt by passing the head of the anchor bolt into a bracket comprising an aperture for receiving the head and a slot extending from the aperture, and sliding the bracket so the head enters the slot,
thereby positioning the panel over the opening and thereby protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris.
The method of embodiment 38, wherein the plurality of strap slots comprises pairs of strap slots.
The method of any one of embodiments 38-39,
wherein the resilient strap comprises a second extension portion joining a second bolt engagement opening to the panel support portion, and
wherein the engaging the anchor bolt further comprises passing the head of the anchor bolt into the second bolt engagement opening.
A method of making an anchor bolt, comprising:
obtaining a cylindrical reciprocating chamber having a first end and a second end;
crimping a threaded bushing in the first end;
securing a threaded shaft in the threaded bushing;
placing a head having an axial stem into a smooth bushing, and securing a nut to the axial stem to secure the axial stem in the smooth bushing; and
crimping the smooth bushing in the second end of the cylindrical reciprocating chamber, thereby connecting the head to the threaded shaft via the cylindrical reciprocating chamber, and thereby making the anchor bolt.
A system for protecting an opening from high wind and wind-borne debris, comprising:
an anchor bolt adapted for anchoring into a wall adjacent to the opening, comprising a head connecting a shaft; and
a bracket for securing a panel to the head of the anchor bolt, the bracket comprising an aperture for receiving the head of the anchor bolt and a slot extending from the aperture for securing the panel to the anchor bolt.
The system of embodiment 42, wherein the anchor bolt or a portion thereof is adapted to retract into the wall adjacent to the opening when there is no need to protect the opening, and the anchor bolt is adapted to be permanently anchored into the wall adjacent to the opening.
The system of any one of embodiments 42-43, wherein the bracket is substantially flat.
The system of any one of embodiments 42-44, wherein the anchor bolt is the anchor bolt of any one of embodiments 19-24.
The system of any one of embodiments 42-45, wherein the bracket is the bracket of any one of embodiments 25-30.
As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. It will be appreciated that many modifications and other variations stand within the intended scope of this invention as claimed below. Furthermore, the foregoing description of various embodiments does not necessarily imply exclusion. For example, “some” embodiments may include all or part of “other” and “further” embodiments within the scope of this invention. In addition, “a” does not mean “one and only one;” “a” can mean “one and more than one.”
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