U.S. patent application number 11/705379 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for wearable tissue holder.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey Finn.
Application Number | 20080190974 11/705379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39684983 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080190974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Finn; Jeffrey |
August 14, 2008 |
Wearable tissue holder
Abstract
A wearable tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope,
with the envelope having an unobstructed first opening constructed
and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and
allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope.
At least one strap is coupled to the body so as to wrap at least
partially around an appendage, such as the forearm, of the wearer.
A fastener is used to secure the strap so that the tissue holder
body can be secured to the wearer.
Inventors: |
Finn; Jeffrey; (Montclair,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, P.C.
600 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210-2206
US
|
Family ID: |
39684983 |
Appl. No.: |
11/705379 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F
2005/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/267 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A wearable tissue holder comprising: a body defining an
envelope, the envelope having an unobstructed first opening
constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the
tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the
envelope; at least one strap coupled to the body and constructed
and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the
wearer; and at least one fastener cooperating with at least one of
the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be
secured to the wearer.
2. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is
formed of a soft and pliable material.
3. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body
comprises a second closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of
tissue into the envelope.
4. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body defines
a long axis and a short axis and wherein the body comprises first
and second ends disposed substantially parallel to the short axis,
and wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap coupled
to the first end of the body and a second strap coupled to the
second end of the body, the straps extending substantially parallel
to the short axis.
5. The tissue holder according to claim 4, wherein the first strap
comprises a first end attached to the first end of the body and a
second end comprising a first fastener.
6. The tissue holder according to claim 5, wherein the second strap
comprises a first end attached to the second end of the body and a
second end comprising a second fastener.
7. The tissue holder according to claim 5, where each of the first
and second fasteners comprises a hook and loop fastener.
8. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is
formed of a first layer of material and a second layer of material
at least partially permanently attached to the first layer of
material, the first and second layers of material cooperating to
define the envelope.
9. The tissue holder according to claim 8, wherein the body
comprises a second closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of
tissue into the envelope, wherein the first and second layer
cooperate to define a second closeable opening adapted to allow
insertion of tissue into the envelope.
10. The tissue holder according to claim 8, wherein the first and
second layers are formed from a single piece of material folded
over itself and at least partially joined to define the
envelope.
11. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is at
least partially formed of a material comprising neoprene.
12. The tissue holder according to claim 1, in combination with the
tissue, wherein the tissue comprises one of facial tissue,
anti-bacterial hand wipes, medically treated tissue, anti-viral
tissue, and cleaning wipes.
13. The tissue holder according to claim 1, in combination with the
tissue, wherein the tissue comprises an edge adapted to be grasped,
wherein the body defines a long axis and wherein the tissue edge is
substantially perpendicular to the long axis.
14. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body and
the at least one strap are constructed and arranged so that the
tissue holder can be worn on a forearm of a wearer.
15. The tissue holder according to claim 3, wherein the body
defines a long axis and wherein the second closeable opening is
disposed along an edge of the body extending along the long
axis.
16. The tissue holder according to claim 15, wherein the second
closeable opening comprises a hook and loop fastener.
17. The tissue holder according to claim 4, wherein each of the
first and the second strap comprises a first strap half and a
second strap half, wherein each strap half comprises a first end
coupled to the body and a second free end, wherein the free ends of
each of the first and second strap halves of each of the first and
second straps are fastenable together.
18. A disposable wearable tissue holder comprising: a body defining
an envelope; tissue pre-packaged within the envelope, the envelope
having an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always
expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of
the tissue to be deployed from the envelope; at least one strap
coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least
partially around an appendage of the wearer; and at least one
fastener cooperating with at least one of the body and the at least
one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.
19. The tissue holder according to claim 18, wherein the body
comprises a closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of tissue
into the envelope.
20. A disposable wearable tissue holder comprising: a body formed
of a soft and pliable material, the body defining an envelope, the
body further defining a long axis and a short axis and wherein the
body comprises first and second short sides each disposed
substantially parallel to the short axis and third and fourth long
sides each disposed substantially parallel to the long axis; tissue
pre-packaged within the envelope, the envelope having an
unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at
least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue
to be deployed from the envelope; a first strap coupled at the
first short side of the body and extending substantially parallel
to the short axis, the first strap having a first end attached to
the body and a second free end; a second strap coupled at the
second short side of the body and extending substantially parallel
to the short axis, the second strap having a first end attached to
the body and a second free end, the first and second straps
constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an
appendage of the wearer; and first and second fasteners each
cooperating with at least one of the body and each strap so as to
allow adjustable securing of the body to be secured to the wearer,
wherein a tightness of the straps are separately adjustable.
21. A wearable tissue holder comprising: a body defining an
envelope; moist tissue disposed within the envelope, the envelope
being constructed and arranged to limit moisture from escaping the
envelope and having an opening constructed and arranged to allow
the moist tissue to be deployed from the envelope; at least one
strap coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at
least partially around an appendage of the wearer; and at least one
fastener cooperating with at least one of the body and the at least
one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.
22. The tissue holder according to claim 21, wherein the envelope
includes a plastic film configured to maintain moisture within the
envelope.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] Aspects of the invention relate to tissue holders and more
particularly to holders that can be worn, for example, on the
user's arm.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Various tissue holders are known in the art; however, none
provide a simple and cost effective way to present tissues in a
convenient and readily available manner. For example, some wearable
tissue holders include a cover to protect the tissue from the
elements. As a result, the user must use one hand to open the cover
to expose the tissue, which may be difficult or time consuming in
some instances. Aspects of the invention are directed to improved
tissue holder constructs.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one illustrative embodiment, a wearable tissue holder is
provided. The tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope.
The envelope has an unobstructed first opening constructed and
arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and
allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope.
At least one strap is coupled to the body and is constructed and
arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the
wearer. At least one fastener cooperates with at least one of the
body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be
secured to the wearer.
[0006] In another illustrative embodiment, a disposable wearable
tissue holder is provided. The tissue holder includes a body
defining an envelope and tissue pre-packaged within the envelope.
The envelope has an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged
to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the
entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least
one strap is coupled to the body and is constructed and arranged to
wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. At least
one fastener cooperates with at least one of the body and the at
least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the
wearer.
[0007] In still another illustrative embodiment, a disposable
wearable tissue holder is provided. The tissue holder includes a
body formed of a soft and pliable material. The body defines an
envelope. The body further defines a long axis and a short axis.
The body includes first and second short sides, each disposed
substantially parallel to the short axis, and third and fourth long
sides, each disposed substantially parallel to the long axis.
Tissue is pre-packaged within the envelope. The envelope has an
unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at
least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue
to be deployed from the envelope. A first strap is coupled at the
first short side of the body and extends substantially parallel to
the short axis. The first strap has a first end attached to the
body and a second free end. A second strap is coupled at the second
short side of the body and extends substantially parallel to the
short axis. The second strap has a first end attached to the body
and a second free end. The first and second straps are constructed
and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the
wearer. First and second fasteners cooperate with at least one of
the body and each strap so as to allow adjustable securing of the
body to be secured to the wearer. The tightness of the straps is
separately adjustable.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a wearable tissue holder is
provided. The holder includes a body defining an envelope and moist
tissue disposed within the envelope. The envelope is constructed
and arranged to limit moisture from escaping the envelope and
having an opening constructed and arranged to allow the moist
tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least one strap is
coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least
partially around an appendage of the wearer. At least one fastener
cooperates with at least one of the body and the at least one strap
so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.
[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain
advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same
advantages and those that do may not share them under all
circumstances.
[0010] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure of various embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 when worn by a
user;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a plan view of still another embodiment of the
invention, shown in a worn position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] This invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth
in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or
of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and/or
variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[0020] A wearable tissue holder is provided whereby the user can
have ready access to tissues for various reasons, such as wiping
his or her nose, quick clean-ups, etc. In one embodiment, the
tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope. The envelope
has an unobstructed first opening constructed and arranged to
always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the
entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. One or
more straps may be coupled to the body and adapted to wrap at least
partially around an appendage of the wearer. Also, a fastener
cooperates between the body and the strap to secure the holder to
the wearer.
[0021] In one embodiment, the holder features, among others, a soft
and pliable material presenting exposed tissue, allowing quick and
easy access to the tissue. Such features may be helpful when the
user is a child or an infirm individual where the user is not able
to readily access conventionally boxed tissue. In this regard, the
tissue holder with its exposed tissue can be positioned on a
child's arm such that in the event the child attempts to clean her
nose on her sleeve, the child will be more apt to do so on the
exposed tissue. As such, the tissue holder can operate as a sleeve
protector for children, thereby keeping clothing clean and
germ-free. With regard to infirm individuals, the tissue holder
renders the tissue readily available. Other uses for the tissue
holder are contemplated, as the present invention is not limited in
this regard.
[0022] After use, the soiled tissue may be removed from the holder
and discarded, thereby exposing another clean tissue ready for use.
In this regard, the tissue holder can hold a plurality of tissues,
such as up to six, eight or ten or more. Of course, more or less
tissue may be stowed, as the present invention is not limited in
this regard. The tissues may be folded relative to one another such
that fully removing one tissue causes the next tissue to be
partially deployed. Similarly, the tissue may be interconnected via
perforations, so that the user would need to tear off one tissue
for use. The tissue need not be so interleaved or interconnected,
as the present invention is not limited in this regard. Once all
tissues are depleted, the tissue holder itself may be discarded. Of
course, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as the
tissue holder need not be pre-packaged with tissue and instead may
be refillable with new tissue. In this regard, the tissue holder
may be machine or hand washable and may include features, as will
be described in more detail below, allowing a user to replenish the
tissue supply.
[0023] The holder may be useful for carrying treated tissue to aid
in the reduction of contamination and of transmission of
communicable diseases or simply to aid in cleaning. For example,
the tissue may be anti-bacterial hand wipes, medically treated
tissue, anti-viral tissue, and cleaning wipes. Given the wide
variety of uses for the tissue holder, as used herein, the term
"tissue" not only means conventional facial tissue, napkins, paper
towels and the like, but also means any disposable cloth or
paper-like material made from any suitable natural or synthetic
material (such as paper, cotton and others). As noted, the tissue
can be treated with softening agents, anti-viral agents,
anti-bacterial agents or even cleaning agents. The tissue may be
either wet or dry, as the present invention is not limited in this
regard.
[0024] Other suitable uses for the tissue holder include, but is
not limited to, holders worn by mentally and/or physically
challenged individuals, hospital and healthcare workers, rehab
patients and health professionals, nursing home residents and aids,
hospice care residents and aids, day care providers, teachers and
other educators, cleaning service providers (whether bathroom,
kitchen, windows or general), auto detailers (including interior,
exterior, windows, etc.), food service providers, trash collectors
and custodians. Of course, the present invention is not limited in
this regard, as any suitable uses and user groups are contemplated
and may simply be used by individuals wishing to have ready access
to tissue.
[0025] The tissue holder may be worn near or on a person's wrist,
forearm or upper arm. Of course, the present invention is not
limited in this regard, as the tissue holder may be worn at any
desirable location. The tissue holder is sized and shaped to be
worn directly on the person's body or alternatively may be sized
and shaped to be worn over the person's clothing. In another
embodiment, the tissue holder is sized and shaped to be worn either
over the clothing or directly on the person, as desired.
[0026] Turning now to the figures and in particular to FIGS. 1-4, a
tissue holder 10 according to one embodiment will now be described.
The holder 10 includes a body 12 having a long axis 14 and a short
axis 16. In the embodiment shown, the body is generally rectangular
in shape, although other suitable shapes may be employed, as the
present invention is not limited in this respect. The body 12
includes a first side 18, second side 20, third side 22 and fourth
side 24. Sides 18 and 20 are the short sides and run substantially
parallel to the short axis, whereas sides 22 and 24 are the long
sides and run substantially parallel to the long axis.
[0027] The body 12 includes an envelope 26 or interior space that
is to be occupied by the tissue. As will be discussed in greater
detail, the holder may be refillable or pre-packaged with tissue.
As can be seen, in one embodiment, the body is formed with an
opening 28 into the envelope 26. The opening 28 is constructed and
arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and
allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope.
In the embodiment shown, the opening 28 is shaped oval-like,
although other suitable shapes may be employed, as the present
invention is not limited in this respect.
[0028] A first strap 30 is coupled at the first side 18 of the body
and extends substantially parallel to the short axis 16. The first
strap 30 has a first end 32 attached to the body and a second free
end 34. A second strap 36 is coupled at the second side 20 of the
body and extends substantially parallel to the short axis 16. The
second strap 36 also has a first end 38 attached to the body and a
second free end 40. The first ends 32, 38 may be secured to the
body in any suitable manner, as the present invention is not
limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the ends 32, 38 are
attached via stitches. In another embodiment, as shown, the straps
are integrally formed with at least a portion of the body 12.
[0029] Each of the free ends 34, 40 of the straps includes a
fastener 42a, 42b to removably attach the free end to the body. In
one embodiment, the fastener 42a, 42b is formed with mating hook
and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM., readily available
from VelcroUSA, Manchester, N.H. Of course, other suitable
fasteners may be employed, such as snaps, buttons/button holes,
zippers, etc., as the present invention is not limited in this
respect. In any event, one portion of the fastener 42a is fixed to
the free end of the strap 32. 38 and the cooperating half of the
fastener 42b is attached to the body 12. As such, as shown in FIG.
2, the user can wrap the strap around the desired appendage, such
as the user's arm 43, and secure the free end to the body to secure
the holder to the wearer.
[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the use of two
separate straps allows the wearer to separately adjust the
tightness of the straps to accommodate for different circumferences
of the appendage adjacent the location of the strap. In this
regard, more slack in the strap near the user's wrist must be
accommodated, whereas less slack need be accommodated at the area
near the user's elbow. As such, the working length of each fastener
is sized to accommodate the degree of adjustability required. In
one embodiment, the straps are approximately equal in length. In
another embodiment, the straps are different lengths. Of course,
the present invention is not limited in this respect, and a single
strap may be employed in some embodiments.
[0031] As noted above, the tissue holder may be constructed in a
manner to allow the tissue supply to be replenished. In one
embodiment, this may be accomplished by providing a closeable
opening 44 into the envelope. The opening 44 may be formed along a
side of the body, and in one embodiment, is formed along one of the
long sides, which may allow greater access to the envelope than if
the opening were located on the short side. However, the present
invention is not limited in this respect, as the opening may be
located in any suitable location, including the short side.
Preferably, the opening is formed on the side of the body that is
opposite the attachment location of the straps, although this is
not required, as the present invention is not limited in this
respect.
[0032] The opening may be closed using any suitable arrangement, as
the present invention is not limited in this respect. In one
embodiment, the opening may be closed using recloseable fastener
arrangement, such as a hook and loop fastener 46. Other suitable
arrangements, such as snaps, zippers, buttons/buttonholes may be
employed. In addition, the opening need not be secured shut at all;
rather a portion of the body may be tucked into a pocket or other
such area to close the opening.
[0033] The body may be formed in any suitable manner. In one
embodiment, the body is formed of a first layer of material 50 and
a second layer of material 52 at least partially permanently
attached to the first layer of material. The layers may be at least
partially stitched together in a manner to define the envelope.
Other suitable attachment arrangements may be employed, as the
present invention is not limited in this respect. For example, the
layers may be adhered together with an adhesive, sonic welding, and
the like.
[0034] In one embodiment, the closeable opening 44 may be formed at
the junction of the two layers of material 50, 52, as shown.
However, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as
other suitable locations may be employed.
[0035] In one embodiment, the layers of material are formed as
separate pieces. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second
layers are formed from a single piece of material folded over
itself, as shown in FIG. 1. The resulting layers are at least
partially joined to define the envelope. Further, as shown, the
closeable opening may be located at the junction of the two
free-ends of the doubled-over layers.
[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the tissue, when
inserted in the holder, includes a graspable edge 60 that extends
substantially perpendicular to the long axis 14. Arranging the
tissue in this manner may reduce the potential of the tissue being
inadvertently dislodged from the holder. Of course, the present
invention is not limited in this respect, as, in one embodiment,
the tissue edge 60 may extend substantially parallel to the long
axis 14.
[0037] The holder 10 may be sized and shaped as desired. In one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the length L.sub.B of the body
along the long axis is approximately 6 inches and the width W of
the body along the short axis is approximately 4.5 inches. The
length of the straps L.sub.S extending beyond the body and along
the short axis is approximately 4.5 inches. The above-noted sizes
would be suitable for a child-size tissue holder. In another
embodiment, for example, for an adult-sized holder, the length
L.sub.B of the body along the long axis is approximately 7 inches
and the width W of the body along the short axis is approximately 6
inches. The length of the straps L.sub.S extending beyond the body
and along the short axis is approximately 10 inches. However, it
should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in
this regard, as other suitably shaped and sized holders may be
employed.
[0038] The tissue holder may be formed of any suitable material, as
the present invention is not limited in this respect. In one
embodiment, the holder is formed of a soft and pliable material.
The soft and pliable material may be particularly useful should the
holder be used as a nose wipe. In this regard, the soft and pliable
material would not be abrasive on the user's skin should the user
attempt to wipe his or her nose on the tissue and accidentally come
in contact with the material of the holder. In one embodiment, the
holder is at least partially formed of a cloth-like fabric, such as
cotton, polyester, nylon, neoprene, spandex, wool, silk, or any
blend thereof. The material may be knitted, woven or formed of a
felt-like material, as the present invention is not limited in this
respect. Portions of the holder may be formed of one material
whereas other portions may be formed of another material. For
example, the body may be formed with an upper soft and supple
material such as cotton, whereas the upper layer may be formed of a
synthetic material such as polyester. Similarly, the straps may be
formed of a suitable material desired to impart the properties
necessary for the straps. In this regard, the straps may be formed
with a material or construction that can withstand a greater amount
of tensile loading than the body. In one embodiment, the holder is
disposable and the material used is suited for such use. In one
embodiment, the holder is machine washable and the material used is
suited for such use.
[0039] In one embodiment, the holder is formed of neoprene. The
neoprene material may be approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick.
Using neoprene may obviate the need for one portion of the
Velcro.RTM. fastener, because the other portion may readily attach
to neoprene.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, rather
than have the strap extend from one side of the body, two strap
portions 70a, and 70b may be employed. In this manner, the strap
portions may be joined together in much the same way as a wrist
watch is joined whereby the strap portion couple together opposite
the body. Specifically, each strap portion includes a first end
72a, 72b coupled to the body and a second free end 74a, 74b.
Fasteners 76, such as the Velcro.RTM. hook and loop fasteners may
be employed at the free ends to secure the two strap portions
together.
[0041] In the embodiment shown, the body 12 is formed of two
separate layers that (except for the tissue opening 28 and
complementary Velcro fasteners) are the same. As such, the layers
need only be flipped over and placed adjacent each other, as shown,
and stitched along stitch line 80 to complete the holder 10.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment,
the holder is shown schematically with the envelope having an
interior depth D. In one embodiment, the depth D without tissue
inserted therein is any size between and including approximately
0'' and approximately 1/16''. In another embodiment, the depth D is
approximately 1/8''. In yet another embodiment, the depth D is
approximately 1/4''. In yet another embodiment, the depth D is any
size between and including approximately 1/4'' and approximately
1/2''. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this
regard, as other soluble interior depths for the envelope may be
employed.
[0043] As mentioned above, the tissue holder can hold treated
tissue, such as cleaning wipes. In such an embodiment, the wipes
may be wet with the cleaning solution. Thus, in one embedment, the
holder itself is constructed and arranged to accommodate the wet
tissue without a significant amount of the liquid solution leaking
therefrom. To accommodate such liquid-containing wipes, as shown in
FIG. 7, the holder may include a film 90 disposed over the opening
28. The film may be formed with a small opening or slit 92 to
facilitate removal of the wipe.
[0044] The film itself can be formed of any suitable material. In
one embodiment, the film is a plastic film having a thickness of
about 1 mil. It should be appreciated that the film can have any
suitable thickness, e.g., as 0.5 mils or 1.5 mils, as the present
invention is not limited in this regard.
[0045] In another embodiment, the holder itself is formed of a
liquid impermeable material. For example, the holder may be formed
of neoprene. In this embodiment, the opening 28 need not include a
film 90, but rather the opening 28 is formed as a small opening or
slit to keep as much moisture in the holder as possible.
[0046] Other suitable constructs for maintaining moisture within
the holder may be employed, as the present invention is not limited
in this respect.
[0047] The foregoing written specification is to be considered to
be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention. While the best mode for carrying out the invention has
been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative embodiments
including those mentioned above as defined by the following claims.
The examples disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting
of the invention as they are intended merely as illustrative of
particular embodiments of the invention as enabled herein.
Therefore, systems and methods that are functionally equivalent to
those described herein are within the spirit and scope of the
claims appended hereto. Indeed, various modifications of the
invention in addition to those shown and described herein will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
description and fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *