U.S. patent application number 13/034459 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for supporting rebar with interchangeable crowns.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAB Plastic Products Corporation. Invention is credited to Jorge R. Alfonso.
Application Number | 20110214381 13/034459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44515276 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110214381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alfonso; Jorge R. |
September 8, 2011 |
SUPPORTING REBAR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CROWNS
Abstract
A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar ("rebar").
Such a structure includes a rebar engaging portion, where the rebar
engaging portion includes a receptacle. The receptacle includes a
channel sized to receive the rebar, where the channel includes a
first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that
extend radially outward from a first end to a second end. The
retaining features are disposed on the walls of the channel, where
the sidewalls are configured to spread so that the rebar passes the
retaining features and rests in the bar retaining portion as the
rebar moves down the channel. Additionally, the support structure
includes a support portion supporting the rebar engaging portion,
where the support portion includes a plurality of legs which
project outward from a central axis. In addition, the support
structure includes a base configured to distribute weight of the
support structure.
Inventors: |
Alfonso; Jorge R.; (Austin,
TX) |
Assignee: |
JAB Plastic Products
Corporation
San Antonio
TX
|
Family ID: |
44515276 |
Appl. No.: |
13/034459 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61309787 |
Mar 2, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/685 ;
52/687 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 5/168 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/685 ;
52/687 |
International
Class: |
E04C 5/16 20060101
E04C005/16 |
Claims
1. A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar comprising:
a reinforcing bar engaging portion, wherein said reinforcing bar
engaging portion comprises a receptacle to receive said reinforcing
bar, wherein said receptacle comprises a channel sized to receive
said reinforcing bar, wherein said channel comprises a first
portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls that
extend radially outward from a first end to a second end, wherein
retaining features are disposed on the walls of said channel,
wherein said sidewalls are configured to spread so that said
reinforcing bar passes said retaining features and rests in said
bar retaining portion as said reinforcing bar moves down said
channel; a support portion supporting said reinforcing bar engaging
portion, wherein said support portion comprises a plurality of legs
which project outward from a central axis; and a base configured to
distribute weight of said support structure.
2. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said
plurality of legs comprise feet on which said support portion
rests.
3. The support structure as recite din claim 2, wherein said base
comprises foot receptacles to receive said feet.
4. The support structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said foot
receptacles are sized to form an interference fit with said feet to
inhibit removal of said base.
5. The support structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said foot
receptacles and said feet comprise a snap-on fitting to inhibit
removal of said base.
6. The support structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said foot
receptacles are shaped so that there are no gaps between the walls
of said foot receptacles and said feet.
7. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein each of
said plurality of legs taper toward a respective foot to leave an
area open thereby allowing concrete to flow beneath said plurality
of legs and between each said respective foot.
8. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said base
is ring shaped.
9. A support structure for retaining a wire mesh comprising: a wire
mesh engaging portion, wherein said wire mesh engaging portion
comprises a receptacle to receive said wire mesh, wherein said
receptacle comprises a channel sized to receive said wire mesh,
wherein said channel comprises a first portion and a bar retaining
portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from a
first end to a second end, wherein retaining features are disposed
on the walls of said channel, wherein said sidewalls are configured
to spread so that said wire mesh passes said retaining features and
rests in said bar retaining portion as said wire mesh moves down
said channel; a support portion supporting said wire mesh engaging
portion, wherein said support portion comprises a plurality of legs
which project outward from a central axis; and a base configured to
distribute weight of said support structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to the following commonly owned
co-pending U.S. Patent Application:
[0002] Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/309,787, "System and
Method of Supporting Rebar with Interchangeable Crowns," filed Mar.
2, 2010, and claims the benefit of its earlier filing date under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to reinforcing bars ("rebars")
used in construction, and more particularly to retaining a rebar, a
wire mesh, an electrical conduit, plumbing or other elongated bar
in a desired configuration during construction.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Concrete is commonly used as a construction material because
of its relatively low cost. Concrete is very strong in compression,
but weak in tension. To increase the tensile strength of concrete,
steel reinforcement bars ("rebars") are added. For foundations,
road work or other flat constructions, the rebar is often laid out
in a grid pattern beneath the surface of the construction. To hold
the rebar together in a grid, the bars are tied together where they
intersect.
[0005] Various codes specify where the rebar must be placed. For
example, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) in Section 318 of
their code specifies that the rebar in a slab-on-grade foundation
must be placed at the midpoint depth of the foundation. Thus, for
example, in a four inch foundation slab, the rebar grid would
normally be placed at a depth of approximately two inches.
Consequently, the grid must be elevated off the ground to the
desired position before concrete is poured. In many cases, concrete
laborers use stones, pieces of broken bricks or materials to
elevate the grid. This can cause the grid to be uneven or sag when
the concrete is poured.
[0006] For concrete pillars and beams, the rebar is tied to a set
of wooden frames and placed in a mold. The concrete is then poured
into the mold to form the pillar, beam or other construction.
However, this method suffers many disadvantages. First, it is
difficult to align the rebar in parallel around the frames. Second,
the frames often break or shift when the concrete is poured,
causing the rebar to become misaligned. This reduces the tensile
strength of the construction.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a support
structure for retaining a reinforcing bar comprises a reinforcing
bar engaging portion, where the reinforcing bar engaging portion
comprises a receptacle to receive the reinforcing bar. The
receptacle comprises a channel sized to receive the reinforcing
bar, where the channel comprises a first portion and a bar
retaining portion defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward
from a first end to a second end. The retaining features are
disposed on the walls of the channel, where the sidewalls are
configured to spread so that the reinforcing bar passes the
retaining features and rests in the bar retaining portion as the
reinforcing bar moves down the channel. Additionally, the support
structure comprises a support portion supporting the reinforcing
bar engaging portion, where the support portion comprises a
plurality of legs which project outward from a central axis. In
addition, the support structure comprises a base configured to
distribute weight of the support structure.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a support
structure for retaining a wire mesh comprises a wire mesh engaging
portion, where the wire mesh engaging portion comprises a
receptacle to receive the wire mesh. The receptacle comprises a
channel sized to receive the wire mesh, where the channel comprises
a first portion and a bar retaining portion defined by sidewalls
that extend radially outward from a first end to a second end. The
retaining features are disposed on the walls of the channel, where
the sidewalls are configured to spread so that the wire mesh passes
the retaining features and rests in the bar retaining portion as
the wire mesh moves down the channel. The support structure further
comprises a support portion supporting the wire mesh engaging
portion, where the support portion comprises a plurality of legs
which project outward from a central axis. In addition, the support
structure comprises a base configured to distribute weight of the
support structure.
[0009] The foregoing has outlined rather generally the features and
technical advantages of one or more embodiments of the present
invention in order that the detailed description of the present
invention that follows may be better understood. Additional
features and advantages of the present invention will be described
hereinafter which may form the subject of the claims of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A better understanding of the present invention can be
obtained when the following detailed description is considered in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a support structure for retaining
a rebar in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the base illustrating the
different positioning and sizes of the foot receptacles in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates two embodiments of the crowns with feet
inserted in the foot receptacles of the base in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
present invention of a crown;
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention of snap fits;
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention of a foot engaging a foot receptacle;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a set of support structures supporting
mats of bars in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates additional views of a crown in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate representations of one embodiment of
the present invention of a portion of a support structure;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an additional view of the base in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for laying out rebar in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a rebar support structure in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Embodiments described herein provide systems for retaining a
rebar, a wire mesh, an electrical conduit, plumbing or other
elongated bar in a desired configuration during construction.
Embodiments described herein will be described primarily in the
context of a rebar, but it should be understood that the
embodiments are not limited to rebars and can be used to retain
other types of bars.
[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrammatic representations of one
embodiment of the present invention of a support structure 100 for
retaining a rebar. Support structure 100 can include a rebar
engaging portion 102, a support portion 104 and a base 106. Support
portion 104 and rebar engaging portion 102 can be formed of a
single piece of material or they can be separate components that
are coupled together while base 106 is a separate base. For
purposes of this application, rebar engaging portion 102 and
support portion 104 are referred to as a "crown" 107.
[0025] Support structure 100 can be formed of a suitable material,
such as resilient plastic or other material, and can be
manufactured to surpass requirements from the Uniform Building
Code, International Building Code, American Concrete Institute,
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
and standard practices as specified by the American Concrete
Institute, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute and other
requirements. According to one embodiment, support structures 100
can be manufactured to have a capacity exceeding expected
construction loads, which typically range between 250-300 pounds.
Support structures 100, according to one embodiment of the present
invention, can have a critical load in axial compression of 320
pounds or more. According to one embodiment, support structures 100
can have a critical load in axial compression of approximately 400
pounds. Other embodiments can have higher or lower critical loads
as needed or desired. In one embodiment, support structure 100 can
be configured so that it does not require ties or caps to retain
the rebar.
[0026] Crown 107 can be used in a variety of applications for
supporting the rebar in cement, including, but not limited to,
foundations and cement beams. Rebar engaging portion 102 comprises
one or more receptacles to receive the rebar. In the case of FIG.
1, engaging portion 102 includes paired bar receptacles 110a and
110b, bar receptacles 112a and 112b, bar receptacles 114a and 114b
and bar receptacles 115a and 115b to receive the rebar. While eight
bar receptacles are shown for the purposes of illustration,
engaging portion 102 can include any number of bar receptacles that
will fit to retain one or more pieces of rebar.
[0027] According to one embodiment, each set of paired receptacles
can be sized to fit different sizes of rebar. In other embodiments,
each set of paired receptacles can be sized to fit the same size of
rebar. The depth of bar receptacles 110, 112 and 114 can be offset
from each other so that the bars supported by engaging portion 102
can cross each other at the center of engaging portion 102. The bar
receptacles of engaging portion 102 can be positioned so that the
bars cross at a 90 degree angle or other desired angle. The bar
receptacles can be snap-fit receptacles that allow a bar to be
fully inserted by a human while inhibiting removal of the bar. The
snap fit can provide feedback to the user so that the user knows
when the bar has been sufficiently inserted and can result from the
spring action of the bar receptacles.
[0028] Support portion 104 provides supports such as a plurality of
leaves or legs 116 which project outward from a central axis and
support rebar engaging portion 102. Support portion 104 can include
any number of legs 116 or supports and the legs can have various
configurations. Various embodiments of legs 116 are discussed
below. Legs 116 can include feet 118 on which support portion 104
rests. According to one embodiment, each leg 116 can taper toward
the respective foot 118 to leave area 120 open. This can allow
concrete to flow beneath the legs 116 and between the feet 118.
[0029] Base 106 can be shaped to distribute weight. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, base 106 can be ring shaped, but in other
embodiments, base 106 can include a solid disk, a rectangular shape
or other shape. Base 106 includes foot receptacles 122 sized and
positioned to receive feet 118. Foot receptacles 122 can be sized
to form an interference fit with feet 118 to inhibit removal of
base 106. In other embodiments, foot receptacles 122 and feet 118
may include a snap on fitting or feature that engages to inhibit
removal of base 106. The snap-fit can close due to the spring
action of foot receptacles 122 and can provide tactile or other
feedback so that a user knows when a foot is properly engaged in
foot receptacle 122. Foot receptacles 122 can be shaped so that
there are no gaps between the walls of foot receptacles 122 and the
corresponding feet 118, thereby reducing the likelihood of trapped
air bubbles.
[0030] Additionally, base 106 can include foot receptacles 124.
Foot receptacles 124 can be sized and positioned to receive the
feet of a different sized crown 107. Thus, a single base can be
made for use with interchangeable crowns 107.
[0031] Having a separate crown 107 and base 106 provides many
advantages over existing systems. Crown 107 can be used in a number
of applications with or without base 106 as needed or desired.
Using crown 107 without base 106 provides advantages over prior art
rebar chairs described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,860 (the "'860
patent"). When the rebar chairs of the '860 patent are used in the
construction of concrete beams, the bases of the chairs will
typically show through the side of the beam as large unsightly
rings. This requires the beam to be painted or have another coating
applied to hide the rings. Crowns 107 of the present disclosure, on
the other hand, can be used without bases 106 and therefore will
not leave exposed rings. In this case, if a portion of a crown 107
shows, it is only the bottom of the feet 118, which is a very small
area. The same type of crown 107 can be used with base 106 in
applications that require more stability or weight distribution,
such as building over soft earth or sand. Thus, the same model of
crown has different modes of operation.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of
base 106 illustrating the different positioning and sizes of foot
receptacles 122 and 124 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. While eight foot receptacles 122 and 124 are
illustrated, base 106 can include any number of receptacles.
Additionally, while different receptacles are illustrated to
accommodate different size crowns, a single type of foot receptacle
can be used if the different sized crowns have the same leg
configuration.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of two embodiments
of crowns 107 with feet 118 inserted in foot receptacles 122 or 124
of base 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view of
one embodiment of the present invention of crown 107. Receptacle
110a includes a channel 130 open to the top of crown 107 and sized
to receive the rebar. Channel 130 can have a first portion 138 and
a bar retaining portion 139 defined by sidewalls 132 that extend
radially outward from a first end (e.g., more proximate to the
center of crown 107) to a second end (e.g., the edge of crown 107).
The base of channel 130 can be flat, curved or have another shape,
but a curved shape increases the lateral elasticity of receptacle
110a. Sidewalls 132 can angle so that the receptacle 110a is wider
at the opening than near the base of channel 130. Retaining
features 137 can be disposed on the walls of channel 130. In one
embodiment, retaining features 137 can be bumps or other features
so that the width of the opening to bar retaining area 139 is
smaller than the width of bar retaining area 139 or the rebar. In
various embodiments, retaining features 137 can be formed based on
the shape of sidewalls 132, can be projections that project inward
from sidewall 132 or can be another feature that allows the rebar
to enter rebar retaining area 139 due to the pressure of the rebar,
but inhibit the rebar from leaving bar retaining area 139.
[0035] In operation, the rebar can be inserted in a first portion
138 of channel 130. As the rebar moves down channel 130, sidewalls
132 can spread slightly so that the rebar can pass bumps 137 and
rest in bar retaining area 139 on base 141. According to one
embodiment, bumps 137 snap over the bar to inhibit the bar from
coming out of channel 130. The material, thickness or other
properties of sidewalls 132 can be selected so that the rebar can
be inserted manually.
[0036] FIG. 4 also illustrates another embodiment of a receptacle
115b having channel 140 defined by sidewalls 142 and having
retaining features 147. Rebar can be snapped into channel 140 and
can rest in portion 143. For example, the rebar can rest on
shoulders 144. Channel 140 can be open to an area 145 that has a
curved shape to allow channel 140 greater lateral elasticity. This
can allow channel 140 to better accommodate a range of rebar
sizes.
[0037] The receptacles can be joined to each other by arms 143.
According to one embodiment, the sidewalls of the receptacles and
arms can be formed by a continuous, unitary shaped rib of material
that projects radially outward from a first edge near the center of
crown 107 to an outer edge. The rib can be laid out in an annular
shape with an opening or gap between paired receptacles. Thus, each
receptacle, according to one embodiment, does not extend to the
base of the paired receptacle (e.g., the base 141 of receptacle
110a does not extend across engaging portion 102 to the base of
receptacle 110b). Instead, there may be a gap between the paired
receptacles at the center of crown 107.
[0038] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention of snap fits. FIGS. 5A-5C include various embodiments of
retaining features 137 including a tapered flange (FIG. 5A),
rounded flange (FIG. 5B), a set of teeth (FIG. 5C) and a set of
bumps (FIG. 5D). It should be noted that the embodiments of FIGS.
5A-5D are provided by way example. While each embodiment of FIGS.
5A-5D includes a taper or curve to ease insertion of the rebar,
other embodiments of retaining features 137 can have other
configurations. Retaining features may be disposed on both
sidewalls or only one sidewall and multiple types of retaining
features can be used. In one embodiment, the snap fit provided by a
bar receptacle can be based, in part, on deformation of retaining
features 137. In FIG. 5E, the rebar can enter the receptacle in a
first direction and snap in a second direction.
[0039] FIGS. 6A-6D are diagrammatic representations of various
embodiments of the present invention of a foot 118 engaging a foot
receptacle 122. The retaining feature to retain foot 118 in
receptacle 122 can be configured so that foot 118 cannot be removed
without damaging receptacle 122 or foot 118 or can be configured so
that foot 118 can be removed without causing damage if a threshold
amount of force is applied. According to one embodiment, receptacle
122 can have sidewalls 148 that are sized to flex outward as foot
118 is inserted. Complementary engaging features on sidewalls 148
and foot 118 can engage to hold foot 118 in place. In FIG. 6A, foot
118 includes an indent 150 that engages a detent 152 on wall 148 of
receptacle 122. The resiliency of walls 148 can hold detent 152 in
indent 148 so that a threshold amount of force is required to
disengage foot 118 from receptacle 122. In FIG. 6B, flanges 154 on
walls 148 move over shoulders 156 on foot 118 to hold foot 118 in
receptacle 122. In FIG. 6C, a tab 153 on foot 118 is received in a
complementary receiver in sidewall 148. In FIG. 6D, bumps 157 fit
over a portion of foot 118 to inhibit removal of foot 118. The
examples of FIGS. 6A-6D are provided by way of example and other
engaging features can be used. In other embodiments, foot 118 and
sidewalls 148 can form an interference fit based on sizing. The
foot receptacles can be snap-fit receptacles that provide feedback
to the user so that the user knows when a foot has been fully
inserted.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a set of support
structures 100 supporting layers (referred to as "mats") of bars in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A first set
of support structures 100 can support a first mat 160 while a
second set of support structures 100 can support a second mat 162
at a different height. While both mat 160 and mat 162 can be grids
of rebar, in other embodiments, mat 160 can be a grid of rebar,
while mat 162 includes plumbing, electrical conduit or other
material. In some cases, a layer may include multiple types of rods
(e.g., rebar and electrical conduit, plumbing and electrical
conduit, etc.). Each support structure can use the same type of
base 106, but use different crowns for different sizes of rebar,
plumbing or other material. Concrete can be poured around the
layers to create a construction.
[0041] FIG. 8 provides additional views of a crown 107 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIGS. 9A-9C are diagrammatic representations of one
embodiment of the present invention of a portion of support
structure 104. FIG. 9A illustrates that legs 116 can taper upwards
to create open area 120 between feet 118. In other embodiments,
legs 116 can curve upwards (FIG. 9B) or have another profile to
allow cement to fill between legs 116. In other embodiments, legs
116 do not extend inward to the center axis but only extend
downward from the engaging portion 102 (FIG. 9C). Additionally,
FIG. 9A illustrates that leg 116 can have holes 122 having a
desired shape. The holes can be circular (FIG. 9A), diamond shaped
(FIG. 9B), triangular (FIG. 9C), elliptical, rectangular, square or
otherwise shaped.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of another view of
a base 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method 1100 for laying out the
rebar according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user
can select a crown based on the size(s) of rebar being used,
application, ordinances, construction practices or other factors
(step 200). The user can also select the mode in which the crown
will be used based on the application (step 202). This can include,
for example, selecting whether to use the crown with or without the
base. If the crown is being used in a wall or beam, the user may
want to forego the base, whereas if the crown is being used in a
foundation or slab, the user may want to use the base for added
stability or weight distribution. The crowns with or without the
bases can spaced as needed or desired (step 204). In some cases,
the spacing of crowns is based on ordinances, standards or industry
practices as to how often the rebar needs to be tied together. The
following Table 1 provides example spacing for crowns. However,
other spacing can be used as needed or desired:
TABLE-US-00001 Rebar Size Max Spacing 5/8 inch or #5 4 feet
center-to-center 1/2 inch or #4 3 feet center-to-center 3/8 inch or
#3 2 feet center-to-center 1/4 inch or #2 2 feet center-to-center
wire mesh 4 feet center-to-center
[0045] Rebar running in a first direction can be snapped into the
crowns (step 206). If rebar running in another direction is to be
used, the rebar can be snapped in the crowns in a second direction
(step 208). The rebar running in the first direction may be at any
angle as allowed by the crown up to 90 degrees from the rebar
running in the second direction. If different sizes of rebar are
used, the larger rebar is snapped in over the smaller rebar.
However, in other embodiments, the smaller rebar can be snapped
over the larger rebar. The steps of FIG. 11 can be repeated as
needed or desired.
[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention of a rebar support structure 300 that includes a rebar
engaging portion 302, a support portion 304 and a base 306. As
described above, base 306 can be a detachable base so that base 306
can be used with various crowns 307. In the embodiment of FIG. 12,
crown 307 includes a rebar receptacle 310 in which the rebar rests.
The rebar is held in place by a cap 312. In other embodiments,
removable base 306 can be used with rebar chairs in which the rebar
is tied onto the chair.
[0047] While embodiments above have been discussed in the context
of rebar, embodiments of the present application can be used with
graphite tubing, glass tubing, plumbing, conduit, wire mesh, or any
other elongated rod.
[0048] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly
stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to
an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by
any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or
not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or
present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0049] Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are
not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or
express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are
utilized. Instead these examples or illustrations are to be
regarded as being described with respect to one particular
embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these
examples or illustrations are utilized encompass other embodiments
as well as implementations and adaptations thereof which may or may
not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all
such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of
that term or terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples
and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: "for example,"
"for instance," "e.g.," "in one embodiment," and the like.
[0050] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is
to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of
teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying
out the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the
disclosure shown and described herein are to be taken as the
presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be
substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and
processes may be reversed, and certain features of the disclosure
may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one
skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of
the disclosure. Any dimensions provided are provided by way of
example only and not limitation. Changes may be made in the
elements described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *