U.S. patent application number 13/034540 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for supporting multiple mats.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAB Plastic Products Corporation. Invention is credited to Jorge R. Alfonso.
Application Number | 20120247058 13/034540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44515277 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120247058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alfonso; Jorge R. |
October 4, 2012 |
SUPPORTING MULTIPLE MATS
Abstract
A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar ("rebar") in
stacked layers. Such a structure includes a first support structure
retaining a first rebar for a first mat. The support structure
further includes a second support structure retaining a second
rebar for a second mat. The first support structure and the second
support structure can have similar configurations. The second
support structure includes a first layer engaging portion, a second
layer engaging portion and a support portion for connecting said
engaging portions. The second layer engaging portion may include a
reinforcing receptacle which includes a channel open to receive a
rebar. The channel is defined by sidewalls that extend radially
outward from an inner end receptacle. The sidewalls spread so that
the rebar can pass retaining features on the walls of the channel
and rest in a bar retaining portion as the rebar moves down the
channel.
Inventors: |
Alfonso; Jorge R.; (Austin,
TX) |
Assignee: |
JAB Plastic Products
Corporation
San Antonio
TX
|
Family ID: |
44515277 |
Appl. No.: |
13/034540 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61309788 |
Mar 2, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/686 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 5/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/686 |
International
Class: |
E04C 5/16 20060101
E04C005/16 |
Claims
1. A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar in stacked
layers comprising: a first support structure retaining a first
reinforcing bar for a first mat; and a second support structure
retaining a second reinforcing bar for a second mat, wherein said
second support structure comprises: a first layer engaging portion,
wherein said first layer engaging portion comprises one or more
reinforcing bar receptacles; a second layer engaging portion,
wherein said second layer engaging portion comprises one or more
reinforcing receptacles sized to fit said second reinforcing bar
for said second mat, wherein one of said one or more reinforcing
receptacles comprises a channel open to receive said second
reinforcing bar, wherein said channel comprises a first portion
open to the top of said second support structure and a bar
retaining portion, wherein said channel is defined by sidewalls
that extend radially outward from an inner end receptacle of said
one or more reinforcing receptacles, wherein retaining features are
disposed on the walls of said channel so that a width of an opening
to said bar retaining area is smaller than a width of said bar
retaining area, wherein said sidewalls spread so that said second
reinforcing bar can pass said retaining features and rest in said
bar retaining portion as said reinforcing bar moves down said
channel; and a support portion connecting said first layer engaging
portion and said second layer engaging portion, wherein said
support portion comprises legs that support said second layer
engaging portion and provides an offset from said first layer
engaging portion.
2. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said
sidewalls are angled so that a width of said channel decreases from
said opening to a base of said channel.
3. The support structure as recited in claim 2, wherein said base
of said channel comprises a flat shape to cup said second
reinforcing bar.
4. The support structure as recited in claim 2, wherein said base
of said channel comprises a curved shape to cup said second
reinforcing bar.
5. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said
retaining features snap over said second reinforcing bar to inhibit
said second reinforcing bar from coming out of said channel.
6. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said first
and second mats have different combinations of reinforcing
bars.
7. The support structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said first
and second mats are grids having the same type of reinforcing bar.
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. 61/309,788, "System and
Method of Supporting Multiple Mats," 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 in stacked layers
comprises a first support structure retaining a first reinforcing
bar for a first mat. The support structure further comprises a
second support structure retaining a second reinforcing bar for a
second mat, where the second support structure comprises a first
layer engaging portion, where the first layer engaging portion
comprises one or more reinforcing bar receptacles. Furthermore, the
second support structure comprises a second layer engaging portion,
where the second layer engaging portion comprises one or more
reinforcing receptacles sized to fit the second reinforcing bar for
the second mat. One of the one or more reinforcing receptacles
comprises a channel open to receive the second reinforcing bar,
where the channel comprises a first portion open to the top of the
second support structure and a bar retaining portion. The channel
is defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from an inner
end receptacle of the one or more reinforcing receptacles.
Retaining features are disposed on the walls of the channel so that
a width of an opening to the bar retaining area is smaller than a
width of the bar retaining area, where the sidewalls spread so that
the second reinforcing bar can pass the retaining features and rest
in the bar retaining portion as the reinforcing bar moves down the
channel. In addition, the second support structure comprises a
support portion connecting the first layer engaging portion and the
second layer engaging portion, where the support portion comprises
legs that support the second layer engaging portion and provides an
offset from the first layer engaging portion.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention of
retaining rebar in stacked layers;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention of
a support structure;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the support structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention of retaining features;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a set of support structures supporting
layers of bars in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention
of structurally tying together various layers used in
construction;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for laying out rebar
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention of a support structure; and
[0018] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate various embodiments of the present
invention of a leg engaging a leg receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Embodiments described herein provide systems for retaining a
rebar, a wire mesh, an electrical conduit, plumbing or other
elongated rod in a desired configuration during construction.
Embodiments described herein will be described primarily in the
context of rebar, but it should be understood that the embodiments
are not limited to rebar and can be used to retain other types of
bars.
[0020] Embodiments described herein allow multiple layers of rebar
and other materials to be linked together to provide stability
during construction. According to one embodiment, different layers
or `mats" of rebar are linked together. Embodiments of the present
invention cover any number of layers or mats of rebar which may be
linked together. In other embodiments, a layer of electrical
conduit is linked to a layer of plumbing that is linked to a layer
of rebar. In other embodiments, multiple types of rods can be used
in the same layer (e.g., a layer having electrical conduit and
plumbing, a layer having rebar and electrical conduit, etc.). Other
combinations of layers can be used.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of
the present invention for retaining rebar in stacked layers. FIG. 1
illustrates an embodiment of a first rebar support structure 100
and a multi-layer rebar support structure 102. Rebar support
structure 100 retains rebar 104 for a first mat while support
structure 102 retains rebar 106 in a second mat. As shown in FIG.
1, structures 100 and 102 can have similar configurations. In other
embodiments, the first rebar support structure 100 can be a rebar
chair as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,860, which is hereby
fully incorporated by reference herein, support structures
described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/309,787,
entitled "System and Method of Supporting Rebar With
Interchangeable Crowns," filed on Mar. 2, 2010, which is hereby
fully incorporated by reference herein, or other rebar support
structure.
[0022] Support structure 102 comprises a first layer engaging
portion 110, a second layer engaging portion 112 and a support
portion 114 connecting the first layer engaging portion 110 and the
second layer engaging portion 112. According to one embodiment,
support structure 102 is formed of a unitary piece of resilient
plastic and does not require ties or caps to retain the rebar.
Support structures 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 and the Concrete Reinforcing Steel
Institute and other standards. According to one embodiment, support
structures 102 can be manufactured to have a capacity exceeding
expected construction loads, which typically range between 250-300
pounds. Support structures 102, according to one embodiment, can
have a critical load in axial compression of 320 pounds or more.
According to one embodiment, support structures 102 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.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of
the present invention of support structure 102 having a first layer
engaging portion 110, a second layer engaging portion 112 and a
support portion 114. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation
illustrating another view of support structure 102 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Returning to FIG. 2,
first layer engaging portion 110 includes rebar receptacles 115,
116, 117 and 118 (each indicated receptacle can have a
corresponding paired receptacle (e.g., receptacle 115 is paired
with receptacle 115'). Each rebar receptacle can be sized to
accommodate a particular size or range of sizes of rebar. Second
layer engaging portion can 112 can include rebar receptacles 120,
122, 124 and 126 sized to fit the rebar of the second mat (each
indicated receptacle can have a corresponding paired receptacle
(e.g., receptacle 120 is paired with receptacle 120')). Support
portion 114 can include legs 119 that support second layer engaging
portion 112 and provide an offset from first layer engaging portion
110.
[0024] The rebar receptacles of first layer engaging portion 110
and second layer engaging portion 112 can be configured to retain
the rebar. Using the example of rebar receptacle 124, the rebar
receptacle can include a channel 130 open to receive the rebar from
a second direction. Channel 130 can have a first portion 138 open
to the top of structure 102 and a bar retaining portion 139.
Receptacle 124 can be open in the opposite direction of, for
example, receptacle 117. Channel 130 can be defined by sidewalls
132 that extend radially outward from an inner end of receptacle
124. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 132 can be angled so
that the width of channel 130 decreases from the opening to the
base of channel 130. The base of channel 130 can have a flat shape,
curved or other shape to cup the rebar. A curved shape can increase
the lateral elasticity of receptacle 124.
[0025] Retaining features 137 can be disposed on the walls of
channel 130. In one embodiment, retaining features 137 can be a
bumps or other feature 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 other
features that allow 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.
[0026] The receptacles can be joined to each other by arms 121.
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
rebar engaging portion 112. 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 of receptacle 121
across engaging portion 112 to the base of receptacle 120).
Instead, there may be a gap between the paired receptacles at the
center of bar engaging portion 112.
[0027] In operation, the rebar can enter 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 portion 139. According to one embodiment, bumps 137
snap over the rebar to inhibit the bar from coming out of channel
124. The material, thickness or other properties of sidewalls 132
can be selected so that the rebar can be inserted into support
structure 102 manually. The other receptacles of the second layer
engaging portion 112 can have a similar configuration and can be
sized to receive the same or different sizes of rebar. The
receptacles can have the same width or different widths. According
to one embodiment, each pair of receptacles can have a different
depth so that the rebar of the second layer can cross.
[0028] Bar receptacles 115, 116, 117 and 118 can have a similar
configuration as the bar receptacles of second layer engaging
portion 112. In other embodiments, bar receptacles 115, 116, 117
and 118 do not retain the bar, but simply rest on the lower layer
of rebar. While eight receptacles are shown to accommodate four
different sizes of rebar in each layer, first layer engaging
portion 110 and second layer engaging portion 112 can comprise any
number of receptacles sized to engage any number and size pieces of
rebar. The receptacles can be positioned to engage rebar at various
angles.
[0029] First layer engaging portion 110 and second layer engaging
portion 112 can be configured to accommodate the same size rebar or
different sizes of rebar. If the same size of rebar is used, the
first layer engaging portion 110 and second layer engaging portion
112 can be configured so the rebar of the same size in each layer
is in the same orientation or in different orientations. First
layer engaging portion 110 and second layer engaging portion 112
can accommodate the same number of bars or different number of
bars. By way of example, but not limitation, first layer engaging
portion 110 can be configured to accommodate the rebar in a grid
while second layer engaging portion 112 can be configured to retain
a single piece of rebar. Additionally, first layer engaging portion
110 and second layer engaging portion 112 can be configured so that
the rebar of the first layer is laid out in a first set of
directions while the rebar in the second layer is laid out in a
different set of directions. Thus, for example, a grid of the first
layer may be at 45 degrees (or other angle) from the grid of the
second layer.
[0030] Support portion 114 can include a set of legs 119 running
from first layer engaging portion 110 to second layer engaging
portion 112. According to one embodiment, a leg may run from the
bottom of a receptacle of second layer engaging portion 112 to the
top of a receptacle of first layer engaging portion 110. Legs 119
may angle outward because first layer engaging portion 110 can be
wider than second layer engaging portion 112 to provide a wider
base and to allow for stacking of support structures 102 in a
column (see FIG. 1).
[0031] While various embodiments illustrated show eight legs, other
embodiments can have more or fewer legs. Support portion 114 can
include any number of legs 119 that can have various
configurations. According to one embodiment, legs 119 can be shaped
so that concrete can flow between legs 119 into a generally open
area 140 between first layer engaging portion 110 and the second
layer engaging portion 112. Various portions of support structure
102 can include holes (e.g., circular, diamond, triangular,
rectangular or other shaped holes) to reduce material and/or allow
for flow of concrete.
[0032] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate various embodiments of retaining
features 137 including a tapered flange (FIG. 4A), rounded flange
(FIG. 4B), a set of teeth (FIG. 4c) and a set of bumps (FIG. 4D).
It should be noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4D are provided
by way example. While each embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D includes a
taper or curve to ease insertion of the rebar, other embodiments of
retaining features 137 can have other configurations. Retaining
features 137 may be disposed on both sidewalls or only one sidewall
and multiple types of retaining features can be used. Similar
retaining features can be used for the retaining features of lower
layer engaging portion 110. In one embodiment, the snap fit
provided by a bar receptacle can be based, in part, on deformation
of retaining features 137. In FIG. 4E, the rebar can enter the
receptacle in a first direction and snap in a second direction.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a set of support
structures 102 supporting layers (referred to as "mats") of bars in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the
embodiment of FIG. 5, the various mats are cross-linked by
supporting structures 102. While both mat 170 (represented by solid
lines) and mat 172 (represented by dashed lines) can be grids of
rebar, in other embodiments, mat 170 can be a grid of rebar, while
mat 172 includes plumbing, electrical conduit or other material.
Support structures 102 can be arranged in columns or be offset from
each other. Support structures 102 may have a variety of heights to
achieve desired separation between layers 170 and 172. In some
cases, the separation between layers may vary at different points.
Concrete can be poured around the layers to create a
construction.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of
the present invention of structurally tying together various layers
used in construction, including layers 180, 182, 184 and 186. Each
layer can include one or more of rebar, plumbing, electrical
conduit or other bars that can be accommodated. According to one
embodiment, plastic cross-links 187 can form columns 188 to
cross-link the layers. In another embodiment, plastic cross-links
187 can be offset from each other (as shown for example by
cross-link 187' offset from the other cross-links). Plastic
cross-links 187 can be placed as needed or desired. Plastic
cross-links 187 can have a variety of configurations and heights to
achieve desired support and separation between layers 180, 182, 184
and 186. In some cases, the separation between layers may vary at
different points. According to one embodiment, plastic cross-links
187 can be support structures 102 as described above. Concrete can
be poured around the layers to create a construction.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 for laying out rebar
according to the present disclosure. The rebar for an upper and
lower rebar mat can be selected (step 200). The first rebar mat can
be laid out (step 202) using traditional tie on methods, rebar
support structures 100, rebar supports described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,282,860, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein,
rebar support structures described in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/309,787, entitled "System and Method of
Supporting Rebar With Interchangeable Crowns," filed on Mar. 2,
2010, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein, or
other rebar support structure. Based on the size of rebar in the
first mat, size of rebar in the second mat and desired separation
distance, multi-layer support structures can be selected (step 204)
and secured to the first rebar mat (step 206). The following Table
1 provides example combinations of rebar and separation distances.
However, other configurations can be used as needed or desired:
TABLE-US-00001 Application Distance from Grade/Height #3 rebar over
#3 rebar #4rebar over #4 From 2.0 to 6.0 inches, Center- rebar #5
rebar over #5 rebar to-Center Mat Distance #4 rebar over #4 rebar
#5 rebar over #4 rebar #5 rebar over # 3 rebar #6 rebar over #6
rebar #7rebar over #7 From 2.5 to 6.0 inches, Center- rebar
to-Center Mat Distance #7Tehar-over#6-mbar #6 rebar over #5 rebar
#7 rebar over #5 rebar #7 rebar over #7 rebar #8rebar over #8 From
3.0 to 6.0 inches, Center- rebar to-Center Mat Distance #8 rebar
over #7 rebar #7rebar over #6 rebar #8 rebar over #6 rebar
[0036] Table 1 assumes the first mat and second mat are grids
having the same types of rebar. However, in other embodiments, the
first and second mats can have different combinations of rebar.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the multilayer support
structures can be secured to the first mat with a snap-on feature.
Rebar for the second mat can be secured to the multilayer support
structures (step 208). Again, the rebar can be secured to the
multilayer support structures with a snap-on feature.
[0038] Rebar running in one direction can be laid down first and
then rebar running in a second direction. For both mats, the larger
rebar can be locked across the smaller rebar or vice versa. The
steps of FIG. 7 can be repeated as needed or desired.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of another
embodiment of the present invention of a support structure 102. In
the embodiment of FIG. 8, first layer engaging portion 110 and
second layer engaging portion 112 can be detached. Legs 119
extending down from second layer engaging portion 112 can be
received by foot receptacles 152 on first layer engaging portion
110. According to one embodiment, foot receptacles 152 can be
disposed on the top of portion of the bar receptacles of first
layer engaging portion 110. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG.
8, foot receptacles 152 can be disposed on a platform 154 so that
all the foot receptacles are at the same height.
[0040] FIGS. 9A-9D are diagrammatic representations of various
embodiments of the present invention of a leg 119 engaging a leg
receptacle 152. The retaining feature to retain leg 119 in
receptacle 152 can be configured so that leg 119 cannot be removed
without damaging receptacle 152 or leg 119 or can be configured so
that leg 119 can be removed without causing damage if a threshold
amount of force is applied. According to one embodiment, receptacle
152 can have sidewalls 154 that flex outward as leg 119 is
inserted.
[0041] Complementary engaging features on sidewalls 154 and leg 119
can engage to hold leg 119 in place. In FIG. 9A, leg 119 includes
an indent 156 that engages a detent 158 on wall 154 of receptacle
152. The resiliency of walls 154 can hold detent 158 in indent 156
so that a threshold amount of force is required to disengage leg
119 from receptacle 152. In FIG. 9B, flanges 160 on walls 154 move
over shoulders 162 on leg 119 to hold leg 119 in receptacle 152. In
FIG. 9C, a tab 165 on leg 119 is received in a complementary
receiver in sidewall 154. In FIG. 9D, bumps 166 fit over a portion
of leg 119 to inhibit removal of leg 119. The examples of FIGS.
5A-5D are provided by way of example and other engaging features
can be used. In other embodiments, leg 119 and sidewalls 154 can
form an interference fit based on sizing.
[0042] In various embodiments discussed above, both the first layer
engaging portion 110 and second layer engaging portion 112 can use
a snap-on to retain rebar. In other embodiments, only one of the
first or second rebar engaging portions are snap-on. The other
portion can require ties, caps or additional materials to secure
the rebar. For example, one embodiment can use a snap-on first
layer engaging portion while the second layer engaging portion
retains the rebar using a head similar to the chair employed by the
Hardy Chair-Lok system by Edgeworth Construction Products, LLC
(Hardy Chair-Lok is a trademark of Edgeworth Construction Products,
LLC of Houston, Tex.) or other rebar support chair known or
developed in the art.
[0043] 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).
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
* * * * *