U.S. patent application number 14/195662 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for beverage filter cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS B.V.. Invention is credited to Rebecca Bartel, David Ian Husband, Antonius J. Peters.
Application Number | 20140178538 14/195662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46801615 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140178538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Husband; David Ian ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
BEVERAGE FILTER CARTRIDGE
Abstract
Beverage filter cartridge comprising a cup having at least one
sidewall; a cover sealed to the cup to form an interior; and a
filter pod provided the interior and having a substance provided
therein for brewing a beverage; wherein at least a portion of the
sidewall comprises a helical channel extending the cup.
Inventors: |
Husband; David Ian;
(Bentleigh, AU) ; Bartel; Rebecca; (Eltham,
AU) ; Peters; Antonius J.; (Naperville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS B.V. |
UTRECHT |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS
B.V.
UTRECHT
NL
|
Family ID: |
46801615 |
Appl. No.: |
14/195662 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/NL2012/050596 |
Aug 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
14195662 |
|
|
|
|
61530682 |
Sep 2, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/446 20130101;
B65B 29/022 20170801; B65D 85/8046 20130101; B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Claims
1. A beverage filter cartridge comprising: a cup having at least
one sidewall; a cover sealed to the cup to form an interior; and a
filter pod provided within the interior and having a substance
provided therein suitable for producing a brewed beverage; wherein
at least a portion of the sidewall comprises a helical channel
extending about the cup.
2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cup comprises an
inwardly-extending annular rib.
3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cup comprises a post
extending upward from a bottom of the cup.
4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the filter pod is supported
within the cup by the annular rib and the post to define a space
between the filter pod and the bottom of the cup.
5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the filter pod is not coupled
to the cup and is not coupled to the cover.
6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the filter pod contains the
substance within an interior of the filter pod such that the
substance is retained within the interior of the filter pod.
7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the helical channel extends
from adjacent a top of the cup.
8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the helical channel extends
from adjacent the top of the cup to adjacent the bottom of the
filter pod.
9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the helical channel is
configured to generate an area of reduced fluid pressure when fluid
is introduced into the cartridge by a brewing device.
10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the helical channel is
configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid to flow in a
circular motion as the fluid flows downward through the cup.
11. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the cup and the cover are
sealed to preserve the substance within the filter pod prior to use
of the cartridge.
12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cup and cover are
configured to be pierced by a brewing machine to permit fluid to
flow through the interior of the cup and the filter pod to produce
the brewed beverage.
13. A beverage filter cartridge comprising: a cup having an open
top, a closed bottom, and a sidewall extending between the top and
the bottom, the top, bottom, and sidewall defining an interior; a
filter disposed within the interior such that a space is maintained
between the filter and the bottom; and a lid coupled to the top and
configured to retain the filter within the interior; wherein the
filter is not coupled to the cup or the lid.
14. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein the sidewall comprises a
helical portion extending adjacent the filter.
15. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the bottom comprises a
raised portion configured to support the filter and maintain the
space between the filter and the bottom.
16. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the sidewall comprises an
annular rib extending at least partially about the perimeter of the
sidewall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is a continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/NL2012/050596, filed on Aug. 31, 2012, which
claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/530,682, filed on Sep. 2, 2011, all of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
beverage filter cartridges, and more specifically, to disposable
beverage filter cartridges usable with coffee machines or similar
brewing devices to produce beverages such as coffee and the
like.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to a beverage filter cartridge
comprising a cup having at least one sidewall; a cover sealed to
the cup to form an interior; and a filter pod provided within the
interior and having a substance provided therein suitable for
brewing a beverage; wherein at least a portion of the sidewall
comprises a helical channel extending about the cup.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a beverage filter cartridge
comprising a cup having an open top, a closed bottom, and a
sidewall extending between the top and the bottom, the top, bottom,
and sidewall defining an interior; a filter disposed within the
interior such that a space is maintained between the filter and the
bottom; and a lid coupled to the top and configured to retain the
filter within the interior; wherein the filter is not coupled to
the cup or the lid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a cup for a beverage
filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows various filter pods according to exemplary
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a process for making
beverage filter cartridges according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0011] FIGS. 7-14 are schematic representations of beverage filter
cartridges and beverage filter cartridge components according to
various exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Some commercially available brewing devices are configured
to receive a disposable filter cartridge. The cartridge is inserted
into a brewing cavity of the brewing device. The brewing device
includes a brewing chamber to receive the cartridge, and access to
the brewing chamber may be via a moveable handle, a cover, etc. A
user places the cartridge into the brewing chamber of the brewing
device and initiates the brewing process. A first piercing member
of the brewing device penetrates the top of the cartridge and
introduces a fluid, such as hot water, into the interior of the
cartridge, which typically contains a substance such as coffee
granules. The hot water passes through the coffee granules,
extracting coffee flavoring from the coffee granules before passing
through a filter material within the cartridge. A second piercing
member of the brewing device pierces the bottom of the cartridge
and provides an exit path for the brewed beverage to leave the
cartridge and be directed to a cup or other container used for
consumption by users.
[0013] Referring to the FIGURES generally, various embodiments
disclosed herein are directed to beverage filter cartridges usable
with brewing devices such as coffee machines to make, for example,
single servings of coffee or other beverages (e.g., tea, etc.). As
discussed in detail herein, the beverage filter cartridges of the
present disclosure may provide several advantages over more
conventional cartridges.
[0014] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a beverage filter cartridge 10
(e.g., a container, package, canister, pod, etc.) is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. Cartridge 10 is configured
for use with a coffee machine or similar brewing device 20 such
that, as further discussed herein, a top piercing member 22 of
brewing device 20 pierces the top of cartridge 10 and provides a
supply of a liquid (e.g., hot, pressurized water or other liquid,
etc.), and a bottom piercing member 24 of brewing device 20 pierces
the bottom of cartridge 10 and is configured to receive the brewed
liquid (e.g., a coffee beverage) after passing through the interior
of cartridge 10. Cartridge 10 may be usable with a variety of
brewing machines, and is generally a disposable cartridge
configured for one-time usage. Alternatively, cartridge 10 or one
or more components thereof may be configured to be re-used by
consumers (e.g., a reusable cup, etc.).
[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, cartridge 10 includes
a cup 12 (e.g., a container, holder, etc.), a filter bag, or pod 14
(e.g., a filter pod, filter assembly, etc.), and a lid 16 (e.g., a
cover, top, film, foil, etc.). Generally, pod 14 holds a substance
18 (e.g., coffee grounds, tea, an additive, etc.) and is sealed
within cup 12 by way of lid 16. According to some embodiments, cup
12 and lid 16 are sealed together such that they provide a sealed
interior (e.g., via a hermetic seal, etc.) that maintains the
freshness of substance 18 within pod 14. In some embodiments, the
pod may be "compacted" within the interior of cup 12 when lid 16 is
sealed to cup 12. Substance 18 may include substances such as
coffee grounds/granules, tea, an additive (e.g., creamer, sugar,
etc.) and the like, which are usable to extract flavorings, etc.
into a liquid such as hot water to produce a brewed beverage. The
substance may partially or totally dissolve in the liquid during
the brewing cycle.
[0016] Lid 16 is a generally flat, planar member that is configured
to seal, or adhere, to the upper portion of cup 12. In some
embodiments, lid 16 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g.,
aluminum, etc.), while in other embodiments, lid 16 may be or
comprise a paper-based lid (e.g., cardboard, etc.). In some
embodiments, a polymer material is integrated in with paper-based
materials to facilitate melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of
lid 16 to cup 12.
[0017] In some embodiments, lid 16 has an outer shape that
generally conforms to or follows the shape of the upper portion of
cup 12. Alternatively, one or more portions of lid 16 may overhang
cup 12, e.g., to provide a pull tab, label, or other feature.
Furthermore, lid 16 and/or cup 12 may include alignment features
such as indents, detents, tabs, etc. configured to align cartridge
10 within device 20.
[0018] Pod 14 includes a filter 28 and substance 18. Filter 28 may
be any suitable filter material used in brewing coffee and similar
beverages (e.g., a paper-based filter material or the like). Filter
28 may be provided with a generally cylindrical shape to conform to
the interior of cup 12. Substance 18 may include coffee grounds or
any other suitable substance usable in brewing a beverage for
consumption. Generally, as hot water passes through substance 18, a
flavor (e.g., a coffee flavor, etc.) is extracted from the
substance. In some embodiments, pod 14 includes a basket-shaped
portion that receives the coffee grounds or other substance, and a
generally flat top that is sealed to the basket portion. In some
embodiments, pod 14 may be inserted into cup 12 "top down" to help
ensure a relatively flat surface for top piercing member 22 to
penetrate. In further embodiments, pod 14 may be partitioned to
include separate compartments for different substances. For
example, pod 14 may be configured such that a first compartment is
filled with coffee grounds or granules, and a second compartment
may be filled with an additive such as a creamer, sugar, etc. The
shapes, relative sizes, and positioning of the compartments may be
varied according to various alternative embodiments.
[0019] Cup 12 includes a top 30 and a bottom 32 with an annular
sidewall 34 extending between top 30 and bottom 32. Top 30 may
include a lip or flange portion 35 suitable for providing a surface
to which lid 16 may be sealed, bonded, etc. Top 30 may be designed
to facilitate insertion/removal of cartridge 10 to/from an
appropriate brewing device (e.g., by providing a graspable portion,
by providing alignment features, etc.). Bottom 32 may have a
generally flat surface 33 surrounding a center stand-off 36 (e.g.,
a post, dimple, projection, raised portion, etc.). Sidewall 34 may
include an annular rib 38 (e.g., an extension, a ridge, protrusion,
etc.) and a helix portion 42 (e.g., a helical gallery or portion,
spiraling portion, etc.) extending from below top 30 to above rib
38.
[0020] In some embodiments, it is desirable to maintain an empty
space, or void 40 between the bottom of pod 14 and bottom surface
33 of cup 12. Void 40 permits hot water provided by top piercing
member 22 to flow through and exit from pod 14, and further
prevents bottom piercing member 24 from piercing pod 14, which
could result in unwanted portions of substance 18 (e.g., coffee
grounds) becoming mixed with the brewed beverage. In some
embodiments, void 40 comprises approximately 20 percent of the
interior volume of cup 12, while pod 14 takes up the remaining 80
percent of the interior volume of cup 12. In other embodiments, the
relative volumes of pod 14 and void 40 may be varied to suit a
particular substance being brewed, a desirable strength of
beverage, etc.
[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, cup 12 is configured
to support pod 14 offset from surface 33 by way of center standoff
36 and/or annular rib 38 to provide void 40. In this way, pod 14
does not need to be coupled (e.g., sealed, etc.) to cup 12 or lid
16 in order to provide the appropriate space between the bottom of
pod 14 and surface 33 of cup 12 to form void 40. In some
embodiments, standoff 36 is sized to have cross-section large
enough to not act like a needle and puncture pod 14, and small
enough to allow a sufficient volume of brewed beverage to enter
void 40 and not interfere with bottom piercing member 24.
[0022] In some embodiments, annular rib 38 may extend about the
perimeter of cup 12 to assist in maintaining the position of pod 14
within cup 12. For example, annular rib may extend about cup 12 at
a height such that pod 14 tends to rest on, or abut, annular rib
38, and the top of pod 14 is substantially even with top 30 of cup
12. While annular rib 38 is shown to have a generally rounded
profile, other shapes and/or profiles may be used according to
other exemplary embodiments (e.g., squared-off profiles, etc.).
Furthermore, the position of annular rib 38 along the height of
sidewall 34 may vary according to various exemplary
embodiments.
[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, helical portion 42
(e.g., a single helical or spiraling channel extending along all or
a portion of the height of sidewall 34, a series of adjacent
protrusions or channels, etc.) may extend from below/adjacent top
30 to above/adjacent annular rib 38. In some embodiments, helical
portion 42 may extend along the entire height of sidewall 34. The
number of "revolutions" of the channel forming the helical portion
may vary according to various exemplary embodiments. According to
various embodiments, helical portion 42 may provide several
benefits to the brewing process, including generation of a
cyclonic-pressure system around the perimeter of cup 12 that
promotes even fluid distribution through substance 18. According to
an alternative embodiment, sidewall 34 comprises a series of
annular channels arrayed vertically along the sidewall rather than
a single helical channel.
[0024] In some embodiments, helical portion 42 extends along
sidewall 34 along the entire height of pod 14 when pod 14 is
positioned within cup 12. In other embodiments, pod 14 may extend
slightly below helical portion 42. Helical portion 42 is configured
such that as hot water or other fluid passes through pod 14, the
sides of pod 14 do not "stick" to, or completely conform to the
grooves, or channels 44, of helical portion 42. In other words, the
channels 44 of helical portion 42 are sufficiently deep that a
fluid path is formed between pod 14 and sidewall 34 of cup 12 as
hot water passes down through pod 14 and cup 12. As such, portions
of fluid (e.g., hot water/coffee extract) may move downward through
the pod/cup in a circular motion.
[0025] Furthermore, helical portion 42 creates a lower pressure
region toward the outer portions of cup 12 (e.g. a "cyclonic
pressure system" around the perimeter of the cup), thereby
promoting a more even distribution/flow of liquid through the
granules of substance 18. As a result, more efficient extraction
from substance 18 may result relative to more traditional brewing
techniques, providing a "stronger" beverage while using the same
amount of substance/granules. In some embodiments, as fluid enters
cartridge 10, the initial pressure of the fluid forces the fluid
toward the sidewalls of cup 12. Pod 14 tends to "swell" due the
introduction of the fluid, and pod 14 then tends to "grip" the
helical portion of cup 12 such that the fluid flows in a circular
motion (e.g., a circumferential flow path) around the helical
portion of cup 12. Fluid may thus exit through the side and/or
bottom of pod 14.
[0026] According to some embodiments, the helical portion of the
cup provides a "crushable" cartridge that is configured to be
crushed, or compacted post-use, thereby minimizing the volume of
waste material for consumers. Furthermore, cup 12 may slightly
compress during use, providing a visual indication to users that
the filter has been used and may be discarded.
[0027] According to some embodiments, cup 12 may be made from a
polymer material (e.g., polypropylene, etc.), such that cup 12
provides a barrier from moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.
during transportation, sale, etc. of cartridge 10 and maintains the
freshness of substance 18 within pod 14. Bottom surface 33 of cup
12 is configured to be pierceable by an appropriate piercing
member, or needle, such as bottom piercing member 24. In some
embodiments, cup 12 may be a blow-molded or thermoformed component.
In other embodiments, any other suitable manufacturing technique
may be utilized in making cup 12 (e.g., injection molding, other
forming processes, or combinations thereof).
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, pod 14 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment, and includes a basket 41 and a cover 43 that
form filter 28 (discussed above) when holding substance 18. Basket
41 is a generally basket shaped member configured to hold a volume
of substance 18 such as coffee grounds or granules, etc. Cover 43
is a generally flat member configured to be sealed to basket 41 to
seal the substance within filter 28. In some embodiments, basket 41
and cover 43 may be made from the same or similar filter material
(e.g., a paper-based filter material, etc.). As indicated above,
the size, shape, and/or material of pod 14 may be varied to suit a
particular application.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic representation of a process
for producing a beverage filter cartridge such as cartridge 10 is
shown according to an exemplary embodiment. First, cup 12 is
formed. In some embodiments, cup 12 is formed from a polymer sheet
of material in a forming machine. According to various other
embodiments, cup 12 may be manufactured by injection molding, by
injecting molding a perform that is then blow molded, or
"stretched," to its final shape, by extrusion blow molding,
pressure thermoforming, combinations thereof, or other suitable
processes. The formed cups are then transferred to a first, nested
conveyor with recesses configured to receive the cups. A second
conveyor may then be positioned to "drop" the pods (after being
formed, filled with substance, and sealed) into the cups. The
filled cups may then be sealed with an appropriate lid material
(e.g., utilizing a sheet of lid material such as a foil or
paper-based product), and the individual cartridges may then be
individually trimmed for final packaging, labeling, etc. According
to various alternative embodiments, additional and/or different
steps may be performed in producing beverage filter cartridges than
those shown in FIG. 6.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7, a cartridge 110 is shown according to
an alternative embodiment. Cartridge 110 is generally similar to
cartridge 10 except as described herein. Cartridge 110 includes a
cup 112 and a lid 116 sealed to cup 112 and having an aperture 115.
A compacted filter 128 may be inserted into the interior of cup 112
and heat staked or otherwise bonded to the perimeter of aperture
115. Granules may then be inserted to the interior of the filter
128 such that the filter expands within the interior of cup 112.
After inserting the granules, the top of cartridge 110 may be
sealed with a sealing member 113 (e.g., a foil or paper seal).
[0031] Referring to FIG. 8, a portion of a cartridge 120 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment. Cartridge 120 is generally
similar to cartridge 10 except that cartridge 120 does not utilize
an annular rib on the cup, but rather utilizes a number of discrete
standoffs 121 to support the pod. Further, cartridge 120 does not
include a central standoff or post extending upward from the bottom
of the cup.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 9, a portion of a cartridge 130 is shown
according to an alternative embodiment. Cartridge 130 is similar to
cartridge 120, in that the cup includes a number of standoffs 131.
Cartridge 130 further includes a central standoff or post 133.
Standoffs 131, 133 are intended to support a pod (not shown).
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 10-14, alternative embodiments of
cartridges are shown according to various exemplary embodiments,
and may generally include similar features to the other cartridges
discussed herein except as noted. For example, referring to FIG.
10, a cup 52 may be an injection molded polymer component having a
pair of finger tabs 54 extending outward from the top portion of
the cup. Finger tabs 54 may facilitate orientation of the cup
within a cavity of a brewing device. A plurality (e.g. 4) of
standoffs 56 may extend upward from the bottom to assist in
supporting a pod. Utilizing finger tabs 54 to locate cup 52 within
a brewing device may ensure that the location of the bottom piecing
nozzle of the brewing device can be approximated and standoffs 56
may be properly sized/located so as not to interfere with the
bottom piercing function of the brewing device.
[0034] An asymmetric helical portion 57 (e.g., such that the each
individual groove or channel has a cross-section that "sags" or
"slumps" downward) may aid in ejection from a suitable tool cavity
(e.g., an injection molding tool), and the angle of the bottom edge
of each channel of the helical portion may provide better
gripping/support for pod 14. This embodiment provides a one-piece
construction having integrated standoffs that support the pod
without the need for any additional filter supports. Appropriate
barrier properties (e.g., moisture, oxygen, etc. barriers) may be
achieved by adding additives to an injection molding material, by
spray-coating the internal surface with ethylene vinyl alcohol
(EVOH), etc.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 11, a cup 62 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. Cup 62 may be similar to cup 52 shown in FIG.
10 except cup 62 does not include any finger tabs and has a
substantially flat bottom without any standoffs. A filter support
64 having a recessed central portion 68 may be disposed within cup
62 and support a pod to avoid penetration by the lower piecing
member. Filter support 64 may be an injection molded component
formed to support the pod and have a plurality of apertures 66 that
permit the beverage to flow out of the pod. Utilizing filter
support 64 may allow for a larger/deeper compartment usable for
beverage preparation.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 12, a cup 72 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. Cup 72 may be similar to cup 62 shown in FIG.
11, except that cup 72 includes a helical portion that tapers at a
greater rate than other embodiments disclosed herein. Further, the
bottom portions of the channels 77 forming the helical portion may
have a sharper bottom portion to improve gripping of the pod and
lower the risk of the filter material blocking the free channel
down. The cup taper and shape of the helical portion may enable cup
72 to be injection molded and subsequently removed from the
injection molding tool cavity without having to "unscrew" the
molded component from the tool, as may be the case with other cup
designs.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 13, a cup 82 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. According to one embodiment, cup 82 is formed
by initially injection molding a preform 84 and subsequently
blow-molding cup 82 into its final shape. Cup 82 may be formed with
a number of standoffs 86 (e.g., 4, etc.) such that a pod may be
supported without any additional filter support components.
Furthermore, cup 82 may be "stackable" prior to receiving a pod,
which may save storage space during production of the
cartridges.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 14, a cup 92 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment, Cup 92 may be made using a pressure
thermoforming process (e.g., a plug-assisted thermoforming process,
etc.) and includes a central standoff or post 94 extending from the
center of the bottom. A generally flat filter support 96 (a
disc-shaped member, etc.) having apertures 98 may rest upon post 94
and provide support for a pod and prevent puncturing of the pod by
a piercing member of a brewing device.
[0039] The various embodiments of the cartridges disclosed herein
may provide various advantages to users, including providing a
package envelop that comfortably fits into, functions without
leakage, and is removable from, various brewing devices; a
cartridge that holds an appropriate volume of substance/granules
(e.g. coffee), while being sealed against oxygen, moisture, and/or
other undesirable elements; and a cartridge that further permits
fluid to flow in a controlled environment and at a controlled flow
rate (i.e., maintaining a sufficient brew chamber during operation)
while preventing beverage granules from exiting the cartridge and
entering the beverage. The cartridges further have a robust design
for transportation and storage, are safe for handling (e.g., do not
include any sharp edges or hot surfaces), and provide a beverage
that is safe for consumption.
[0040] Various embodiments may further provide a barrier to protect
the substance/granules from contamination and degradation prior to
and during use, while providing top and/or bottom surfaces that are
pierceable by appropriate brewing devices. The helical features of
the cup evenly distribute fluid throughput across the
substance/granules while providing a non-turbulent fluid exit flow
from the cup into the machine.
[0041] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the beverage filter cartridges as
shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although
only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this
disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure
will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited in the various embodiments. Accordingly, all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The order
or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or
re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made
in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
present disclosure.
* * * * *