Abstract:
The present invention relates to a building insulation sheathing system that provides for efficient installation of insulation, material and labor reduction during installation, as well as provides a stable structure for ease in attachment of protective and/or decorative cladding to a building. The present invention further includes a method for insulating a building using the sheathing system of the present invention.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/274,202, filed on Aug. 13, 2009. The contents of the previously mentioned provisional application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a building insulation sheathing system that provides for efficient installation of insulation, material and labor reduction during installation, as well as provides a stable structure for ease in attachment of protective and/or decorative cladding to a building. The present invention further includes a method for insulating a building using the sheathing system of the present invention. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The insulation of buildings, whether residential or commercial, is an incredibly important part of the structure and when installed properly, ensures energy and financial efficiency for the life of the building. Unfortunately, insulation systems in the market today have a number of shortfalls including, but not limited to, energy inefficiency, complicated installation processes, increased dew point within exterior walls thereby supporting the growth of mold, noncontiguous insulation thereby providing outlets for heat and cooling loss, and design deficiencies that inhibit incorporation into existing structures. 
         [0004]    There are a number of insulation systems that are commonly used in building. For example, insulation systems such as fiberglass insulation, spray foam, structurally insulated panels (“SIPs”) and ICF are common insulation systems used in the building industry. Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages in using such systems. The following paragraphs discuss a few of the insulation systems commonly used in the building industry and outlines a few of their disadvantages. 
         [0005]    Fiberglass insulation is commonly used in most homes built today, due to its low costs &amp; easy application. Fiberglass insulation generally includes a fluffy fiberglass material adhered to a moisture barrier backing A common fiberglass insulation is the insulation produced and sold by Owens-Corning® that is predominantly identified by its pink color. Unfortunately, fiberglass insulation has some disadvantages including the following:
       It performs way below its marketed R-Values.   Has problems with mold and mildew.   It does not stop any thermo-bridging. (wood members)   It only works for some applications. (rims)   Requires a vapor barrier.   Requires a weather barrier.   Its cavity filled insulation.   Does not control the convection looping process.   The dew point is in your stud cavity.   The stud space can not be used for mechanical without affecting the performance of the wall.       
 
         [0016]    Another common insulation system used in building today is spray foam. Spray foam insulation is normally a polyurethane foam pumped into the home to insulate walls (e.g. between the studs), ceilings and everywhere else one would expect insulation. As a result, it helps to keep the heat inside during the cold months and the hot air outside when it&#39;s warm. Although originally the work of professionals only, do-it-yourself spray foam insulation kits are available. Spray foam has the benefit of installation ease in that it can be sprayed onto almost any existing structure as long as there is sufficient structure to hold it in position. However, spray foam has a number of disadvantages including the following:
       The cost is about 3.5 times higher than fiberglass.   It does not control thermo-bridging. (wood members)   Requires a weather barrier.   Its cavity filled insulation.   The dew point is in your stud cavity.   The stud space can not be used for mechanical without affecting the performance of the wall.       
 
         [0023]    Still another insulation system are structurally insulated panels (“SIPs”). SIPs are high performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB). Other skin material can be used for specific purposes. SIPs are manufactured under factory controlled conditions and can be custom designed for each home. SIPs also have a number of disadvantages including the following:
       It is a panelized wall system. (non-conventional build)   Costs are high.   Has solid wood members around all seams. (thermo-bridging)   The seams are caulked to reduce air flow. (maintenance)       
 
         [0028]    Finally, insulating concrete forms (“ICF&#39;s”) have become an insulation system that is being used in construction of commercial and residential buildings. ICFs are hollow “blocks” or “panels” made of expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) or other insulating foam that construction crews stack to form the shape of the walls of a building. The workers then fill the center with reinforced concrete to create the structure. There are over 20 brands of ICFs in North America, each providing variations in design and materials. ICFs have a number of disadvantages including the following:
       Costs are high.   It is not yet considered a conventional build.   Mold problems.       
 
         [0032]    The construction industry and home improvement product manufacturers still have found difficulties in remedying the problems identified above in a single system. The industry still searches for an insulation system that is easily installable, reduces waste materials, is reasonably priced, reduces the problems of water penetration and mold and provides a simple and stable structure for securing a protective and aesthetically pleasing exterior cladding. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a building insulation sheathing system that provides for efficient installation of insulation, material and labor reduction during installation, as well as provides a stable structure for ease in attachment of protective and/or decorative cladding to a building. The present invention further includes a method for insulating a building using the sheathing system of the present invention. 
         [0034]    The building insulation sheathing system generally includes one or more insulation panel(s) comprising one or more insulating materials. Each panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The sheathing system further includes one or more batten(s) that are adjoined to the exterior surface of the panel(s) with one or securing fastener(s). The sheathing system also includes one or more securing fasteners used to secure the panels to the frame of a building, such as the studs, plywood or foundation walls and for securing the batten(s) to the panel(s). In various embodiments of the present invention, the panels include foam boards, the battens are made from wood and the fasteners, are screws, nails, rivets or adhesives. 
         [0035]    The present invention also includes a method of insulating and cladding a building with a building insulation sheathing system. This method comprises providing a building that has an exposed and prepared frame for receiving an insulation system and cladding to the exterior of the frame. Next, one or more panel(s) are positioned on the exterior surface of the frame of the building (e.g. the exterior surfaces of the studs or plywood panels.) Once the panel(s) are positioned, one or more battens are positioned on the exterior surface of the panel(s). Next, the panel(s) are secured to the frame and the batten(s) to the panel(s) with one or more fasteners. Once secured, trimming excess portions of the panels to square corners and open portal apertures is performed. Finally, cladding may be attached to the sheathing system of the present invention by attachment of the cladding to the batten(s) or by applying the cladding to the entire exterior surface of the sheathing system. Additionally, an installer may seal any seams formed between the panels with a sealing material, such as insulation foam, caulk, tapes or adhesives. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  depicts a front view of one embodiment of an insulation panel that includes securing battens; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of one embodiment of an insulation panel including securing battens and beveled edges; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  depicts a back view of one embodiment of an insulation panel that includes securing battens positioned on the horizontal and vertical seams; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross section side view of one embodiment of an insulation panel with battens; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  depicts a front view of one embodiment of an insulation panel that does not disclose securing battens, but illustrates the batten placement grooves; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  depicts a top view of one embodiment of an insulation panel without battens, but illustrates the grooves provided for batten placement; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  depicts a back view of one embodiment of an insulation panel without battens, but illustrates the sloped areas positioned on the horizontal and vertical seams; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of an insulation panel without battens; 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross section top view of one embodiment of a building insulation sheathing system of the present invention that is installed, but before cuts; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross section top view of one embodiment of a building insulation sheathing system of the present invention that is installed and the ends have been cut back flush; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  depicts a cross section top view of one embodiment of a building insulation sheathing system of the present invention that is configured for a wall and ceiling application; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  depicts perspective views of one embodiment of two insulation panels of the present invention wherein one panel is shown from the front perspective view and the other is shown from the back perspective view; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective exploded view of one embodiment the building insulation sheathing system, wherein window and exterior door installation process is illustrated; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of a building insulation sheathing system of the present invention wherein the wall section detail shows insulation panels properly applied to the foundation walls, rim area, wall area and ceiling; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 15 and 16  depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of a building insulation sheathing system of the present invention wherein this figure illustrates the different layers of a home with the insulation sheathing system installed on both the walls and the ceiling; 
           [0051]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of vertical and horizontal seam, which includes the slope on the product and the positioning of the seam on the stud, and further illustrates the groves for the battens to be placed in when the next sheet is applied; 
           [0052]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention, wherein the panels are adjoined with battens that are attached to the framing using a fastening device; 
           [0053]      FIG. 19  is a back perspective view of one embodiment of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention, wherein the panels are adjoined with battens that are attached to the framing using a fastening device; 
           [0054]      FIG. 20  is a back perspective view of one embodiment of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention, wherein spray foam is applied in the seams to connect each panel; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention and the use of the system with the other components of the building, such as framing and cladding. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 1-21  depict various embodiments of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention. In general the insulation sheathing system  10  of the present invention includes one or more insulation panels  12 , one or more securing battens  14 , and one or more fastening devices  16  to secure the panels  12  and battens  14  to the outer surface of the frame and/or studs of a building structure. 
         [0058]    The insulation panels used in the sheathing system of the present invention are normally made from an insulating material and are shaped so that they are easily adjoined to the frame and/or studs of a building and can be attached so as to provide substantially complete coverage of the exterior of walls, floors, ceiling and roof of a building. In various embodiments foam boards may be used for insulation panels in the sheathing systems of the present invention. Foam boards are rigid panels of insulation that can be used to insulate almost any part of a building, from the roof down to the foundation walls. Foam boards provide good thermal resistance and often add structural strength to the building. Furthermore, foam board insulation sheathing reduces heat conduction through structural elements, like wood and steel studs. 
         [0059]    The most common types of materials used in making panels, such as foam board, include polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyiso, and polyurethane. However, other suitable insulation materials for may be used in producing the panels of the present invention. 
         [0060]    In various embodiment of the present invention, molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS) may be used to form the panels. MEPS is a closed-cell material that can be molded into many everyday items, such as coffee cups and shipping materials, or into large sheets of foam board insulation. MEPS foam board insulation is commonly known as beadboard. To make beadboard, loose, unexpanded polystyrene beads containing liquid pentane are mixed with a blowing agent and poured into an enclosed container. The mixture is heated to expand the beads many times their original size. The beads are then injected into a mold. Under more heat and pressure, they expand to become foam blocks, which are shaped as needed. 
         [0061]    The physical properties of MEPS foam board vary with the type of bead used. It&#39;s manufactured at various densities, depending on the application. Beadboard for roofing materials generally is dense enough to walk on without damage; wall insulation foam boards are normally several times less dense than roof boards. R-values range from 3.8 to 4.4 per inch (2.54 cm) of thickness. 
         [0062]    In other embodiments of the present invention, the panels may be formed using an extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) foam insulation. XEPS is similar to MEPS, but has a number of differences. To make XEPS, the polystyrene pellets are mixed with various chemicals to liquefy them. A blowing agent is then injected into the mixture, forming gas bubbles. The foaming, thick liquid is then forced through a shaping die. When cooled, the panel is cut as required. Foam densities are typically 1.5 pounds per cubic foot (24 kilograms per cubic meter). 
         [0063]    XEPS is normally more expensive than MEPS. However, like MEPS, the R-value depends upon the density of the material and is generally about R-5 per inch. XEPS is also much more consistent in density and has a higher compressive strength than MEPS, making it better suited for use on roofs or for wall panels. Extruded polystyrene also has excellent resistance to moisture absorption. 
         [0064]    Polyisocyanurate or polyiso and polyurethane are very similar, closed-cell foam insulation materials that may be used to produce the panels of the present invention. Because both materials generally offer high R-values (R 5.6 to R 8) per inch of thickness, an installer can use a thinner foam board to achieve the required thermal resistance. This can be an advantage if you have space limitations. 
         [0065]    Polyiso foam board insulation is available in a variety of compressive strengths. Compressive strength refers to the ability of a rigid foam board to resist deformation and maintain its shape when subjected to a force or load. Also, polyiso remains stable over a wide temperature range (−100° F. to +250° F.). This makes it particularly good as roofing insulation. And when used with a laminated aluminum foil facing, polyiso foam board provides an effective moisture or vapor barrier. 
         [0066]    The panels of the present invention may be of any shape and size that is beneficial to provide substantially complete coverage of walls or ceiling that are to be insulated. In various embodiments of the present invention, the panels may have the following dimensions: Height— 1 ′ to 24′, Length—2′ to 24′; and Width 1″ to 24″. In other embodiments the dimensions may be Height—2′ to 12′, Length—3′ to 16′; and Width 2″ to 18″. In yet other embodiments the dimensions of the panels may be Height—3′ to 6′, Length—4′ to 12′; and Width 4″ to 12″. The shape may be any shape that can provide best wall or ceiling coverage, such as rectangular or square. 
         [0067]    The building insulation sheathing system of the present invention also includes one or more battens. A batten is a thin strip of solid material, typically made from wood, plastic or metal. Battens are used in building construction and various other fields, as both structural and purely cosmetic elements. In the steel industry, battens may also be referred to as “top hats”, in reference to the profile of the metal. Any type of wood, plastic or metal may be used to produce the battens of the present invention. For example, wood materials may include pine, cedar, ash, oak, or any other type of suitable wood material; plastics may include, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or any other type of suitable plastic; and metals may include, steel, aluminum or any other type of suitable metal. 
         [0068]    The battens of the present invention may be of any shape and size that is beneficial to provide substantially complete coverage of walls or ceiling that are to be insulated. In various embodiments of the present invention, the battens may have the following dimensions: Height—1″ to 12″, Length—2′ to 24′; and Width ⅛″ to 2″. In other embodiments the dimensions may be Height—2″ to 8″, Length—3′ to 18′; and Width ¼″ to 1 ½″. In yet other embodiments the dimensions of the panels may be Height—3″ to 6″, Length—4′ to 12′; and Width ⅜″ to ¾″. The shape may be any shape that can provide best wall or ceiling coverage, such as rectangular or square. 
         [0069]    Battens are used in the sheathing system of the present invention in various ways. For example, the battens used in embodiments of the present invention are generally provided to provide a platform for securing the panels to the frame and/or studs of the building. However, the battens may also be used to secure and/or adjoin adjacent panels. Furthermore, the battens function may be used to allow for the attachment of protective and decorative cladding to the battens thereby covering the sheathing system and interior frame of the building. 
         [0070]    The building insulation sheathing system of the present invention also includes one or more fasteners for adjoining the battens to the panels and the adjoined battens/panels to the frame and/or studs of the building. Fasteners that may be used with various embodiments of the present invention include screws, nails, rivets, adhesives (e.g. glues, sealants, tapes . . . ) or any other type of securing device. In various embodiments of the present invention screws provide a good means to secure the battens and panels to the frame and/or studs of the building. Screws are generally easy to administer and provide a good mechanical connection between the battens, panels and frame/studs. Screws also allow for the components (e.g. panels, battens, screws) of the sheathing system to be easily removed and reclaimed. 
         [0071]    The following discussion addresses the Figures, which illustrate various embodiments of the components and sheathing system of the present invention.  FIGS. 1-4  depict one embodiment of the sheathing system of the present invention that includes a panel  12  having a substantially rectangular configuration, a plurality of battens  14  that are positioned horizontally and vertically on the exterior surface  18  of the panel  12  to provide a platform for securing the panel  12 . The battens may be placed directly on the exterior surface of the panel  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  or may be recessed by placement of the battens  14  in grooves  20  that are positioned in the panel  12  as illustrated in the top view of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    The panel  12  of this embodiment is a rectangular sheet that includes one or more beveled edges  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . In various embodiments of the present invention, the beveled edges  22  are oriented to intersect and nest under or over the beveled edges  22  of an adjacent panel  12 . In yet other embodiments, the upper and lower beveled edges  22  are oriented so as the seam  23  between the edges  22  slant down and outward. Such a configuration assists in the movement of moisture away from the frame of the building. 
         [0073]    In cold weather, warm inside air containing water vapor can get past the wall finish and insulation, condensing inside the colder wall cavity. In hot, humid climates the same thing can happen, just in the reverse direction. Humid outdoor air in the summer can condense inside cool, air conditioned wall cavities. If enough of this happens and the water cannot escape, wood rot, mold, and other moisture-related problems can occur. The sheathing system of the present invention assists in preventing the problems associated with moisture as found in other insulation systems. First the sheathing system of the present invention is positioned exterior to the frame/studs of the building. Such a positioning does not allow for the trapping of moisture between the cavities of the studs and thereby avoids the problems associated with moisture within the frame or studs. Next the orientation of the beveled edges allows for moisture to move away from the frame/studs of the building, thereby avoiding a buildup of moisture within the walls of the building. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 5-8  depict another embodiment of the building insulation system of the present invention that is illustrated with grooves for receiving battens. In this embodiment grooves  20  are molded or cut into the exterior surface  18  of the front panel  12  to accommodate the positioning and nesting of battens (not shown). The grooves  20  allow for one or more battens to be positioned and retained in the groove so as to provide ease in properly positioning the batten for attachment to the panel(s) and frame. The grooves can be produced at various depths. For example, the grooves may be molded or cut to provide for a flush fit with the battens so as to provide a flat exterior face  18  of the panel  12 . Alternatively, the grooves  20  may be molded or cut to be shallower than the width of the batten. In such embodiments, the batten top may extend past the top of the groove  20 , thereby allowing for a gap to be created between the top of the batten  20  and the top of the groove  20 . This gap allows for airflow between the panels  12  and any protective and/or decorative cladding that may be attached to the battens  14 . Such a gap provides the benefits of releasing heat and moisture that could build up in the insulation system and allowing further airflow. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 9-10  depict top views of a partially completed and completed building insulation sheathing system of the present invention installed around the exterior frame of a building. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , full size panels  12  are positioned around the building and secured to the exterior surface of the studs  24  of the frame, thereby allowing the excess panel portions  26  to hang over the corners of the building. In alternative embodiments, for example in remodeled buildings, the sheathing system  10  may be secured to the frame that includes plywood attached to the exterior side of the studs after the cladding has been removed from the building being remodeled. Once a complete row of panels  12  or all of the panels  12  are secured to the frame/studs with one or more fasteners  16 , the excess portions  26  may be trimmed off to square the corners of the building as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Following trimming of the excess portions  26 , the insulation sheathing system  10  is ready to accept cladding that can be attached to the battens  14 . 
         [0076]    It is noted that the building insulation sheathing systems  10  of the present invention may also be used to insulate ceilings and roofs.  FIGS. 11 and 12  provide illustrations of embodiments of the present invention that may be used to insulate ceilings. In various embodiments of the present invention, the panels  12  may be secured to the exterior surface of the trusses  28  of a ceiling or roof or to the sheeting material, such as plywood (not shown), secured to the trusses. Once the panels  12  are secured to the roof (i.e. the trusses or plywood), the roofing materials (e.g. shingles) can be secured to the battens of the insulation sheathing system or to another layer of sheeting material (e.g. plywood.) 
         [0077]      FIG. 12  depicts one embodiment of the building insulation sheathing system that may be used to insulate ceilings and/or roofs. The sheathing system  10  is very similar to the system of the present invention used to insulate walls and includes one or more panels  12 , one or more battens  14  and one or more fasteners for securing the panels to the battens and then the battens/panels to the trusses or sheeting material. The panels  12  used for insulating ceilings may also include beveled edges  22  that are sloped downward and away from the exterior surface of the roof, thereby reducing the accumulation of moisture in the seams  23  between panels  12 . Furthermore, any seams  23  created between panels  12  are normally filled with an sealing material, such as insulation foam, caulk, adhesive and/or sealing tape. 
         [0078]    Additionally, the building insulation sheathing system  10  of the present invention are easy to use in buildings that include windows, doors and other portal type entries into the building.  FIG. 13  depicts an exploded view of a window installation that includes the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention. In  FIG. 13  a plurality of panels  12  are secured to the stud wall or frame (not shown) of the building. In certain situations, the panels  12  may be trimmed so that the portal opening  30  for doors or windows remains clear for acceptance of the window  32 . In this embodiment the portal opening  30  is framed with a plurality of battens  14 . A molding  34  is next positioned in the lower portion of the opening  30  and a portal weather barrier  36  is positioned around the rough opening  30  to assist in sealing the window structure. The window  32  is next placed and secured into the opening and then tape sides  38  and head flange  40  are administered to the side and top of the window opening  30 . Finally, a flashing  42  is secured over the window and foam is used to seal the edges. It is noted that doors and other open enclosures may be installed in a similar way. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 14-21  depict embodiments of the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention installed in completed building structures and will be used to describe various embodiments of the methods of using such a system.  FIG. 14-16  illustrate a cross section side view of a constructed building that includes the building insulation sheathing system of the present invention. In this embodiment a plurality of panels  12  are secured to the foundation walls  44  (e.g. concrete block or poured concrete wall) and frame/studs  24  of the building  46  with one or more fasteners (e.g. screws, nails, adhesives, tapes). Battens  14  are also adjoined to the exterior surface of the panels  12  with either the same or different fasteners as used to attach the panels  12 . The attachment of the battens  14  is intended to provide a stable surface for the attachment of cladding  48 , but may also be used as a platform to stabilize fasteners, such as screw and nails, that are driven into the panels  12 , frame  24  and foundation wall  44 . 
         [0080]    In some embodiments of the present invention, as depicted in  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  21 , the panels  12  are positioned over the studs  24  and/or foundation wall  44  of a wall and battens  14  are placed in the grooves  20  that are cut or molded into each of the panels  12 . Once the battens  14  are placed in the grooves  20 , fasteners  16 , such as screws or nails, are driven through the battens  14  and panels  12  and into the studs  24  and/or foundation wall  44  thereby securing the battens  14  and panels  12  to the studs/foundation wall  24 ,  44 . 
         [0081]    Once the panels  12  and battens  14  are secured to the frame/studs  24  and/or foundation wall  44  with fasteners  16 , the excess portions (not shown) of panels  12  and battens  14  are trimmed to square corners and open window, door and other portal apertures. It is noted that in many embodiments, the seams  23  between panels  12  are filled with a thermal sealing material, such as insulation foam (e.g. spray foam), caulking, adhesive or tape, to form a substantially continuous thermal seal throughout the system. The sealing material may be administered from the exterior side or interior side of the panels. For example, in remodel applications the sealing material may have to be administered from the front/exterior side of the panel. The creation of such a seal maintains the R-value of the insulation system and limits any moisture that may accumulate in the system or migrate into the frame of the building. The completion of trimming and seam filling next allows for the installation of portal devices  50 , such as windows or doors as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Once all portal devices  50  have been installed, cladding  48  is attached to the battens  14  to complete the protective and decorative finishes to the building. 
         [0082]    The building may also include a waterproof barrier material  52  (e.g. waterproof panel or film) applied to the battens  14  and over the panels  12  that are secured to the foundation wall  44  or concrete footing to provide a moisture barrier between the building foundation wall and the aggregate/fill material  54  surrounding the underground portion of the building  46 . Such a barrier protects the system and foundation wall from moisture, but also protects the insulation panels from insect and rodent infestation. 
         [0083]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.