Abstract:
A sex toy comprising a body housing a motor; a shaft coupled to the motor; a massaging member mounted over the shaft; and a controller coupled to control the motor to drive the massaging member in a reciprocating motion along the length of the shaft is described. The reciprocating motion results in a change in length of the sex toy. The change in length may comprise about 20 mms to about 100 mms; about 25 mm to about 90 mm; or about 30 mm to about 85 mm. One full stroke of the reciprocating motion may be performed in about 0.5 to about 2.0 about seconds; about 0.6 to about 1.5 seconds; or about 0.7 to about 1.0 seconds.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers, such as thrusting vibrators, and in particular, motorised sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers that perform a reciprocating motion. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are a large number of sex toys available on the market. Some sex toys include movement to provide increased stimulation to the user. For example, internal massagers may provide movements within the body and thrusting vibrators or dildos may perform a reciprocating motion to mimic thrusting of a penis. 
         [0003]    Some devices, such as thrusting vibrators or dildos, in the prior art provide reciprocating movement of a bump beneath an outer material of the device to mimic the thrusting of a penis. One problem with such devices is that they do not provide a true or realistic thrusting sensation to the user of the device, because only the bump moves up and down. 
         [0004]    Other thrusting vibrators or dildos provide reciprocating movement of the vibrator or dildo. However, this movement typically involves a single repetitive thrusting distance, and therefore is somewhat unrealistic and provides limited enjoyment to the user. Also, a large portion of the device is usually occupied by the motor and the power supply. 
         [0005]    The movement of thrusting vibrators and dildos in the prior art is also typically inaccurate and the movement may stick or jam when under load. 
         [0006]    The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is a preferred object of the embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful commercial alternative. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers, such as thrusting vibrators, and in particular, motorised sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers that perform a reciprocating motion. 
         [0009]    In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a sex toy comprising:
       a body housing a motor;   a shaft coupled to the motor;   a massaging member mounted over the shaft; and   a controller coupled to control the motor to drive the massaging member in a reciprocating motion along the length of the shaft.       
 
         [0014]    Suitably, the reciprocating motion may result in a change in length of the sex toy. The change in length may comprise about 20 mms to about 100 mms; about 25 mm to about 90 mm; or about 30 mm to about 85 mm. 
         [0015]    Suitably, one full stroke of the reciprocating motion is performed in about 0.5 to about 2.0 about seconds; about 0.6 to about 1.5 seconds; or about 0.7 to about 1.0 seconds. 
         [0016]    Suitably, the massaging member may be driven to a plurality of predetermined extension positions. The plurality of predetermined extension positions may comprise a first extension position comprising a change in length of about 25 mm (1 inch); a second extension position comprising a change in length of about 51 mm (2 inches); and a third extension position comprising a change in length of about 76 mm (3 inches). 
         [0017]    Suitably, the sex toy may further comprise one or more sensors coupled to the controller to determine the extension position along the shaft. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the controller may reverse the direction of the motor at one or more of the plurality of predetermined extension positions to drive the massaging member in the reciprocating motion. 
         [0019]    Suitably, the massaging member may be mounted to a traveller that is in engagement with the shaft. 
         [0020]    Suitably, the traveller may be designed to interchangeably mount massaging members having different sizes and/or shapes and/or surface textures. 
         [0021]    Suitably, the traveller may comprise a head that extends over a distal end of the shaft. 
         [0022]    Suitably, a twist and click ring may be provided on the massaging member or the head for securing the massaging member and/or the head to the traveller. 
         [0023]    Suitably, the motor may rotate the shaft to drive the traveller along the shaft. 
         [0024]    Suitably, the shaft may be coupled to the motor via a gear box. 
         [0025]    Suitably, the traveller may be in engagement with the shaft via a shoe that is slidably mounted in a groove of the shaft. 
         [0026]    Suitably, the sex toy may further comprise a guide between the shaft and the traveller to maintain an angular position of the shoe relative to the shaft while permitting movement of the shoe along the shaft. 
         [0027]    Suitably, the groove may be a helical groove. 
         [0028]    Suitably, the groove may be a continuous groove formed of a left-hand helical groove and a right-hand helical groove connected to one another at either end. 
         [0029]    Suitably, a pitch of the helical groove and/or a configuration of the gear box may achieve a maximum torque at the traveller for the motor. 
         [0030]    Suitably, the shoe may have an arcuate edge facing the shaft. 
         [0031]    Suitably, the shoe may comprise a shoe head slidably mounted in the groove. The shoe head may have a length that is greater than a width of the groove. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the shoe head may comprise a length approximately equal to one half the circumference of the shaft. 
         [0033]    Suitably, one or more sides of the shoe head may be rounded and/or tapered adjacent the sides of the groove. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, the guide may be comprised on a torque sleeve that covers at least part of the shaft. 
         [0035]    In yet another embodiment, the sex toy may comprise one or more support rods extending along at least a part of a length of the shaft. 
         [0036]    In yet another embodiment, the torque sleeve may comprise one or more fins which provide additional structural support and rigidity. The one or more fins be comprised on the outside of the torque sleeve. The one or more fins may be integrally formed with torque sleeve. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, the sex toy may further comprise a plastic sheath positioned intermediate the toque sleeve and the head to provide an additional covering layer. 
         [0038]    Suitably, the sex toy may comprise a sensor on the body and/or a sensor on the traveller. 
         [0039]    Suitably, the sex toy may further comprise a vibrator adjacent a distal end of the massaging member. The vibrator may be positioned on top of the head or partially extending from the head. The vibrator may be operational during the driving of the massaging member. 
         [0040]    Suitably, the controller may comprise a plurality of selectable programs to control the extension and/or a vibration of the sex toy. 
         [0041]    Suitably, the sex toy may further comprise a power supply within the body coupled to power the motor. The power supply may be charged via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, induction or may make use of one or more replaceable batteries. 
         [0042]    Suitably, the body may be coupled to, or forms part of an ergonomic handle. 
         [0043]    The toy may further comprise a female vibration unit attached to or moulded into the body. The vibration unit may comprise an interchangeable vibrational head. 
         [0044]    Suitably, the sex toy may further comprise a communications device coupled to the controller to enable wireless control of the sex toy and/or vibrational unit. 
         [0045]    Suitably, the communications device may be a Wi-Fi; a Bluetooth device; an infra-red device and/or other type of wireless communication. 
         [0046]    Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0047]    In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein: 
           [0048]      FIG. 1  is a sectional side view of a sex toy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing examples of extension positions of the sex toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 3  is a sectional side view of a traveller engaged with a groove of a shaft of the sex toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 4  is a sectional plan view of the shaft and traveller of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4A  is a section plan view of the shaft and traveller according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the shaft and the groove of the sex toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a sectional side view of a gear box of the sex toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded perspective view of the gear box shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a sex toy according to an embodiment of the present invention showing a longitudinal axis of the body; 
           [0057]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the sex toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram of user controls for controlling the sex toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram of indicators for the sex toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 9  is a sectional side view of another sex toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0061]      FIG. 10  is a section side view of a shaft according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a sex toy with a stand according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 12  shows various views of a vibration unit that may be attached to the sex toy of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0064]    Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0065]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers, such as thrusting vibrators, and in particular motorised sex toys, adult toys or internal massagers that perform a reciprocating motion. 
         [0066]      FIG. 1  shows a sex toy  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sex toy  100  comprises a body  110  housing a motor  120 . A shaft  130  is coupled to the motor  120 , and a massaging member  140  is mounted over the shaft  130 . A controller  150  is coupled to control the motor  120  to drive the massaging member  140  in a reciprocating motion along the length of the shaft  130 . The controller  150  can comprise a plurality of selectable programs to control the extension and/or a vibration of the sex toy  100 . The controller can be, for example, an integrated circuit, a chip, a processor, a logic circuit or another device capable of controlling the motor in a selectable manner. 
         [0067]    In the embodiment shown, the shaft  130  is coupled to the motor  120  via a gear box  125 . A power supply  155  is provided within the body. The power supply  155  is coupled to power the motor  120 . The power supply  155  can be, for example, a battery. In some embodiments, the sex toy  100  uses an external power source, for example, to charge the battery or power the sex toy  100 . The charging may be via a USB connection, induction or may make use of replaceable batteries. 
         [0068]    In the embodiment shown, the massaging member  140  is mounted to a traveller  160  that is in engagement with the shaft  130 . The traveller  160  can be, for example, annular or saddle shaped. The traveller  160  is designed to interchangeably mount massaging members  140  having different sizes and/or shapes and/or surface textures. The traveller  160  comprises a head  162  that extends over a distal end of the shaft. The head  162  includes a vibrator  164  adjacent a distal end of the massaging member  140 . Vibrator  164  is shown to be housed partly within head  162  and to extend partly outside of head  162 . The head  162  receives the massaging member  140  as a sleeve. Bellows  166  couple the massaging member  140  to the body  110 . The bellows  166  expand when the massaging member  140  is extended. 
         [0069]    The extension of the massaging member is of significant advantage over other isometric devices which do not provide a stroke or stroke type action. By providing a sex toy  100  that increases in length a more realistic sensation is provided. 
         [0070]    The extension of the massaging member may be to a plurality of predetermined extension positions.  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing an example of extension positions of the sex toy  100  of  FIG. 1 . Four predetermined extension positions are shown, being an origin  0 , a first extension position  1 , a second extension position  2  and a third extension position  3 . The traveller  160  is shown at the third extension position  3 . The movement of traveller  160  from the origin  0  to the third extension position  3  amounts to one stroke. 
         [0071]    The sex toy  100  may comprise one or more sensors  170  coupled to the controller  150  to determine the extension position along the shaft  130 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more sensors  170  can be provided on the body  110  and/or on the traveller  160 . 
         [0072]    In one embodiment, the controller  150  reverses the direction of the motor  120  at one or more of the plurality of predetermined extension positions to drive the massaging member  140  in the reciprocating motion. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the engagement of the traveller  160  with the shaft  130 . The traveller  160  is in engagement with the shaft  130  via a shoe  180  that is slidably mounted in a groove  132  of the shaft  130 . In the embodiment shown, the groove  132  is a continuous groove formed of a left-hand helical groove and a right-hand helical groove connected to one another at either end. However, in other embodiments the groove can be a single helical groove or another appropriate groove configuration. Preferably, a pitch of the groove  132 , and/or a configuration of the gear box  125 , achieves a maximum torque at the traveller  160  for the motor  120 . 
         [0074]    The shoe  180  is coupled to the traveller  160  via a pin or screw  182 . A guide  136  is provided between the shaft  130  and the traveller  160 . The guide  136  comprises a slot  138  within head  162 , the slot  138  extending along the shaft  130  to maintain an angular position of the shoe  180  relative to the shaft  130  while permitting movement of the shoe  180  along the shaft  130 . When the motor  120  turns the shaft  130 , the shoe  180  is held at a fixed angular position by guide  136 , and the helical groove  132  of the shaft  130  slides over the shoe  180  moving the shoe  180 , and hence the traveller  160  up or down the shaft  130 , and consequently moving head  162  to lengthen or shorten toy  100 , according to the direction of rotation of the shaft  130 . 
         [0075]    The shoe  180  comprises a shoe head  184  slidably mounted in the groove  132 . The shoe head  184  has a length that is greater than a width of the groove  132 , which maintains an orientation of the shoe head  184  relative to the groove  132  and prevents the shoe head  184  from switching between the left-hand helical groove and the right-hand helical groove where the grooves intersect along the shaft  130 . The shoe  180  has an arcuate edge  186  facing and contacting the shaft  130 . The arcuate edge  186  complements the cross sectional shape of the shaft  130 . The shoe head  184  also comprises forward arcuate outer edge  188  and reverse arcuate outer edge  189  to conform to the outer edge of the groove  132 . 
         [0076]    One or more corners and/or sides of the shoe  180  are rounded and/or tapered adjacent the sides of the groove  132  to reduce sticking or jamming of the shoe  180 , particularly under load. The rounded and/or tapered shape of the corner and/or side is accentuated on a leading corner or side by provision of arcuate outer edge  188  on the shoe  180  to further reduce the friction or drag. For example, the leading corner and/or side  188  can be rounded and/or tapered in such a way that the friction or drag from the sides of the groove  132  can be minimized, in particular, at the top and bottom of the groove  132  where higher friction may occur as the gradient of the groove  132  changes and the shoe  180  transitions between the left-hand helical groove and the right-hand helical groove. An opposing corner and/or side can be rounded and/or tapered in a similar way by provision of arcuate outer edge  189  to minimize friction when the shaft  130  is rotated in the opposite direction by the motor  120 , for example, when the sex toy  100  is driven in shorter thrusts to the first extension position  1  or the second extension position  2 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 4A  shows another embodiment of traveller  160  in which shoe head  184  comprises a length approximately equal to one half the circumference of the shaft. By extending the length of shoe head  184 , the inventor has found that improved stability of motion is achieved. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5  shows the shaft  130  and the groove  132  according to one embodiment. The groove  132  is a continuous groove formed of a left-hand helical groove and a right-hand helical groove connected to one another at either end. The continuous groove enables the shaft  130  to be rotated in a single direction and the shoe  180  to transition between the right-hand helical groove and left-hand helical groove to change a direction of movement of the traveller  160  along the shaft  130 , for example, at the point where the massaging member  140  reaches a maximum or minimum extension. The curvature of the curved section  134  at one or both ends of the groove  132  is selected to provide a smooth change of direction for the traveller  160 . The curvature of the curved section  134  can also be selected to increase or decrease the acceleration in the change of direction. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 6 and 6A  show the gear box  125  according to one embodiment. The gear box  125  comprises a first fillet ring  210 , a second fillet ring  220 , a third fillet ring  230  and a cylindrical casing  240 . The second fillet ring  220  supports three planetary gears  222  of a first epicyclic gear train. The third fillet ring  230  supports three planetary gears  232  of a second epicyclic gear train. The cylindrical casing  240  comprises an internal gear  242  in engagement with the planetary gears  222 ,  232  to connect the epicyclic gear trains. The gears are supported on the fillet rings  220 ,  230  via spindle tines  224 ,  234 . 
         [0080]    The first fillet ring  210  forms an end of the cylindrical casing  240  adjacent the motor  120 . A drive shaft  200  of the motor  120  is received through an aperture  212  in the first fillet ring  210  and a sun gear  205  of the first epicyclic gear train is coupled to the drive shaft  200 . 
         [0081]    The third fillet ring  230  forms an end of the cylindrical casing  240  adjacent the shaft  130 . A pin  250  of the shaft is received through an aperture  232  in the third fillet ring  230  and a sun gear  255  of the second epicyclic gear train is coupled to the pin  250 . 
         [0082]    A gear ratio of the gears in the gear box  125  is configured such that the torque is increased from the motor  120  at the shaft  130 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 7  shows a sex toy  100  according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the body  110  is coupled to or forms part of an ergonomic handle. One ergonomic advantage is provided by the body  110  having a longitudinal axis  111  that is not aligned with the direction of extension of the massaging member  140 . The longitudinal axis  111  of the body  110 , for example, provides a more comfortable angle of grip for the user. The sex toy  100  is controlled by one or more user controls  112 , for example buttons, on the sex toy  100 . The longitudinal axis  111  of the body  110  is at an angle to the direction of extension such that the controls are visible to the user during use. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the controls  112  are located on a face of the body  110  that substantially faces the direction of extension and therefore can be clearly viewed by the user. The controls can be used to select a program from the plurality of selectable programs, for example, to control an extension and/or a vibration of the sex toy  100 . 
         [0084]    The controls allow the speed of the reciprocating motion to be set. In one embodiment the speed may be set to one of three speeds. 
         [0085]    Of significant advantage is the provision of a twist and click ring  168  on the massaging member  140  or the head  162  for securing the massaging member  140  or the head  162  to the traveller  160 . In other embodiments, the massaging member  140  may attach to the traveller  160  via a screw thread or other known attachment means. This ready detachability simplifies cleaning and means different massaging members  140  may be attached. These different massaging members  140  may comprise different shapes; different functionalities such as, different lengths of extension and/or different vibration capabilities. 
         [0086]      FIG. 8  shows a system  300  according to one aspect of the invention. The system  300  comprises the controller  150  coupled to control the motor  120  to drive the massaging member  140  in a reciprocating motion to a plurality of predetermined extension positions along the length of the shaft  130 . The power supply  155  is coupled to power the controller  150  and the motor. One or more user controls  112  are coupled to control the controller  150 , for example, to select the plurality of selectable programs. One or more indicators  330 , such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), can be coupled to the controller  150  and, for example, provided on the body  110  to indicate the current program or setting of the device. The controller  150  is also coupled to a communications device  154  to enable wireless control of the sex toy  100 . For example, the communications device  154  can be a Wi-Fi and/or a Bluetooth transceiver. Wireless control can be provided via a computing device  310 , for example, a smart phone, a notebook or a desktop computer. The wireless control may be provided directly or over a communications network  320 , such as, the internet. 
         [0087]      FIG. 8A  shows the user controls  112  according to one embodiment. The user controls  112  include a power button  114  to power on/off the sex toy  100 , and a decrease button  117  and an increase button  118  to decrease or increase respectively the level of vibrations or speed/extension of the traveller  160 . The user controls  112  also include a vibration select button  115  to set the decrease and increase buttons  117 ,  118  to control vibrations, and a motor select button  116  to set the decrease and increase buttons  117 ,  118  to control the speed/extension of the traveller  160 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 8B  shows the indicators  330  according to one embodiment. A power indicator  332  is provided to show when the sex toy  100  is turned on, a vibration indicator  334  is provided to show when vibrations are active, and a moving motor indicator  336  is provided to show the motor  120  is active. 
         [0089]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the sex toy  100  including one or more support rods  137  along which the traveller  160  travels. The one or more support rods  137  extend along the length of the shaft  130 , through the traveller  160  and provide additional sturdiness to the traveller  160 , particularly under load. 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 9  the vibrator  164  is shown attached to the top or distal end of head  162 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 10  shows another embodiment which provides additional sturdiness for sex toy  100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10  a torque sleeve  165  covers shaft  130  and one or more fins  139  are comprised on torque sleeve  165 . The one or more fins  139  provide additional structural support and thereby rigidity to torque sleeve  165  and thereby toy  100 , such that, any unintended movement of toy  100  is substantially reduced or eliminated. In the embodiment shown, the one or more fins  139  are integrally formed on the outside of torque sleeve  165 . Torque sleeve  165  covers shaft  130  and when in position within sex toy  100  is enveloped by head  162 . 
         [0092]    Although not shown plastic sheath  167  may be positioned intermediate the torque sleeve  165  and the head  162  to provide an additional covering layer designed to improve water resistance. 
         [0093]    Each of the one or more fins  139  engage with a complementary cavity  161  (see  FIG. 4A ) on traveller  160 . 
         [0094]    While  FIGS. 9 and 10  show embodiments wherein the one or more support rods  137  and fins  139  extend along the full length of the shaft  130 , in other embodiments one or more of the one or more support rods  137  or one or more fins  139  extends along only a part of the length of shaft  130 . 
         [0095]    The additional sturdiness provided by support rods  137  may be required in embodiments featuring a larger head  162 . 
         [0096]    From the teachings herein a skilled person is readily able to select an appropriate number of support rods  137  or fins  139 . By way of example, toy  100  may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 support rods  137  or fins  139 . Suitably, toy  100  comprises three support rods  137  or fins  139 . 
         [0097]    In some embodiments, the sex toy  100  is adapted to be coupled to a stand  400 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the stand  400  comprises a base  410  which can be affixed to a surface via suction caps  420 . A flexible post  430  extends from the base  410 . The flexible post  430  is adapted to receive the body  110  of the sex toy  100  at an opposing end of the body  110  to the massaging member  140 . In the embodiment shown, the stand  400  comprises a cup  440  at an end of the flexible post  430  to receive the body  110  of the sex toy  100 . The cup  440  is shaped to complement a shape of the body  110 . A screw  450  is provided to secure the cup  440  to a screw hole in the body  110 . The base  410 , the post  430  and/or the cup  440  are shown to be formed integrally. However, in other embodiments, the base  410 , the post  430  and/or the cup  440  can be separate components that are fixed together. 
         [0098]      FIG. 12  shows a female vibration unit  500  that may be attached to or moulded into body  110 . The female vibration unit  500  may be attached to or moulded at a position to provide clitoral stimulation. As shown in  FIG. 12 , vibration unit  500  comprises an extension portion  506  and a control panel  508 . The extension portion  506  is sized and angled to position the vibrational heads  502  for clitoral stimulation. The control panel may comprise one or more buttons to control the type of vibration. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the vibrational heads  502  may be interchangeable and may attach and detach with ring seals  504 . 
         [0099]    Hence, embodiments of the present invention provide a sex toy  100 , adult toy or internal massager where a massaging member  140  extends in a reciprocating motion to provide a more realistic thrusting sensation to the user. A controller  150  is provided to drive the massaging member  140  between a plurality of predetermined extension positions, for example, according to a selected program or at the choice of a user. This provides more interest, variety and hence better stimulation to a user than the vibrators or dildos having a single repetitive thrusting distance in the prior art. A compact motor  120  and gear box  125  is provided such that the body  110  comprising the motor  120 , power supply  155  and gear box  125  occupies a smaller portion of the sex toy  100 . The body  110  can also act as an ergonomic handle to provide better control for the user. The gear box  125  also provides a sturdy connection between the motor  120  and the shaft  130  and provides increased torque to the shaft  130  to prevent the traveller  160  from sticking under load. Further, the shoe  180  is designed to reduce jamming or sticking of the traveller  160  under load. 
         [0100]    In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. 
         [0101]    In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. 
         [0102]    Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.