Abstract:
An elongated clip for hard clapboard style siding such as fiber cement, composite wood, fiberglass, plastic, oriented strand board or other materials. The clip includes rainscreen and standoff features for proper placement from a support wall structure. In addition, the clip includes a support feature for the installation and proper alignment of an upper course of siding.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/905,353, filed Nov. 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The present invention relates in general to exterior lap siding for buildings and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for an integrated rainscreen and stacking clip for cladding. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Installing clapboard siding panels, particularly fiber cement clapboard siding panels, presents several problems. First, individual siding panels, although generally durable, are often heavy and awkward to handle, do at least in part to their density, length (up to 12-14′) and bendable construction. These factors make one-person installation very difficult, if not impossible. Second, special tools, such as siding jigs, and/or precise measurements are required in order to assure that the panels have the correct amount of lap and subsequent face exposure relative to an adjacent panel. 
         [0006]    Typically, panels are installed on a wall of a structure, generally on a sheathing product, in one of two ways—either in a so called “blind nail” method or a so called “face nail” method. In the blind nail method, illustrated in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,382, a first siding panel 16 a  is aligned on the face of a wall 12 and a nail (not shown) is driven through the panel 16 a , generally through an upper region of the exterior face of the panel 16 a , into the wall 12. A second panel 16 b  is then secured to the wall 12 in the same manner using nail 18. The second panel 16 b  overlaps a portion of the exterior face of the first panel 16 a  and covers the nail or fastener driven through the first panel 16 a . Another panel (not shown) is then installed overlapping panel 16 b  and covering nail 18. The blind nail method, although aesthetically pleasing, generally provides less wind load resistance (i.e., resistance to detachment from the wall under wind load), when compared with the face nail approach described below. With more brittle siding panels, such as fiber cement siding, smaller face exposure or face nailing is generally required for high load areas. 
         [0007]    In the face nailing method shown by panel assembly 10 of FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,382, the first siding panel 14 a  is properly aligned on the wall 12. A second siding panel 14 b  is then aligned overlapping the first siding panel 14 a , as described above, and a nail 18 a  is driven through both siding panels 14 a , 14 b , exposing the head of the nail 18 a  at the exterior surface of the second siding panel 14 b . This process is repeated with subsequent siding courses, such as panels 14 c  and 14 d , using nails 18 b  and 18 c . This method provides greater wind load resistance because each panel is secured by twice as many nails when compared with the blind nail method described above, i.e., each nail is driven through two panels (e.g., panels 14 a , 14 b ) as opposed to just one panel. 
         [0008]    Smaller face exposure and/or face nailing are required to meet higher wind load performance requirements. These techniques, however, are undesirable for several reasons. First, the smaller face exposure and exposed nail head are both aesthetically unpleasing. Also, the corrosion resistance of the nail or fastener can diminish over time, leading to rusting and structural breach and discoloration of both the nail or fastener and the panel. Further, the top, overlapping panel, which is pierced by a nail, is exposed to the elements. The interior of the panel can become exposed to moisture, leading potentially to delamination of the laminate clapboard structure. Still further, this exposure increases the chance of failure of the paint finish of the clapboard. 
         [0009]    Finally, there is a growing concern in the siding industry regarding “rain screen,” which drives the use of furring strips in some situations, which in turn increases the level of difficulty and cost of the installation. The furring strips act to slightly separate the rear face of the siding panels from the wall, creating a slight air gap that helps to equalize air pressure on the front, exterior and rear, interior faces of the siding panels. This helps reduce the amount of moisture that is pulled to the rear face of the siding panel, which can lead to moisture-related problems such as mold growth or wall rotting stemming from collected water or moisture. This gap, which is created by the furring strips, also provides for a rain drip or weep, which helps remove water from behind the rear face of the siding panels. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for a new method and apparatus for installing clapboard siding panels that allow for ease of installation and consistent lap results. Still further, there remains a need for an installation method and apparatus that provides for improved wind load resistance, rain drip and rain screen results, while preserving the life of the installed product and facilitating ease of installation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    Embodiments of an integrated rainscreen and stacking clip for cladding are disclosed. In one example, a siding accessory may include a channel having an axis that defines an axial direction, and an axial length configured to receive an upper end of a course of siding. A lip may extend in the axial direction and be formed on a first end of the channel. The lip may be configured to support an upper course of siding thereon. A rainscreen can extend from the channel opposite the lip. The rainscreen may be configured to contact a support structure and separate the channel from the support structure. In addition, a plurality of weep holes may be formed in the rainscreen and may be configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a siding product may include a siding board and a siding accessory mounted to the siding board. The siding accessory may include a channel having an axis that defines an axial direction and an axial length. The channel may receive a portion of the siding board. A lip may extend in the axial direction and be formed on a first end of the channel. The lip may be configured to support an upper course of siding board thereon. A rainscreen may extend from the channel opposite the lip. The rainscreen can be configured to contact a support structure and separate the channel from the support structure. A plurality of weep holes can be formed in the rainscreen and may be configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a siding accessory. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a siding accessory and siding board assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an assembly of a siding accessory and two siding boards. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an assembly of siding accessories and siding boards. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5-8  are sectional views of embodiments of siding accessories. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an assembly of a siding accessory and two siding boards. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional side view of another embodiment of an upper end of an assembly of a siding accessory and siding board. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for an integrated rainscreen and stacking clip for cladding are disclosed. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a siding accessory  11  may include a channel  13  having an axis  15  that defines an axial direction or x-direction, as indicated by the Cartesian coordinate system. The siding accessory  11  may include one or more materials, such as a polymer and/or a metal, or a composite thereof. The material of siding accessory  11  may further include a coating. The siding accessory  11  may consist exclusively of a polymer. A version of the siding accessory  11  may comprise polyvinylchloride (PVC). Another version of the siding accessory  11  does not comprise a metallic material. 
         [0024]    The channel  13  may include an axial length configured to receive an upper end  23  ( FIG. 2 ) of a course of siding  21 . For example, the axial length can be at least about 1 foot, such as at least about 2 feet, at least about 4 feet, at least about 6 feet, at least about 8 feet, at least about 10 feet, or even at least about 12 feet. In other versions, the axial length can be not greater than about 20 feet, such as not greater than about 15 feet. The axial length can be in range between any of these values. 
         [0025]    Versions of the channel  13  may comprise a variety of shapes, such as a U-shape or C-shape shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In other versions, the channel  13  may have still other shapes (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ), depending on the application. 
         [0026]    The siding accessory  11  can include a lip  17  that extends in the axial direction. The lip  17  may be formed on a first end  19  of the channel  13 . In some embodiments, the channel  13  and the lip  17  each may have an axial length of at least about 1 foot. The lip  17  can be configured to support an upper course of siding  25  ( FIG. 3 ) thereon. 
         [0027]    Embodiments of the siding accessory  11  may include a rainscreen  31 . The rainscreen  31  can extend from the channel  13  opposite the lip  17 . The rainscreen  31  may be elongated and can extend in the axial direction. In a version, the rainscreen  31  can be located between a closed end  36  of the channel  13  and the lip  17 . Versions of the rainscreen  31  may be provided with an axial length that is the same or different than the axial length of the siding accessory  11 , channel  13 . For example, the rainscreen  31  can have an axial length of at least about 1 foot. 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, the channel  13 , lip  17  and rainscreen  31  can form a continuous and unitary structure. The rainscreen  31  may be configured to contact a support structure  27  ( FIG. 4 ) and separate the channel  13  (and siding  21 ) from the support structure  27 . 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the siding accessory  11  may include a plurality of weep holes  33 . The weep holes  33  can be smaller than the rainscreen  31 . The weep holes  33  may be formed in the rainscreen  31  and may be configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. In a version, each weep hole  33  can have an axial length of at least about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches. The weep holes  33  may be configured to be larger than heads of siding fasteners, such that the weep holes  33  are configured to be incapable of supporting siding fasteners. 
         [0030]    Embodiments of the siding accessory  11  may or may not include a fastener hem. The embodiments illustrated herein do not include a fastener hem. The siding accessory  11  may or may not comprise a hole or fastener aperture  35 . The fastener aperture  35  may extend through a front of the siding accessory  11  and into the channel  13 . In some versions, the rainscreen  31  may be located (e.g., vertically) between the fastener aperture  35  and a top  37  of the channel  13 . 
         [0031]    In some versions, the lip  17  can be non-planar. An embodiment of the lip  17  can extend outward from the first end  19  of the channel. For example, the lip  17  can have a curvilinear shape. See, e.g.,  FIG. 6 . In other examples, the lip  17  can form an angle α with respect to a wall of the channel  13  at the first end  19  of the channel  13 . For example, the angle α can be in a range of about 70 degrees to about 95 degrees. Embodiments of the lip  17  can be provided with an outer surface that is configured to support the upper course of siding  25  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Versions of the lip  17  may be located only on an outer surface of the upper course of siding  25 , as shown, such that the lip  17  does not extend into the upper course of siding  25 , but only supports it on its exterior. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the channel  13  may substantially extend in a first plane of reference. Versions of the rainscreen  33  may substantially extend in a second plane of reference (e.g., the x-z plane) that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane of reference. In other embodiments, the channel  13  may substantially extend in a first plane of reference (e.g., the x-y plane), and the weep holes  33  may substantially extend in a second plane of reference (e.g., the x-z plane) that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane of reference. 
         [0033]    As illustrated in the drawings, the rainscreen  31  may comprise a rainscreen channel having a plurality of walls  32 ,  34 . See, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In a version, the weep holes  33  can extend through each of the plurality of walls  32 ,  34 . 
         [0034]    Embodiments of the siding accessory  11  and channel  13  may be provided with a second end  39 . The second end  39  may include a flare  37 . The flare  37  may extend in the axial direction and outward from the channel substantially opposite the lip  17 . In a version, the rainscreen  31  may be located between an upper end  36  of the channel  13  and the flare  37 . The flare  37  can be larger than the lip  17 . In some embodiments, the channel  13  and the lip  17  each can have a continuous and uninterrupted length in the axial direction. 
         [0035]    The channels  13  can have apertures  38  ( FIG. 5 ) that are in fluid communication with the weep holes  33 . The term “fluid communication” may be understood to mean that fluid can communicate therebetween. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the axial length of the channel extends in an x-direction ( FIG. 1 ) along axis  15 . A depth  41  ( FIG. 5 ) of the channel  13  may be defined as extending in a y-direction that is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction. A width  43  of the channel  13  may be defined as extending in a z-direction that is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction and the y-direction. In a version, the axial length ( FIG. 1 ) of the channel  13  exceeds the depth  41 . In some versions, the depth  41  exceeds the width  43 . 
         [0037]    In other versions, a depth  45  of the rainscreen  31  in the y-direction is less than a width  47  of the rainscreen  31 . In an embodiment, a depth  45  of the rainscreen  31  in the y-direction is less than both the depth  41  of the channel  13  and the width  43  of the channel  13 . The width  47  of the rainscreen  31  in the z-direction can be substantially similar to the width  43  of the channel  13 .  FIG. 7  depicts another embodiment of siding accessory  11  with different dimensions. 
         [0038]    In still other embodiments (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the rainscreen may comprise a plurality of protrusions  51 . The protrusions  51  may have various shapes, such as bumps, dimples, etc. The protrusions  51  may be configured in a variety of orientations. For example, the protrusions  51  may include two rows  53 ,  55  of alternating frustoconical dimples. A top row  53  of protrusions  51  may be located adjacent the upper end  36  of the channel  13 . A lower row  55  of protrusions  51  may be located adjacent the second end  39  of the siding accessory  11 . The protrusions  51  can extend from the channel  13  opposite the lip  17 . 
         [0039]    Embodiments of the channel  13  may comprise a variety of shapes. For example, the channel  13  can have a substantially rectangular axial sectional shape ( FIG. 2 ) configured to receive the generally rectangular upper end  23  of the course of siding  21 . In other versions, the channel  13  may have a radiused axial sectional shape configured to receive a generally radiused upper end of the course of siding. In still other embodiments, the channel  13  can have a first axial sectional shape and an upper end of the course of siding can have a second axial sectional shape that is not complementary to the first axial sectional shape. For example, the axial sectional shapes may include rectilinear, curvilinear, trapezoidal, symmetric and asymmetric shapes. See, e.g.,  FIG. 10 . 
         [0040]    Embodiments of the channel  13  may be configured to contact at least two lines or surfaces of the upper end  23  of the course of siding  21 . In other embodiments, the channel  13  may be configured to contact three lines or surfaces of the upper end  23  of the course of siding  21 . The channel  13  can be an uppermost portion of the siding product  11 , such that all other portions of the siding product  11  may be located below the channel  13 , including the lip  17 , the rainscreen  31 , the second end  39  and the flare  37 . 
         [0041]    In some versions, the lip  17  has a width W ( FIG. 6 ) for supporting the upper course of siding  25  ( FIG. 3 ). For example, the width W can be at least about 0.06 inches, such as at least about 0.09 inches, or even at least about 0.12 inches. 
         [0042]    In still other embodiments, a siding product can include a siding board  21  and a siding accessory  11  mounted to the siding board. The siding accessory  11  may be configured as described herein. In some versions, the siding accessory  11  can be molded, embedded or extruded with the siding board  21 . In another version, the siding board  21  may include at least one of wood, wood strands, wood fiber, fiber cement, oriented strand board and a composite material. In an embodiment, the siding accessory  11  can extend from the siding board  21  and may have at least a portion located inside an interior of the siding board  21 . In other embodiments, the siding accessory  11  can be mounted only to an exterior of the siding board  21 . The siding accessory  11  can be bonded to the exterior of the siding board  21 . In another version, the channel  13  can have a first axial sectional shape and an upper end  23  of the course of siding  21  can have has a second axial sectional shape that is either complementary to or not complementary to the first axial sectional shape. 
         [0043]    Some embodiments may include one or more of the following items: 
         [0044]    Item 1. A siding accessory, comprising: 
         [0045]    a channel having an axis that defines an axial direction, and an axial length configured to receive an upper end of a course of siding; 
         [0046]    a lip extending in the axial direction and formed on a first end of the channel, and the lip is configured to support an upper course of siding thereon; 
         [0047]    a rainscreen extending from the channel opposite the lip, and the rainscreen is configured to contact a support structure and separate the channel from the support structure; and 
         [0048]    a plurality of weep holes formed in the rainscreen and configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. 
         [0049]    Item 2. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel has a U-shape or C-shape. 
         [0050]    Item 3. The siding accessory of item  1 , wherein the siding accessory does not have a fastener hem. 
         [0051]    Item 4. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein further comprising a fastener aperture formed in the channel. 
         [0052]    Item 5. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel does not have a fastener aperture formed therein. 
         [0053]    Item 6. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the lip is non-planar, or wherein the lip is curvilinear. 
         [0054]    Item 7. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the lip forms an angle with respect to a wall of the channel at the first end of the channel, and the angle is in a range of about 70 degrees to about 95 degrees. 
         [0055]    Item 8. The siding accessory of item  1 , wherein the lip has an outer surface that is configured to support the upper course of siding, and the lip is located only on an outer surface of the upper source of siding, such that the lip does not extend into the upper course of siding. 
         [0056]    Item 9. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the axial length is at least about 1 foot, at least about 2 feet, at least about 4 feet, at least about 6 feet, at least about 8 feet, at least about 10 feet, or at least about 12 feet, and the axial length is not greater than about 20 feet, or not greater than about 15 feet. 
         [0057]    Item 10. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel and the lip each have an axial length of at least about 1 foot. 
         [0058]    Item 11. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the rainscreen has an axial length of at least about 1 foot, and the weep holes are smaller than the rainscreen. 
         [0059]    Item 12. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the siding accessory comprises a polymer, wherein the siding accessory consists exclusively of a polymer, wherein the siding accessory comprises polyvinylchloride (PVC). 
         [0060]    Item 13. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the siding accessory does not comprise a metallic material. 
         [0061]    Item 14. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein each weep hole has an axial length of at least about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches. 
         [0062]    Item 15. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the rainscreen is located between a closed end of the channel and the lip. 
         [0063]    Item 16. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the weep holes in the rainscreen are configured to be larger than heads of siding fasteners, such that the weep holes are configured to be incapable of supporting siding fasteners. 
         [0064]    Item 17. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel substantially extends in a first plane of reference, and the rainscreen substantially extends in a second plane of reference that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane of reference. 
         [0065]    Item 18. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel substantially extends in a first plane of reference, and the weep holes substantially extend in a second plane of reference that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane of reference. 
         [0066]    Item 19. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the rainscreen comprises a rainscreen channel having a plurality of walls, and the weep holes extend through each of the plurality of walls. 
         [0067]    Item 20. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the lip extends outward from the first end of the channel, and the channel has a second end with a flare that extends in the axial direction and outward from the channel substantially opposite the lip. 
         [0068]    Item 21. The siding accessory of item 20, wherein the rainscreen is located between an upper end of the channel and the flare. 
         [0069]    Item 22. The siding accessory of item 20, wherein the flare is larger than the lip. 
         [0070]    Item 23. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel and the lip each have a continuous and uninterrupted length in the axial direction. 
         [0071]    Item 24. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channels have apertures that are in fluid communication with the weep holes. 
         [0072]    Item 25. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the axial length extends in an x-direction, a depth of the channel extends in a y-direction that is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction, and a width of the channel extends in a z-direction that is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction and the y-direction, and the axial length exceeds the depth. 
         [0073]    Item 26. The siding accessory of item 25, wherein depth exceeds the width. 
         [0074]    Item 27. The siding accessory of item 25, wherein a depth of the rainscreen in the y-direction is less than a width of the rainscreen. 
         [0075]    Item 28. The siding accessory of item 25, wherein a depth of the rainscreen in the y-direction is less than both the depth of the channel and the width of the channel. 
         [0076]    Item 29. The siding accessory of item 25, wherein a width of the rainscreen in the z-direction is substantially similar to the width of the channel. 
         [0077]    Item 30. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the rainscreen is elongated and extends in the axial direction. 
         [0078]    Item 31. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the rainscreen comprises a plurality of protrusions. 
         [0079]    Item 32. The siding accessory of item 31, wherein the plurality of protrusions extend from the channel opposite the lip. 
         [0080]    Item 33. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel, lip and rainscreen form a continuous and unitary structure. 
         [0081]    Item 34. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel has a substantially rectangular axial sectional shape configured to receive a generally rectangular upper end of the course of siding. 
         [0082]    Item 35. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel has a radiused axial sectional shape configured to receive a generally radiused upper end of the course of siding. 
         [0083]    Item 36. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel has a first axial sectional shape and an upper end of the course of siding has a second axial sectional shape that is not complementary to the first axial sectional shape. 
         [0084]    Item 37. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel is configured to contact at least two lines or surfaces of the upper end of the course of siding. 
         [0085]    Item 38. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the channel is an uppermost portion of the siding product, such that all other portions of the siding product are located below the channel. 
         [0086]    Item 39. The siding accessory of item 1, wherein the lip has a width for supporting the upper course of siding, and the width is at least about 0.06 inches, at least about 0.09 inches, or at least about 0.12 inches. 
         [0087]    Item 40. The siding accessory of item 4, wherein the rainscreen is located between the fastener aperture and a top of the channel. 
         [0088]    Item 41. A siding product, comprising:
       a siding board; and       
 
         [0090]    a siding accessory mounted to the siding board; the siding accessory comprising: 
         [0091]    a channel having an axis that defines an axial direction and an axial length, the channel receiving a portion of the siding board; 
         [0092]    a lip extending in the axial direction and formed on a first end of the channel, the lip being configured to support an upper course of siding board thereon; 
         [0093]    a rainscreen extending from the channel opposite the lip, the rainscreen being configured to contact a support structure and separate the channel from the support structure; and 
         [0094]    a plurality of weep holes formed in the rainscreen and configured to permit fluid flow therethrough. 
         [0095]    Item 42. The siding product of item 41, wherein the siding accessory is molded, embedded or extruded with the siding. 
         [0096]    Item 43. The siding product of item 41, wherein the siding board comprises at least one of wood, wood strands, wood fiber, fiber cement, oriented strand board and a composite material. 
         [0097]    Item 44. The siding product of item 41, wherein the siding accessory extends from the siding board and has at least a portion located inside an interior of the siding board. 
         [0098]    Item 45. The siding product of item 41, wherein the siding accessory is mounted only to an exterior of the siding board. 
         [0099]    Item 46. The siding accessory of item 45, wherein the siding accessory is bonded to the exterior of the siding board. 
         [0100]    Item 47. The siding product of item 41, wherein the channel has a first axial sectional shape and an upper end of the course of siding has a second axial sectional shape that is either complementary to or not complementary to the first axial sectional shape. 
         [0101]    This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
         [0102]    Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. 
         [0103]    In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention. 
         [0104]    As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
         [0105]    Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
         [0106]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. 
         [0107]    After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.