System for and Method of Measuring Custom Fit Stove Top Covers

A stove top cover for a stove is described herein. The stove top cover can include a top surface and a bottom surface. The stove top can further include a cutout extending through the top surface and the bottom surface having a periphery that defines the cutout. Still further, the stove top cover can include a flange formed on the top surface that extends around the periphery of the cutout and projects outwardly from the top surface to a height and extends inwardly a distance toward an edge of a burner of the stove top. A method for providing the sizing and manufacture of the stove top cover provides for its customization to an individual user's stove top. The stove top cover included cutout extending around the periphery of the stove top, and forms individual orifices sized and positioned to accommodate each individual burner of the stove top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to stove top covers and, more particularly, to a system for and method of measuring for a custom fit stove top cover.

2. Description of the Related Art

When cooking a food or a liquid on a stove top, spills, leaks, drips, and the like are inevitable. The food or the liquid can fall onto a burner, get trapped under a grate, travel to other portions of the stove top, or migrate from the stove top onto other portions of a kitchen such as a countertop, a cabinet, or a floor. The food or the liquid can cause various issues, such as burdensome cleanup, staining, and contamination. Furthermore, upon use of the stove top, the surface of the stove top can become extremely hot causing injury to a person in proximity or in contact with the stove top, or damage to objects placed on or around the stove top.

As indicated in the Related Art, a cover is provided which is configured to engage a stove top which comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a border coupled to the top surface that extends around an outer perimeter of the cover and projects outwardly from the top surface. Such a cover comprises a cutout extending through the top surface and the bottom surface having a periphery that defines the cutout, wherein the cutout is configured to surround a burner of the stove top. Further included is a flange coupled to the top surface that extends around the periphery of the cutout and projects outwardly from the top surface to a height and extends inwardly a distance toward an edge of a burner of the stove top. In an alternate configuration of the stop top cover of the Related Art, the flange coupled to the top surface that  extends around the periphery of the cutout and projects outwardly from the top surface to a height and extends inwardly a distance toward an edge of a burner of the stove top, wherein the distance the flange extends inwardly is such that the flange covers a portion of the burner.

In any configuration, such stove top covers function best when sized to be fittingly installed to a particular stove top. However, many stove configurations exist or may exist in the future such that it may be difficult for a stove owner to identify a properly sized cover for their individual stove top. Consequently, a need exists for a system for and method of to allow for the easy measuring of a stove top for purposes of providing a selected configuration stove top cover or a custom fit stove top cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a system for measuring custom fit stove top covers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for measuring custom fit stove top covers.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a measuring kit and measuring guide to allow for the measuring of a stove top for identifying a custom fit stove top cover.

Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the  present invention, a method for providing the sizing and manufacture of a stove top cover for a stove is described herein that is customized to an individual user's stove top. The stove top cover included cutout extending around the periphery of the stove top, and forms individual orifices sized and positioned to accommodate each individual burner of the stove top.

It is an advantage of the present invention to facilitate the easy identification and specification of a user's stove top in order to provide a custom fit stove top cover.

Further objects, features, elements and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

The structures illustrated in the drawings include examples of the elements recited in the claims. The illustrated structures thus include examples of how a person of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the claimed  invention. These examples are described to meet the enablement and best mode requirements of the patent statue without imposing limitations that are not recited in the claims. One or more of the elements of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or as a substitute for, one or more elements of another as needed for any particular implementation of the examples described herein.

The disclosure generally relates to a stove top cover. In some examples, the stove top cover can be constructed of one or more formable materials having one or more properties. The one or more materials can include, but are not limited to, fire retardant materials, fire resistant materials, heat resistant materials, wear resistant materials, scratch resistant materials, non-adhering materials, stain resistant materials, non-permeable materials, rigid materials, and elastic materials. The stove top cover can include a base, which can be fabricated to be geometrically and dimensionally commensurate with a stove top, wherein the stove top can include, but is not limited to, a gas stove top, an electric stove top and an induction stove top. In some examples, the stove top cover can further include one or more cutouts through which at least a portion of a burner of a stove can extend.

In an example, a portion of the base surrounding the one or more cutouts can be substantially fabricated of one or more of the fire retardant materials, the fire resistant materials, and the heat resistant materials to define a fire and heat adverse band. In other examples, one or more remaining portions  of the base can be fabricated of the one or more of fire retardant materials, fire resistant materials, and heat resistant materials. The stove top cover can further include a border to help shield an outer rim of the stove top from adulteration and to aid in retaining food and/or liquid within the boundaries of the stove top cover.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict an example of a stove top cover100. The stove top cover100can be configured to couple with a surface of a stove top. The stove top can include, but is not limited to, a gas stove top, an electric stove top, and an induction stove top having one or a plurality of burners.

The stove top cover100can be fabricated of one or one formable material having one or more properties. The one or more properties of the materials can include, but are not limited to, fire retardation, fire resistance, heat resistance, wear resistance, scratch resistance, adhering resistance, stain resistance, non-permeability, rigidity, and elasticity. As such, the stove top cover100can be fabricated to include, but is not limited to, one or more of fire retardant materials, fire resistant materials, heat resistant materials, wear resistant materials, scratch resistant materials, non-adhering materials, stain resistant materials, non-permeable materials, rigid materials, and elastic materials. In an example, the stove top cover100can be fabricated to include one or more of silicon, polyvinyl fluoride, Teflon coated fiberglass, and aluminum.

By fabricating the stove top cover100from the one or more materials described herein, the stove top cover100has particular advantages  over existing stove top covers. For example, when the stove top cover100is placed on the surface of the stove top, the stove top cover100will not become excessively hot and/or damaged, e.g., from an open flame or other heat produced by the burner or radiating from the stove top. Thus, the stove top cover100can provide safe surface conditions to help prevent or reduce the opportunity for burns or other high-temperature affiliated injuries to a person in contact or in proximity to the stove top, or damage to objects in contact or in proximity to the stove top. As an example, the stove top cover100can provide space for food preparation such that food, cookware, dishes and the like can rest on the stove top cover100without melting, burning, or otherwise becoming damaged from heat produced by the stove top. Similarly, as the stove top cover100is scratch-resistant, blades can be used on the stove top cover100to cut, slice or any other manner of dissecting food without damaging the stove top cover100. Even further, in some examples, the stove top cover100can help slow or stop the spread of fire such as in the occurrence of a kitchen fire.

In another example, the stove top cover100can provide surface conditions that simplify cleaning of the stove top cover100by preventing boiling, solidification, baking, congealing, scorching, hardening or adhering of food or liquid on the stove top cover100. In other examples, the stove top cover100is stain resistant such that food and liquids generally do not cause discoloration of the stove top cover100. In an even further example, the stove top cover100is  impermeable such that any food or liquid cannot seep through to the surface of the stove top.

The stove top cover100can include a base120. The base120can include a top surface125, a bottom surface130that directly opposes the top surface125and an outer perimeter135. The base120can cover the surface of the stove top to provide a barrier against adulteration, such as food or liquids. In other examples, the base120can function as a shield and protect the surface of the stove top from scratches, wear, and other adverse effects that can be caused by persons and the surrounding environment. The outer perimeter135can define an outer boundary of the base120.

In an example, the base120can be fabricated to be geometrically and dimensionally commensurate with a geometry (e.g., a polygon, an ellipse, a customized geometry, an amorphous geometry, etc.) and dimensions of the surface of the stove top. In other examples, the base120can be of any geometry and any dimensions, irrespective Of the geometry and dimensions of the surface of the stove top. For example, the base120can be constructed to correspond to a geometry and dimensions of a single burner of the stove top in the event the single burner alone is used for cooking. In another example, the base120can be fabricated to correspond to a geometry and dimensions of a half of the stove top or any other portion of the stove top. In an even further example, the base120can be constructed to have any geometry and  dimensions, notwithstanding the geometry and dimensions of a burner or a portion of the stove top.

In some examples, the base120can be fabricated as a unitary piece. In other examples, the base120can be constructed to include a plurality of pieces. In examples where the base120includes a plurality of pieces, each piece can include a plurality of perimeter edges that can define a geometry and dimensions of the piece. Each of the plurality of pieces can include one or more coupling mechanisms disposed on one or more of the perimeter edges. The coupling mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, magnets, snap fit joints, including annular, cantilever, or torsional snap fit joints, mechanical fasteners, mounting bosses, lips and grooves, pins, and the like. The coupling mechanisms of one piece can be configured to couple to the coupling mechanisms of adjacent pieces to partially or cumulatively form the base120. In an example where the plurality of pieces utilize snap fit joints, the plurality of pieces can have sufficient stiffness, such as through material composition or material thickness, to achieve snap fitting. The plurality of pieces can be coupled together such that a seal can be created between each of the plurality of pieces, making the stove top cover100one of airtight and substantially airtight, such that any liquid or food is precluded from pervading and/or seeping through the base120to the surface and/or burner of the stove top when the stove top cover100is in use.

The base120can further include an opening (not shown inFIGS. 1and2). The opening can include one of a vent, a channel and a passageway. The opening can provide a pathway for heat and/or moisture generated by the stove top to the surrounding environment while covering the stove top. In other examples, where the surface of the stove top includes paint, the opening can prevent heat and/or moisture produced by the stove top from causing the paint to peel, crack, or lift away from the stove top while the base120is covering the stove top.

The base120can further include a reservoir (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). in some examples, the base120can include a single reservoir. In other examples, the base120can include a plurality of reservoirs. The reservoir can be located on the top surface125of the base120. In some examples, the reservoir can be located at any location on the top surface125of the base. In other examples, the reservoir can be oriented to surround at least one of a cutout160of the base120. Each reservoir can project downwardly from the top surface125toward the bottom surface130of the base120, creating an indentation on the top surface125for capturing and containing liquids and food. The top surface125of the base120can include a gradient to direct liquids to the reservoir. Each reservoir can be shaped as a trench, a pit, or have any topography suitable for capturing and containing liquids.

The base120can further include a cutout160.FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a stove top cover100having four cutouts160in the base120.  However, the base120can include one of a single cutout160and a plurality of cutouts160. The cutout160can extend through the top surface125and the bottom surface130of the base120to create a hole in the base120. The cutout160can include a periphery165that can define a geometry and dimensions of the cutout160. A position of the cutout160on the base120can correspond to a position of a burner of the stove top. In examples having a plurality of cutouts160, a position of each of the plurality of cutouts160on the base120can correspond to one of a plurality of burners on a stove top.

In some examples, where the stove top includes a gas stove top, the geometry and dimensions of the cutout160can be commensurate with a geometry and dimensions of a burner of the gas stove top, such that the cutout160can encompass a burner, yet permit the burner to extend through the cutout160and properly function. In other examples, where the stove top includes an electric stove top having one or more burners including coils, the geometry and dimensions of the cutout160can be commensurate with a geometry and dimensions of a burner of the electric stove top, such that the cutout160can encompass the burner, yet permit the burner to extend through the cutout160and properly function. In even further examples, where the stove top includes an induction stove top, the geometry and dimensions of the cutout160can be commensurate with a geometry and dimensions of a burner of the induction stove top, such that the cutout160can encompass the burner, yet permit the  burner to extend through the cutout160and properly function. In any of the foregoing examples, the cutout160can be any geometry and any dimensions regardless of the geometry and dimensions of the burner, however, such that it does not interfere with function of the burner. The geometry of the cutout160can include, but is not limited to, a polygon, an ellipse, a customized geometry or an amorphous geometry.

In some examples, the base120can include a flange170coupled to a portion of the top surface125encompassing the cutout160. In other examples, the base120can include a plurality of flanges170, wherein each flange170is coupled to a portion of the top surface125encompassing one cutout160.

Specifically, the flange170can extend around the periphery165of the cutout160, and project upwardly (i.e. project perpendicularly or at an angle) from the top surface125to a height. Subsequently, the flange170can extend inwardly (i.e., so as to decrease a diameter of an aperture created by the flange170) a distance toward an edge of a burner of a stove top, creating a lip of the flange. In one example, the flange170can extend inwardly so as to leave a peripheral gap around a cap or a coil of the burner so as to not interfere with a flame or heat produced by the burner. In another example, the flange170can extend inwardly so as to partially or substantially enclose and/or cover a portion of a burner, yet not interfere with a flame or heat produced by the burner. The  flange170can provide greater coverage of the surface of the stove top for enhanced protection of the stove top from adulteration and to further help prevent heat-related injuries and damage to a person or an object.

In further examples, the cutout160can include a plurality of flanges170. In one example, a second flange170can extend around a top surface of the flange170and project outwardly from the top surface of the flange170to a second height and extend inwardly a second distance (creating a second lip) toward the edge of the burner or cover the burner as described above. In another example, a third flange170can extend around a top surface of the second flange170and project outwardly from the top surface of the second flange170to a third height and extend inwardly a third distance (creating a third lip) toward the edge of the burner or cover the burner as described above.

In some examples, the flange170or plurality of flanges170can be formed as part of the base120, such as by molding the base120and the flange170or plurality of flanges170together through injection molding, thermoforming, or any other appropriate molding technique. In other examples, the flange170or plurality of flanges170can be collectively fabricated as discrete pieces from the base120, each having a perimeter edge including one or more coupling mechanisms disposed on the perimeter edge so as to couple with one or more coupling mechanisms of the base120or to other flanges170. The coupling mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, magnets, magnets, snap fit  joints, including annular, cantilever, or torsional snap fit joints, mechanical fasteners, mounting bosses, lips and grooves and pins. In an example of the flange170, or the plurality of flanges170, and the base120utilizing snap fit joints, each can have sufficient stiffness, such as through material composition or material thickness, to achieve snap fitting.

The stove top cover100can further include a border140. The border140can be coupled to the outer perimeter135of the top surface125of the base120, encasing the base120. Further, the border140can project outwardly from the top surface125of the base120. As such, the border140can help contain liquids and/or foods within the outer perimeter135of the base120. For example, if a large volume of food and/or liquid spills onto the base120, the border140can aid in prohibiting the food and/or liquid from going outside or underneath the stove top cover100, thereby shielding the top surface and/or burner of the stove top from adulteration. In some examples, the border140can be free-standing, meaning that because a stove top is convex rather than concave, the border140is rigid enough to remain erect without the support of an outside rim of the stove top. In other examples, the border140can include an outside surface150that couples to a surface of an outside rim of the stove top. The outside surface150of the border140can overlay the surface of the outside rim of the stove top. Further, the border140can include an inside surface155that directly opposes the outside surface and faces toward the stove top.

In some examples, the border140can be fabricated to be geometrically and dimensionally commensurate with a geometry and dimensions of one of an outer perimeter (i.e., a convex stove top) and an outside rim (i.e., a concave stove top) of a stove top. For instance, the border140can have a height defined as a distance from the top surface125of the base120to an outermost point of the border140. In some examples, the height of the border140can be one of commensurate with a height of the outside rim of the stove top or greater than or less than the height of the outside rim of the stove top. In other examples, the border140can be any geometry and any dimensions regardless of the geometry and dimensions of the outer perimeter or outside rim of the stove top.

In examples where the border140projects outwardly from the top surface125of the base120, the border140can project at a 90 degree angle relative to the top surface125. In another example, the border140can project outwardly from the top surface125at an angle commensurate with an angle of the surface of the outside rim of the stove top. In a further example, the border140can project outwardly from the top surface125at any angle relative to the top surface125. In an even further example, the angle at which the border140can project outwardly from the top surface125of the base120can be adjustable to accommodate a user's needs or another stove top.

In some examples, the border140can include sides and corners.  A side of the border140can correspond to a side of the base120. A corner of the border140can correspond to a corner of the base120. The corners of the border140can include a shape, defining a contour of the corner, including but not limited to, a geometry that is square, chamfered, beveled, filleted, or angled. Each corner can have a same or a different contour relative to any other corner.

In an example, the border140can be fabricated as a unitary piece. In another example, the border140can be fabricated to include a plurality of pieces. Where the border140includes a plurality of pieces, the border140can include discrete corners and side pieces. The plurality of pieces can be coupled together to form the border140. Each of the plurality of pieces can include one or more coupling mechanisms for coupling the plurality of pieces together to form the border140. The coupling mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, snap fit joints, including annular, cantilever, or torsional snap fit joints, mechanical fasteners, mounting bosses, lips, grooves, and pins. The coupling mechanisms of one piece can be configured to couple to the coupling mechanisms of adjacent pieces to partially or cumulatively form the border140. In an example where the plurality of pieces utilize snap fit joints, the plurality of pieces can have sufficient stiffness, such as through material composition or material thickness, to achieve snap fitting. In a further example, the border140can be formed as part of the base120, such as by molding the base120and the border140together through injection molding, thermoforming or any other  suitable molding technique.

In some examples, the base120and/or the border140described herein can be formed from a single material layer or a plurality of material layers. In an example, the base120can include a single material layer, which can include the top surface125and the bottom surface130. In another example, the base120can include a plurality of material layers where a first material layer can include the top surface125and a second material layer can include the bottom surface130. In a further example, the base120can include a plurality of material layers where a first material layer can include the top surface125, a second material layer can include the bottom surface130, and one or more intermediate material layers can be oriented between the first and the second material layers.

Referring to the border140, in an example, the border140can include a single material layer, which can include the outside surface150and the inside surface155. In another example, the border140can include a plurality of material layers where a first material layer can include the outside surface150and a second material layer can include the inside surface155. In a further example, the border140can include the plurality of material layers where a first material layer that can include the outside surface150, a second material layer can include the inside surface155and one or more intermediate materials layers can be oriented between the first and the second materials layers. In  examples where the base120and/or the border140includes a plurality of material layers, the material layers can be coupled together by any process or technique appropriate and effective for coupling the materials.

In some examples, where the base120and/or the border140includes a plurality of layers, each layer can include one or more of a fire retardant material, a fire resistant material, a heat resistant material, a non-permeable material, a wear resistant material, a scratch-resistant material, a non-adhering material, a stain resistant material, a rigid material, and an elastic material. In an example, a degree of a fire retardation, fire resistance, heat resistance, non-permeability, durability, non-adhesion, stain-resistance, rigidity, and elasticity of each layer can vary relative to each other. In another example, a degree of the foregoing properties of each layer can be substantially the same relative to each other. In a further example, a degree of the aforementioned properties of some layers can be substantially the same, while the degrees of such properties of other layers can vary.

In some examples, where the base120and/or the border140include a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers can have substantially similar thicknesses. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the plurality of layers can have thicknesses that can vary relative to each other.

More specifically,FIGS. 1 and 2show an example of the stove top cover100in a first condition. In the first condition, the stove top cover100can  be releasably coupled to the surface of the stove top, such that the stove top cover100can be easily and efficiently removed from the surface of the stove top when desired. In some examples, the bottom surface130of the stove top cover100can overlay the top surface of the stove, and the outside surface150of the border140can overlay the surface of the outside rim of the surface of the stove top. The stove top cover100can contour and conform to a topography of the surface and the burners of the stove top. In some examples, a position of the stove top cover100on the top surface of the stove can be maintained via coupling mechanisms coupled to the stove top cover100along the bottom surface130of the base120and the outside surface150of the border140. The coupling mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, magnets, elastics, adhering materials, and/or any other mechanism suitable for maintaining the position of the stove top cover100.

Alternatively, the stove top cover100can be arranged in a second condition (not shown). In the second condition, the stove top cover100can be rolled compactly in any direction. In another example, the stove top cover100can also be folded compactly as desired. The stove top cover100can include a means for retaining the second condition including, but not limited to, magnets, fasteners, Velcro®, and clasps. The second condition can be useful to store, transport, or clean the stove top cover100or any other purpose. Generally, the stove top cover100is washable, portable and reusable as needed.

Furthermore, where the stove top cover100includes a plurality of pieces, the stove top cover100can be arranged in a third condition (not shown). In the third condition, the stove top cover100can be partially or completely assembled or disassembled. In some examples, the third condition can be suitable for cleaning, dishwashing, transporting, storing, or any other purpose.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

In operation, the stove top cover100must first be sized for form fitting or custom fitting to an individual's specific stove top. As shown inFIG. 3, a measuring kit200is shown use in a system for and method of measuring custom fit stove top covers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such a kit200includes a set of four (4) flexible measuring tapes202. The kit200is thereby utilized with a method for measuring custom fit stove top covers. Shown in conjunction withFIG. 5, STEP1of the method for measuring custom fit stove top covers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention requires removal of any grates from the stove top in order to prevent obstruction to the stove upper surface. Referring toFIG. 6a, the measuring tapes202are positioned about the stove upper surface206as shown in STEP2, with a flexible measuring tape202placed laterally about the surface near a proximal edge204and a distal edge206, with the remaining two flexible measuring tapes202positioned perpendicular to the proximal and distal edges204,206respectively in a parallel manner bounding any center burner area210. The flexible measuring tapes202are positioned flat with the measuring indicia203are face up, with zero point of the positioned along the left edge208for the proximal and distal edges and the zero point positioned along the proximal edge for the perpendicular tapes. It may be preferred for the measuring tapes202to be laid as flat as possible. Further, if any measuring tape is too long is may be trimmed with a scissors to fit.

Referring now toFIG. 6b, the positioning of the tape measures of STEP2is shown in an alternate method as shown for cook top configuration.

Referring now toFIG. 7throughFIG. 12, the remaining steps for the method for measuring custom fit stove top covers is shown. In STEP3through STEP8the user may take use a camera or smart phone having a camera function to acquire pictures of the stove top having the measuring tapes in place. The user may take five (5) photos, including of the entire stove top (STEP3), the front left burner (STEP4), the front right burner (STEP5), the right rear burner (STEP6), the rear left burner (STEP7) and the center burner (STEP8). It is preferred, but not essential, that the images be taken as level as possible.

Referring now toFIG. 13, the user then sends the photos by one or more emails to the manufacturer (STEP9) with resolution as “actual size” and at the highest resolution possible. The user may alternately include an image of  the stove model number tag, if available, normally found on the top edge of the door or top edge of a broiler drawer. When all the images are emailed, a paper cutout “proof” may be generated and forwarded to the user.

A paper proof300is thereby created (FIG. 4) and forwarded to the use. Once the user receives the proof300, as shown inFIG. 15through FIG. XX the user again removes the grates (STEP10) and place the paper proof300onto the stove400(STEP11) by unrolling the paper proof and placing on the stovetop. As shown in conjunction withFIG. 16throughFIG. 21. The user then uses the camera or cell pone to take pictures, repeating STEP3through STEP8, namely, the user may take five (5) additional photos with paper proof300in place, including of the entire stove top (STEP12), the front left burner (STEP13), the front right burner (STEP14), the right rear burner (STEP15), the rear left burner (STEP16) and the center burner (STEP17). It is preferred, but not essential, that the images be taken as level as possible.

Referring now toFIG. 22, the user then sends the second grouping of five (5) images by one or more emails to the manufacturer (STEP18) with resolution as “actual size” and at the highest resolution possible.

With final images of the paper proof300in place, the manufacturer may then manufacture the stove top cover in a manner that is custom fitted to the selected stove top, using the final five (5) images in order to make final adjustments that may be needed as shown between the paper proof300and the  selected stove top. The final custom manufactured stove top cover may be then shipped to the user in a package, where the package may have overall dimensions not to exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.

What have been described above are examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. Thus, a stove top cover can be fabricated to accommodate different makes and models of stove tops to account for different stove top sizes, number of burners, type of burners, and the like.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the  above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is in no way to be limited only by any adverse inference under the rulings of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US 17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), or other similar caselaw or subsequent precedent should not be made if any future claims are added or amended subsequent to this Patent Application.