Post-tension tendon pocket former with a ribbed formwork securing mechanism and method of use thereof

A post-tension tendon pocket former includes a pocket section, a formwork securing mechanism and an anchor securing mechanism. The pocket section is configured to create a pocket in an edge of concrete. The pocket section includes a first end and a second end. The formwork securing mechanism connected to the second end of the pocket section. The formwork securing mechanism is configured to secure the second end of the pocket section to a formwork. The anchor securing mechanism is connected to the first end of the pocket section. The anchor securing mechanism is configured to secure the first end of the pocket section to an anchor. The pocket section, formwork securing mechanism and anchor securing mechanism are integrally formed to create a one-piece pocket former. Whereby, the post-tension tendon pocket former is configured so secure and align the anchor to the formwork.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to post-tension concrete structures and means and methods for the installation of the post-tension tendons or cables used therein. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to usage of a tendon pocket former with a ribbed formwork securing mechanism that secures, and aligns the anchor in one step to the formwork, and a method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Post-tensioned concrete is a variant of pre-stressed concrete where the tendons or cables are tensioned after the surrounding concrete structure has been cast. Construction of post-tensioned slabs on grade is very similar to using reinforcing steel, except for the tensioning step. Cables are arranged as indicated by the engineer and typically chaired to run through the center of the slab. For residential construction, tendons at 48 inches on center are common. Commercial foundations will have much more steel. Tendons can be easily routed around obstructions.

A residential post-tensioned concrete slab will typically be 8 inches thick and use 3000 psi concrete. Once the concrete has gained strength to 2000 psi, typically within the 3 to 10 days recommended by PTI, the tendons are stressed.

Tendons today are seven high-strength steel wires wound together and placed inside a plastic duct. At each end of the tendons, a post tension anchor is positioned for securing the cable or tendon and to distribute tensile force into the concrete by applying tension to the tendons. One end of the cable tendons requires a pocket to be formed so that stressing equipment can access the anchor for force application and wedge seating operations. When the strands are stressed, the tendons will stretch—about 4 inches for a 50 foot strand—to apply 33,000 pounds of load. Stressing of post-tension tendons is a dangerous job that requires a lot of skill and is typically only done by qualified workers. After stressing, the tendon is cut off and a grease cap is installed in encapsulated systems to create a watertight seal and then the pockets are filled with non-shrink grout to protect them from corrosion.

Larger structural concrete members may also be post-tensioned, especially in bridges and floors and beams in parking structures. The process is very similar to that used for slabs, except on a bigger scale. One interesting difference is that the tendons will often be “draped” so that they are low at the midpoint of a beam and high at the support, which places the steel at the point of highest tension where it can keep the concrete held together tightly. In multi-strand applications, with structural members the duct is often grouted full following stressing to bond the strand to the concrete along its entire length. When the duct is fully grouted, the combined duct, grout and tendons are called bonded tendons. On the other hand, in mono-strand applications, the duct is normally not grouted. Unbonded tendons, like those used in residential slabs and commercial low rise buildings, remain free to move within the duct and are protected from corrosion by grease.

Post-tension tendon placement and stressing is usually done by companies with certified workers who specialize in this work. Current pocket formers for post tension cables only provide a small alignment ring for the anchor to plywood connection. This requires the user to hold the anchor in alignment and secure it using nails or screws. Holding the anchor, nail and a hammer is difficult in open situations but even harder in tight spaces, such as beams and columns with rebar. Others have used a threaded mandrel and nut that secures the anchor to the plywood formwork, but this still requires two people in areas where the opposing side of the formwork is not easily accessible. The mandrel approach also requires multiple pieces which makes it cumbersome.

As such, currently the pocket former and anchor assembly require nails or screws to hold the assembly in place during tendon installation and concrete placement. The installation of nails into the plywood is difficult because of rigidity, and having to hold everything at one time. In addition, the use of nails only typically results in some back-outs of the assembly (ring shank nails may be used to limit this possibility), which takes constant supervision and time to deal with. Screws make this easier, but can make removal of the forms much more difficult, as the form has to be ripped off the head of the screws due to the head of the screws being buried in the concrete (i.e. the screws can not be unscrewed). As a result, both screws and nails are difficult to install and require extensions and creative methods when rebar is installed before the tendons are installed. Therefore, there is clearly a need to provide a means and method for faster and easier installation of the pocket former and anchor assembly with post-tension cables.

The instant disclosure is designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a tendon pocket former with a ribbed formwork securing mechanism and a method of use thereof.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure embraces a post-tension tendon pocket former. The post-tension tendon pocket former may include a pocket section, a formwork securing mechanism and an anchor securing mechanism. The pocket section may be configured to create a pocket in an edge of concrete. The pocket section may include a first end and a second end. The formwork securing mechanism may be connected to the second end of the pocket section. The formwork securing mechanism may be configured to secure the second end of the pocket section to a formwork. The anchor securing mechanism may be connected to the first end of the pocket section. The anchor securing mechanism may be configured to secure the first end of the pocket section to an anchor.

In select embodiments of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former, the pocket section, formwork securing mechanism and anchor securing mechanism may be integrally formed. As such, the integral formation of the components of the post-tension tendon pocket former may create a one-piece pocket former.

One feature of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former may be that it can be configured so secure and align the anchor to the formwork.

In select embodiments of the post-tension tendon pocket former, the formwork securing mechanism may include an alignment shaft with formwork ribs. The alignment shaft with the formwork ribs may be configured to be inserted into a hole in the formwork. In select embodiments, the formwork ribs on the alignment shaft of the formwork securing mechanism may be angled towards the second end of the pocket section. Whereby the formwork ribs may be configured to prevent removal or backing out of the alignment shaft once inserted into the hole in the formwork. In other select embodiments, the formwork ribs on the alignment shaft of the formwork securing mechanism may be tapered. Whereby, the tapered formwork ribs may slightly deflect during insertion of the alignment shaft into the hole in the formwork. The alignment shaft may have an extended length that extends from the second end of the pocket section to a distal end. In select embodiments, the extended length of the alignment shaft may be sized to extend at least a thickness of the formwork. Whereby when the alignment shaft of the formwork securing mechanism is inserted through the hole in the formwork where the second end of the pocket section is aligned with an inner surface of the formwork, the distal end of the alignment shaft and at least one of the formwork ribs on the alignment shaft may extend beyond an outer surface of the formwork. The formwork securing mechanism may be configured to secure the second end of the pocket section to any type of formwork, including, but not limited to, a plywood formwork or a medium-density fiberboard formwork.

In select embodiments of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former, the anchor securing mechanism may include a small tapered section. The small tapered section may be connected to the first end of the pocket section. The small tapered section may be configured to be inserted into and secured in a tapered receiver of the anchor. The small tapered section may include a first set of anchor ribs on a proximal end of the small tapered section. In select embodiments, the first set of anchor ribs of the small tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be angled towards the first end of the pocket section, whereby the first set of anchor ribs are configured to prevent removal or backing out of the small tapered section from tapered receiver of the anchor. In other select embodiments, the first set of anchored ribs may be tapered, whereby, the first set of anchor ribs slightly deflect during insertion of the small tapered section into the tapered receiver of the anchor.

In other select embodiments of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former, the anchor securing mechanism may include a slight tapered section. The slight tapered section may be connected to the first end of the pocket section. The slight tapered section may be configured to seal to an internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor. A second set of anchor ribs may be included on the slight tapered section. In select embodiments, the second set of anchor ribs of the slight tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be angled towards the first end of the pocket section, whereby the second set of anchor ribs are configured to prevent removal or backing out of the slight tapered section from the internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor. In other select embodiments, the second set of anchor ribs of the slight tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be tapered, whereby, the second set of anchor ribs may slightly deflect during insertion of the slight tapered section into the internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor.

In another embodiment of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former, the anchor securing mechanism may include a slight tapered section and a small tapered section. The slight tapered section may be connected to the first end of the pocket section. The slight tapered section may be configured to seal to an internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor. The small tapered section may be connected to the slight tapered section. The small tapered section may be configured to be inserted into and secured in a tapered receiver of the anchor. The small tapered section may include a first set of anchor ribs on a proximal end of the small tapered section. A second set of anchor ribs may be included on the slight tapered section. In select embodiments, the first set of anchor ribs of the small tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be angled towards the first end of the pocket section, whereby the first set of anchor ribs are configured to prevent removal or backing out of the small tapered section from tapered receiver of the anchor. In other select embodiments, the first set of anchored ribs may be tapered, whereby, the first set of anchor ribs slightly deflect during insertion of the small tapered section into the tapered receiver of the anchor. In select embodiments, the second set of anchor ribs of the slight tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be angled towards the first end of the pocket section, whereby the second set of anchor ribs are configured to prevent removal or backing out of the slight tapered section from the internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor. In other select embodiments, the second set of anchor ribs of the slight tapered section of the anchor securing mechanism may be tapered, whereby, the second set of anchor ribs may slightly deflect during insertion of the slight tapered section into the internal anchor assembly seal area of the anchor.

In other select embodiments of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former, the pocket section may have a large tapered section. The large tapered section may be between the first end and the second end of the pocket section. The large tapered section may be configured to create the pocket in the edge of the concrete. The pocket created with the large tapered section may be configured to allow tension to be applied to a tendon connected to the anchor. In select embodiments, the large tapered section could also be increased or decreased in diameter and could be made in multiple shapes to allow cut-off tool access. In select embodiments, the large tapered section of the pocket section may include a hollow interior supported by a plurality of spokes. The hollow interior of the large tapered section of the pocket section may include any number of spokes, including, but not limited to, five spokes for supporting the hollow interior.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method of creating pockets in concrete for post-tension tendons. The instant method of creating pockets in concrete for post-tension tendons generally may include the step of providing the post-tension tendon pocket former in any of the various embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, the provided post-tension tendon pocket former may generally include a pocket section, a formwork securing mechanism and an anchor securing mechanism. The pocket section may be configured to create a pocket in an edge of concrete. The pocket section may include a first end and a second end. The formwork securing mechanism may be connected to the second end of the pocket section. The formwork securing mechanism may be configured to secure the second end of the pocket section to a formwork. The anchor securing mechanism may be connected to the first end of the pocket section. The anchor securing mechanism may be configured to secure the first end of the pocket section to an anchor. Wherein, using this provided post-tension pocket former, the method of creating pockets in concrete for post-tension tendons may also include forming a pocket in the edge of the concrete with the provided post-tension tendon pocket former.

In select embodiments of the instant method of creating pockets in concrete for post-tension tendons, the step of forming a pocket in the edge of the concrete with the provided post-tension tendon pocket former may also include: drilling at least one hole in the formwork at a desired position; attaching the formwork securing mechanism to the hole drilled in the formwork; attaching the anchor to the anchor securing mechanism; positioning the formwork in the desired location for the concrete; attaching a tendon to the anchor; pouring the concrete; waiting for the concrete to set; and removing the formwork from the edge of the concrete. Whereby, the post-tension pocket former remains attached to the formwork and pulls away from the anchor thereby creating the pocket in the edge of the concrete configured to allow tension to be applied to the tendon connected to the anchor, the cable to be cut, grease cap/corrosion protection installed, grout applied, the like, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-17, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-16, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus or method by providing of post-tension tendon pocket former10. Post-tension pocket former10may be for providing a one piece pocket former that secures, and aligns anchor28in one step to the formwork36, like plywood formwork56. As such, one feature of post-tension tendon pocket former10may be that it can be configured so secure and align anchor28to formwork36, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9-16. Post-tension pocket former10may designed to make it easy for a single man installation in a fraction of the time. Post-tension pocket former10may generally include pocket section12, formwork securing mechanism34and anchor securing mechanism60. Formwork securing mechanism34may be connected to second end22of pocket section12. As such, formwork securing mechanism34may be configured to secure second end22of pocket section12to formwork36. Anchor securing mechanism60may be connected to first end20of pocket section12. Anchor securing mechanism60may be configured to secure first end20of pocket section12to anchor28. These parts and their components and function will be described in greater detail below.

In select embodiments of post-tension tendon pocket former10, pocket section12, formwork securing mechanism34and anchor securing mechanism60may be integrally formed. As such, the integral formation of the components of post-tension tendon pocket former10may create one-piece pocket former82, as shown in the Figures. Specifically, referring toFIG. 4, as shown in this cross-section view of pocket former10, all components are created or formed together. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, post-tension tendon pocket former may be made out of high density plastic, which can be injection molded, 3D printed, or cast. In an alternative embodiment, one could make a mandrel with the ribs and make the disclosure 2 pieces.

Pocket section12may be included with post-tension pocket former10. Pocket section12may be for providing the space or material sized to create pocket14in edge16of concrete18. As such, pocket section12may be configured to create pocket14in edge16of concrete18. Pocket section12may include first end20and second end22. First end20may be adjacent or connected to formwork securing mechanism34. As such, first end20may provide the means or material for attaching formwork securing mechanism34to pocket section12. Second end22may be adjacent or connected to anchor securing mechanism60. As such, second end22may provide the means or material for attaching anchor securing mechanism60to pocket section12. In select embodiments, pocket section12may have large tapered section24. Large tapered section24may be between first end20and second end22of pocket section12. Large tapered section24may be configured to create pocket14in edge16of concrete18. Pocket14created with large tapered section24may be configured to allow tension to be applied to tendon26connected to anchor28. In select embodiments, large tapered section24could also be increased or decreased in diameter and could be made in multiple shapes to allow cut-off tool access. SeeFIGS. 6A-6F. Large tapered section24may be any desired size, shape and configuration for creating any desired size, shape and configuration of pocket14in edge16of concrete18. Referring now toFIGS. 6A-6F, various embodiments of shapes and sizes of large tapered section24are shown. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and these various embodiments of the shapes and sizes of large tapered section24are provided merely for examples. Referring specifically toFIG. 6A, a small sized large tapered section24is shown. Referring specifically toFIG. 6Ba medium sized large tapered section24is shown. Referring specifically toFIG. 6C, a large sized large tapered section24is shown. Referring specifically toFIG. 6D, an embodiment with no large tapered section is shown. Referring specifically toFIG. 6E, a small sized angled large tapered section24is shown, which may be used for creating smaller pockets14in angled edges16of concrete18. Finally, referring specifically toFIG. 6F, a large sized angled large tapered section24is shown, which may be used for creating larger pockets14in angled edges16of concrete18. In select embodiments, large tapered section24of pocket section12may include hollow interior30. Hollow interior30may be supported or reinforced under the weight of the poured concrete18by a plurality of spokes32. Hollow interior of large tapered section24of pocket section12may include any number of spokes32, including, but not limited to, five spokes32for supporting hollow interior30, as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 7.

Formwork securing mechanism34may be included with post-tension pocket former10. Formwork securing mechanism34may be for securing second end22of pocket section12to inner surface54. Formwork securing mechanism34may be designed and configured to tightly hold and secure post-tension pocket former10in hole42of formwork36. Formwork securing mechanism34may include any devices, components, or means for securing second end22of pocket section12to inner surface54. In select embodiments, formwork securing mechanism34may include alignment shaft38with formwork ribs40. Alignment shaft38may be configured to align post-tension pocket former10in a desired orientation to inner surface54of formwork36, including, but not limited to, perpendicular, as shown in the Figures. In select embodiments, alignment shaft38may extend completely through the middle of post-tension pocket former10, as shown in the cross-section ofFIG. 4. Formwork ribs40may be included on alignment shaft38to secure formwork securing mechanism inside hole42of formwork36. Formwork ribs40may thus help to prevent back-outs of the post-tension pocket former, which typically occur with a nailed system. Additionally, when fasteners are used, post-tension pocket former10can still be installed with a single person, as the anchor28will at least be held in place on formwork36with formwork securing mechanism34while the fasteners are installed. Alignment shaft38with formwork ribs40may thus be configured to be inserted into hole42in formwork36. In select embodiments, formwork ribs40on alignment shaft38of formwork securing mechanism34may be angled towards second end22of pocket section12, as indicated with angles44best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Whereby, with angles44angled towards second end22of pocket section12, formwork ribs40may be configured to prevent removal or backing out of alignment shaft38once inserted into hole42in formwork36. In select embodiments, formwork ribs40on alignment shaft38of formwork securing mechanism34may be tapered, as indicated with tapers46best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Whereby, the formwork ribs40with tapers46may be designed and configured to slightly deflect during insertion of alignment shaft38into hole42in formwork36. Alignment shaft38may have extended length48that extends from second end22of pocket section12to distal end50. SeeFIGS. 3 and 4. In select embodiments, extended length48of alignment shaft38may be sized to extend at least thickness52of formwork36(thickness52best shown inFIGS. 7 and 11). Whereby, when alignment shaft38of formwork securing mechanism34is inserted through hole42in formwork36where second end22of pocket section12is aligned with inner surface54of formwork36, distal end50of alignment shaft38and at least one of the formwork ribs40on alignment shaft38may extend beyond outer surface55of formwork36, as best shown inFIG. 11. Extended length48of alignment shaft38may also enable alignment in different formwork thicknesses52. Formwork securing mechanism34may be configured to secure second end22of pocket section12to any type of formwork36, including, but not limited to, plywood formwork56, medium-density fiberboard formwork58, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

Anchor securing mechanism60may be included with post-tension pocket former10. Anchor securing mechanism60may be for securing first end20of pocket section12to anchor28. Anchor securing mechanism60may include any devices, components, or means for securing first end20of pocket section12to anchor28.

In select embodiments, anchor securing mechanism60may include small tapered section66. Small tapered section66may be for insertion into anchor28to prevent concrete intrusion. Small tapered section66may be configured and sized to fit tightly in the area where cable wedges would normally be installed in anchor28. Small tapered section66may be connected to first end20of pocket section12. Small tapered section66may be configured to be inserted into and secured in tapered receiver68of anchor28. Small tapered section66may include first set69of anchor ribs70on proximal end67of small tapered section66. In select embodiments, first set69of anchor ribs70of small tapered section66of anchor securing mechanism60may be angled towards first end20of pocket section12, as indicated with reference number72inFIGS. 3 and 4. Whereby first set69of anchor ribs70are configured to prevent removal or backing out of small tapered section66from tapered receiver68of anchor28. In other select embodiments, first set69of anchor ribs70may be tapered, as indicated with tapers74as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Whereby, first set69of anchor ribs70may be designed to slightly deflect during insertion of small tapered section66into tapered receiver68of anchor28.

In other select embodiments, anchor securing mechanism60may include slight tapered section62. Slight tapered sect ion62may ensure a tight seal to anchor28configured for preventing concrete18from getting to the surface of anchor28. Slight tapered section62may be connected to first end20of pocket section12. Slight tapered section62may be configured to seal to internal anchor assembly seal area64of anchor28. Second set76of anchor ribs70may be included on the slight tapered section62. SeeFIG. 5. In select embodiments, second set76of anchor ribs70of slight tapered section62of anchor securing mechanism60may be angled towards first end20of pocket section12, as shown with angles78inFIG. 5. Whereby, second set76of anchor ribs70are configured to prevent removal or backing out of slight tapered section62from internal anchor assembly seal area64of anchor28. In other select embodiments, second set76of anchor ribs70of slight tapered section62of anchor securing mechanism60may be tapered, as indicated with tapers80inFIG. 5. Whereby, second set76of anchor ribs70may be designed to slightly deflect during insertion of slight tapered section62into internal anchor assembly seal area63of anchor28.

In yet another embodiment, anchor securing mechanism60may include slight tapered section62and small tapered section66, as shown in the FIGS. Slight tapered section62may be connected to first end20of pocket section12. Slight tapered section62may be configured to seal to internal anchor assembly seal area64of anchor28, as discussed above. Slight tapered section62may be included with or without second set76of anchor ribs70. Small tapered section66may be connected to slight tapered section62. Small tapered section66may be configured to be inserted into and secured in tapered receiver68of anchor28, as discussed above. In these embodiments, small tapered section may66be included with or without first set69of anchor ribs70on proximal end67of small tapered section66.

In sum, post-tension tendon pocket former10may be included with ribbed formwork securing mechanism34. Post-tension tendon pocket former10thus uses a one piece pocket former82that secures, and aligns anchor28in one step to plywood formwork56, or the like. The use of post-tension pocket former10may make it easy for a single man installation in a fraction of the time. Formwork ribs40may help to prevent backout, that typically may occur with a nailed system. Additionally, if fasteners are going to be used it is still a one man job as anchor28can be held in place with post-tension pocket former10while the fasteners are installed. This clearly provides an improvement and advantage of current pocket formers for post tension cables, which only provide a small alignment ring for the anchor to plywood connection. This requires the user to hold the anchor in alignment and secure it using nails or screws. Holding the anchor, nail and a hammer is difficult in open situations but even harder in tight spaces, such as beams and columns with rebar. Holding the anchor, nail, and hammer using one person is very difficult. When the area has rebar the installation may require the use of a “pea shooter” to install the nails. The typical installation would require two people. Others have used a threaded mandrel and nut that secures the anchor to the plywood formwork, but this still requires two people in areas where the opposing side of the formwork is not easily accessible. The mandrel approach also requires multiple pieces which makes it cumbersome.

As such, unlike the instant post-tension pocket former10, currently all of the known one-piece pocket formers and anchor assemblies require nails or screws to hold the assembly in place during tendon installation and concrete placement. The installation of nails into the plywood is difficult because of rigidity, and having to hold everything at one time. Screws may make this easier, but can make removal of the forms difficult. Both screws and nails are difficult to install and require extensions and creative methods when rebar is installed before the tendons are installed.

The disclosure of the instant post-tension tendon pocket former10may utilize angled directional formwork ribs40to allow the pocket former to penetrate hole42in plywood formwork56(or the like), and prevent easy pullout. This eliminates the need for nails, screws, or opposing nuts. It makes alignment easier and holds the assembly in place allowing for use with and without fasteners. In addition the pocket former is secured to anchor28using anchor ribs70to keep the assembly together. The disclosed pocket former10may thus differ from what currently exists, as the only other “fastener-less” solutions on the market use a threaded plastic mandrel and nut. This increases the number of loose pieces that need to be organized on the job. It also requires access to the opposing side of the form work (outer surface55), which is difficult and dangerous and sometimes impossible in many instances with beams and columns.

The inverted formwork ribs40and anchor ribs70may be the basis of the disclosure as they are used to secure post-tension tendon pocket former10to formwork36and likewise to anchor assembly28. The increased length of alignment shaft38is provided to penetrate plywood formwork56(or the like) and increase the grip. Large tapered section24can be designed, sized or adjusted to suit the needs of the job while leaving the main attaching components alone.

In use, a user would take a commercially available tendon anchor28, and insert the ribbed small tapered section into the anchor assembly. They would use pressure and a twisting motion to increase the gripping force. After determining the desired location for the anchor28in formwork36and drilling the proper size of hole42, a twisting and pushing motion will seat the formwork securing mechanism of pocket former10with the anchor assembly into plywood formwork56, or the like. The user would then apply fasteners if determined necessary. Next, rebar could be applied behind anchor28to increase load spread under tension, which will also help to hold anchors28in place.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.