Measuring tool

A measuring tool comprising two tape measures. Each tape measure may be housed in a casing, and each casing may have an interface surface detachably coupled to the interface surface of the other casing. The measuring tool further comprises a level and a vertical laser. The vertical laser projects perpendicularly downward from the horizontal plane of the level. In a method to square a corner for a structure using the measuring tool, the user selects a first side to be perpendicular to a second side, calculates the diagonal therebetween using the desired lengths of the first side and the second side, attaches the measuring tapes to end points of the first side, tautly draws the measuring tapes to the lengths for the diagonal and the second side, and then marks the location using the level and vertical laser.

BACKGROUND

Multiple workers and/or inefficient steps are typically required in known methods to square a building foundation, driveway, sidewalk, framework, deck, patio or the like. The terms “to square” or “squaring a corner” conventionally refer to providing a right angle (90°) between two sides or edges of a structure that are intended to be perpendicular to one another. For example, in setting a first corner, one worker may remain at the desired juncture point of the two perpendicular sides with an angle tool to maintain a 90° angle, while one or two other workers would extend string and tape measures to the desired distance from the juncture point and then mark the termination point for each side, often by eye. However, this technique is tedious, inaccurate and requires multiple workers. In another method, a 3-4-5 corner technique based on the Pythagorean theorem may be used by a single worker to lay out a right corner using three stakes, string and a tape measure, but again this method is tedious and time consuming. What is needed is a quick, accurate, easy, and efficient measurement tool that can be used by a single worker to square a corner for a structure to be laid.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a measuring tool. One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a tool for quickly and accurately squaring a foundation, framework, driveway, deck or the like with only one worker. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to incorporate a simple method for using the measuring tool to square a structure to be laid. A further aspect is to allow components of the measuring tool to separate for conventional use thereof, and readily recouple for use according to the present disclosure. A further aspect is to provide an on-tool calculator for conveniently performing calculations on site, while also protecting against damage by arranging the calculator on a non-exterior facing surface by default. A further aspect is to provide a level and one or more lasers for readily and accurately marking desired points. A further aspect is to locate the center or opposite point along a circle.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

The measuring tool comprises a top casing and a bottom casing. The top and bottom casings each have an exterior surface and an interface surface, wherein the interface surfaces are configured to be detachably coupled to one another. In some embodiments, one or more magnets are arranged on, or at least sufficiently proximate to, the interface surface of each casing to provide for magnetic coupling of the casings together. The one or more magnets may further be configured for at least one magnetic angle capture of the casings with respect to one another, such that the casing halves are securely attached when they are in a default position (overlapping and not rotated with respect to one another) and again when they are rotated a certain angular degree with respect to one another. The magnetic coupling of the casings may provide a magnetic angle capture when the casings are rotationally offset by 45°, 90°, and/or 180° for example. In other embodiments, the top casing and the bottom casing may be mechanically coupled together, rather than magnetically, and this coupling could also be configured for one or more mechanical angle captures like in the magnetic embodiments. It is also possible to provide for the detachable coupling of the top and bottom casings through a combination of different connection mechanisms.

Each of the top and bottom casings further has a tape measure comprising a measuring tape, a hook tab attached to an end of the measuring tape, and a mechanism for retracting the measuring tape back into the casing. For example, a manual reel may be provided to retract the measuring tape, or the measuring tape may be spring-loaded to automatically retract if a counterforce is not applied. The measuring tapes may also be able to be locked to prevent further extension or retraction when drawn to a desired length during use. The hook tab may be configured to swivel 360° relative to the measuring tape. In some embodiments, a calculator is positioned on one of the interface surfaces of the casings, which may help protect against damage to and unintentional activation of the calculator. The measuring tool may comprise a level and a vertical laser. The level may be provided on the upper exterior surface of the top casing, such that a user can respond to feedback from the level in manipulating the measuring tool into the horizontal plane of the level. The beam of the vertical laser may be arranged perpendicularly downward from the horizontal plane of the level for marking points on the ground. In some embodiments, the measuring tool may further comprise a horizontal laser. The horizontal laser may be configured to project its beam parallel to the horizontal plane of the level. Where the top and bottom casings are configured to couple together in at least a default position and another set position, the laser beam of the horizontal laser may be oriented to symmetrically bisect an angle formed by rotational displacement of the casings when the top casing is rotated relative to the bottom casing from the default position into the other set position, which configuration can be used to identify the opposite point of a circle or half-circle structure from the measuring tool, for example.

A method to square a foundation, framework, driveway, deck or the like using the measuring tool is also disclosed herein. The user selects a first side for squaring and measuring from. The first side may be defined by a preexisting structure or selected by design, but in either case, the user knows the length of the first side and the length of a second side to be arranged at a right angle to the first side. The user then calculates the diagonal using the lengths of the first and second sides, attaches the measuring tapes to each of the two end points of the first side, and tautly draws the measuring tapes to the correct lengths for the diagonal and the second side. The user then accurately marks the juncture point by using the level to position the tool in the horizontal plane and by activating the vertical laser to identify the point on the ground directly thereunder. If the structure is to be square or rectangular (i.e. the user is not mapping out a right triangle), the user may then flip the measurement values of each measuring tape to mark the location of the fourth corner in the same manner to complete the rectangular shape. In such cases, the measuring tape that was used for the length of the diagonal should be adjusted to the length of the second side, and the measuring tape that was used for the length of the second side should be adjusted to the length of the diagonal. This may be accomplished without ever detaching the measuring tapes from the end points of the first side.

In addition to the aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description forming a part of this specification.

Before further explaining the depicted embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and not limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4show an embodiment of a measuring tool according to the present disclosure. The measuring tool100comprises a top casing110having an exterior surface111and an interface surface112, and a bottom casing120having an exterior surface121and an interface surface122. At least in the depicted embodiment, the casings110,120have a generally teardrop shape. The interface surfaces112,122may be configured to couple to each other as described below. When the two casings110,120are in a default position (seeFIGS. 1 and 2)—meaning the interface surfaces112,122are coupled together and substantially or completely overlap—the exterior surfaces111,121substantially or completely form the outer surfaces of the measuring tool100. The default position may be characterized as having no rotation or 0° of rotation between the two casings110,120. Casings110,120may be weatherproof or resistant in certain embodiments, particularly if the casing houses electronic components as described below.

Each of the casings110,120forms a tape measure comprising an extendable measuring tape130coiled within its respective casing, and a hook tab131positioned on an end of the measuring tape130outside the casing. The measuring tape130is provided with distance markings and may be produced of any sufficiently durable and flexible material, such as metal for example. Different lengths of measuring tape (e.g., 10-foot tap, 25-foot tape, 50-foot tape, 100-foot tape, etc.) may be provided within the casings110,120and interchanged depending on the measurement requirements for a specific application. Further, the size of the measuring tool100itself could be scaled to accommodate even larger or smaller coils of measuring tape130if necessary. Since the measuring tapes130may be arranged horizontally parallel to one another within their respective casings110,120and adjacent to one another along the vertical axis of the measuring tool100(seeFIG. 4), the measuring tapes130can exit their respective casings110,120through openings located at the same or approximately the same point relative to the horizontal plane of the tool100and/or level150described below. The hook tabs131prevent the measuring tapes130from completely retracting into the casings110,120, and may be used to secure its measuring tape130to a fixed point. In some embodiments (not shown), a magnet may additionally or alternatively be provided at the end of the measuring tape130for easy attachment to magnetic materials (e.g., certain metals). In some embodiments, the hook tab131can be connected to the measuring tape130by a swivel which allows the hook tab131to rotate 360° relative to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tape130.

In the depicted embodiment, the tape measure further comprises a reel132for retracting an extended measuring tape130back into the casing110,120. In a stored position, the handle of the reel132may be arranged within a recess formed in the body of the reel132on the exterior casing surface111,121(seeFIG. 1). During use, the handle of the reel132may be pivoted out from the recess, thereby forming a grip for the user to manually turn the reel132to draw the extended measuring tape130back into the casing110,120(seeFIG. 2showing the handle pivoted partially outward). In other embodiments, the measuring tape130may be spring-loaded to automatically retract back into the casing when a sufficient counterforce is not applied (e.g., by a user, attachment point, or locking mechanism of the tape measure). The measuring tool may further comprise a locking mechanism that acts on the measuring tape130and/or the reel132to prevent the measuring tape130from further extending from or retracting into its casing110,120when the measuring tape130is drawn out to a desired length during use. For example, the locking mechanism may be provided by a push button or other structure positioned on the exterior surface111,121of the casing110,120that the user can push, slide or otherwise switch to cause a clamp or similar fastener to engage or disengage the tape measure130. In this way, the measuring tape130can be changed between a “locked” and “unlocked” configuration as needed. Many different locking mechanisms are of course possible.

As seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the measuring tool100may further comprise a calculator140. The calculator140may be specifically configured for common construction calculations such as, for example, inputting and determining rise, run, diagonal, pitch, conversions, etc. Here, the calculator140is shown positioned on the interface surface122of the bottom casing120. However, the calculator140could instead be positioned on the interface surface112of the top casing110as well. In such an embodiment, the top casing110may be relatively thicker than the bottom casing120in order to accommodate the calculator140, as compared to the depicted embodiment where the bottom casing120is relatively thicker than the top casing110. In other embodiments, the casings110,120may be the same or substantially the same in size, for example, if the calculator only requires minimal space or if the casings are not optimized dimensionally. The placement of the calculator140on one of the interface surfaces112,122helps protect the calculator140against exterior contact damage and unintentional input—which may help extend the product life and battery life expectancies—since the interface surfaces112,122can otherwise remain coupled in the default position and thereby protectively enclose the calculator140, except when the calculator140is being used or if the user elects to only use one of the casings110,120in a conventional manner as a single-tape measuring tool. Other structural arrangements are also possible, for example, as the calculator140could alternatively be positioned on an exterior surface121,131of the measuring tool100. However, the placement of the calculator140on the bottom casing120may augment the stability and balance of a user's grip when the measuring tool100is held in the palm of a user's hand depending on the embodiment, since the potentially bulkier and heavier bottom casing120housing the calculator140(relative to the top casing110) would be held directly by the user. Moreover, certain embodiments may omit the calculator140altogether, whereby the user may instead perform any necessary calculations on another device and yet still practice a method of using the measuring tool100according to the present disclosure in the same manner as otherwise described herein.

The measuring tool100further comprises a level150and a vertical laser160. The level150may be a spirit level, such as a bullseye bubble level or tubular bubble level, positioned on the exterior surface111of the casing110(seeFIG. 1), which allows a user to make adjustments in response to visual feedback from the level150while manipulating the tool100to find the horizontal plane of the level150. In the depicted embodiment, the level150is located directly adjacent to where the measuring tapes130exit the tool100on the top surface of the casing110, although the level150could also be positioned at other locations as well. The vertical laser160is provided on the opposite side of the measuring tool100as the level150(seeFIG. 2). The vertical laser160is configured to project its beam perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the level150. When the measuring tool100is correctly aligned relative to the horizontal plane of the level150, the beam of the vertical laser160will be projected downward to the ground along a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the vertical laser160may be positioned on the exterior surface121of the bottom casing120directly adjacent to where the measuring tapes130exit the measuring tool100, so as to minimize the horizontal displacement of the beam of the vertical laser160relative to the point at which the measuring tapes130exit the tool100. In the depicted embodiment, the vertical laser160is positioned on the bottom exterior surface of the bottom casing120at the tip of the teardrop shape.

The measuring tool100may further comprise a horizontal laser170in certain embodiments (seeFIG. 9). The horizontal laser170is configured to project its laser beam parallel to the horizontal plane of the level150. In the depicted embodiment, the horizontal laser170is positioned on the lateral side of the exterior surface111of the top casing110. However, the horizontal laser170could also be arranged on the bottom casing120. Further, both casings110,120could be provided with horizontal lasers170. As described below, the beam of the horizontal laser170may be configured to bisect the angular displacement of the casings110,120produced when the casings are rotated relative to each other from the default position into a second set position.

Referring toFIG. 3, a plurality of magnets180may be provided on each of the interface surfaces112,122of the casings110,120. The magnets180are configured to produce a magnetic coupling of the interface surfaces112,122when they are aligned and placed together. The magnets180may be embedded or otherwise mounted on the interface surfaces112,122as in the depicted embodiment, or arranged within the interior of the casings110,120provided that the magnetic connection is otherwise adequately formed, or any combination thereof. The magnets180should be strong enough to keep the casings110,120attached together when minor external forces are applied, yet still enable a user to intentionally separate or rotate the casings110,120with respect to one another. As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the top casing110and the bottom casing120are interfacing at the default position characterized as having 0° of rotation between the two casings110,120. However, the magnets180may also be arranged on the interface surfaces112,122to form the magnetic coupling between the top and bottom casings110,120in multiple positions. For example, the plurality of magnets180may be configured to create a magnetic angle capture when one of the casings110,120is rotated, for example, 45°, 90°, and/or 180° from the default position with respect to the other casing.

While a particular arrangement for the positioning of the plurality of magnets180on the interface surfaces112,122is depicted inFIG. 3, a variety of configurations are possible and therefore the scope of present disclosure is not so limited. Moreover, the plurality of magnets180need not comprise individual structures as in the previous embodiment. For instance, the plurality of magnets180could be provided by magnetically-mated rings configured to magnetically coupled together (seeFIG. 5). The magnets180could form the entirety of the ring structures in some embodiments. In other embodiments, only certain sections of the ring structure could be provided with magnets180. For example, magnetic sections of the ring may alternate with non-magnetic sections of the ring, with the magnetic sections being arranged at specific distances from each other to provide magnetic angle capture points when the casings110,120(and therefore the mated rings) are rotated to different positions relative to one other, such as 45°, 90°, and/or 180° from the default position, for example. Other arrangements and structural configurations for the plurality of magnets may also be used within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It should further be appreciated that corresponding magnets180of the respective casings110,120could both be permanent magnets or, alternatively, only one of the magnets180may be a permanent magnet while the other “magnet” of the pair which achieves a magnetic connection therebetween is produced of a ferromagnetic material (the term “magnet” merely used for the convenience of description in that case, but nonetheless referring to and encompassing the ferromagnetic structures of such embodiments).

In other embodiments of a measuring tool according to the present disclosure (not shown), the casings110,120could instead be detachably coupled together, with or without angle capture, by other connection mechanisms. For example, the casings110,120may be mechanically coupled together via snap-fit, latches, pins, etc. The positional arrangement of these mechanical connection structures may be configured to allow for one or more mechanical angle capture points when the casings110,120are rotated to certain positions relative to one other, such as 45°, 90°, and/or 180° from the default position, for example. The detachable coupling of the casings110,120could also be provided by a combination of magnetic and mechanical mechanisms in other embodiments.

As seen inFIG. 6, some embodiments of the measuring tool100may also comprise a secondary calculator display145. The display145is communicatively linked to the calculator140and configured to display information from the same. For instance, the display145may display the information that would otherwise be shown on the calculator140, such as the length of a diagonal calculated according to the method described below. In this way, the user can reference information displayed on the display145if the primary display of the calculator140is not readily visible, for example, when the measuring tool100is in the default position and the calculator140is enclosed by the interface surfaces112,122. The display145may be an LED display, LCD display, or the like; no limitation regarding the specific display type is intended nor should such limitation be inferred. In the depicted embodiment, the display145is positioned on the back, lateral side of the exterior surface121of the bottom casing120. However, the display145could also be positioned in other locations on the exterior surface111,121of the casing110,120which houses the calculator140within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

One or more batteries190(seeFIG. 4) may be provided within the casings110,120to power the calculator140, the display145, and the lasers160,170as necessary, depending on the embodiment. The one or more batteries190may be replaceable or rechargeable, for example, if the measuring tool100is fitted with a charging port (not shown). Other power sources for the electronic components such as solar powered could also be used within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that one or more user input controls (e.g., buttons, switches, knobs, etc.) may be provided on the casings110,120to control operation of the electronic components therein, such as an activation or on/off switches for the lasers160,170or display145, for example. The calculator140, ancillary display145, vertical laser160, and/or horizontal laser170may also be configured to automatically turn-off to preserve battery life upon expiration of a control timer (e.g., 20 seconds) absent intervening user input in some embodiments.

In certain embodiments (not shown), the exterior surface121of the bottom casing120may further comprise a bolt sleeve configured to receive a bolt of a tripod. In this way, the measuring tool100may be securely mounted on the tripod. When the measuring tool100is mounted on the tripod, such that the measuring tool is arranged in the horizontal plane of the level150, the beams of the lasers160,170will be configured to project directly vertically downward and horizontally outward, respectively. In this way, mounting the measuring tool100to a tripod may help accurately pinpoint the juncture of a diagonal and a side of the structure using the vertical laser160, as described according to the method below, since the user need not simultaneously balance the measuring tool100in the horizontal plane of the level150while marking the spot on the ground indicated by the vertical laser160. Likewise, a user may activate the horizontal laser170to pinpoint locations within the same horizontal plane, and accurately mark such locations without requiring another person's assistance. In some embodiments, at least one of the exterior surfaces111,121of the casings110,120may also have a hook, clasp, or similar connection structure for attachment to a belt or strap (e.g., a knee strap) worn by a user. For example, the hook, clasp, or similar connection structure could be provided on the rear side of the casing110,120opposite to where the measuring tapes130exit the measuring tool100. In this way, the measuring tool100may be readily placed and stored on the user's belt or strap when not in use. Moreover, the measuring tool100could be connected to the belt or strap for use in a method according to the present disclosure as described below, thereby freeing the user's hands to carry other tools and accomplish other tasks at the same time.

FIG. 7shows a top overview schematic diagram of a measuring tool100according to the present disclosure being used to square a right corner for a foundation, framework, driveway, deck or the like. In a preliminary step, the user knows the lengths of the perpendicular sides501and502of the structure by design, which are to form the length and the width of a square/rectangle or the legs of a right triangle, for example. The user may then use the on-tool calculator140, or a separate calculator device depending on the embodiment, to find the length of the diagonal503(e.g., by inputting values for rise/run and determining diagonal). Next, the user securely attaches the hook tab131of each measuring tape130to one of the end points504of the first side501. In this way, the first side501may be defined by an already existing structure, or the user may place stakes or other markers to delineate the first side501and provide attachment points for the hook tabs131(seeFIG. 8). Although the hook tab131is shown being attached to the side of the stake inFIG. 8, the hook tab131could also be attached to the top surface of the stake—particularly if the hook tab131is configured to swivel relative to the measuring tape130as described above—which configuration may facilitate a more accurate placement of the hook tab131if the location of the end point504is known with respect to a horizontal surface.

In a following step, the user then simply moves the measuring tool100, which draws out the measuring tapes130, until one of the measuring tapes130indicates the calculated distance for diagonal503and the other measuring tape130indicates the desired distance for the second side502. The user may pull the measuring tapes130taut to ensure that the measuring tool100is positioned over the correct location, i.e., so slack in the tapes130does not produce error. The user may then adjust the measuring tool100until the level150shows alignment with the horizontal plane, and activate the vertical laser160to identify exactly where on the ground to mark the juncture of the second side502and the diagonal503(seeFIG. 9). Although the user is shown holding the measuring tool100inFIG. 9, the measuring tool100could also be attached to a belt or strap worn by the user—particularly if the measuring tool100comprises an eye-hook or similar structure as described above—which configuration may allow the user to use his or her body to position the measuring tool100into the correct location, thereby freeing the user's hands to install a stake, post, or other marking structure at that location in a single step. If the user is mapping out a square or rectangle (not just a right triangle), the user may then simply move to the location where the values of the second side502and the diagonal503indicated by each tape130are respectively switched, in order to find and mark the fourth or final corner505of the square/rectangular structure in the same manner, the fourth corner505being opposite the first right corner of the structure formed between the first side501and the second side502, thereby accurately identifying the corner boundaries of the structure. This step may be done without needing to uncouple the hook tabs131from the end points504of the first side501.

Accordingly, a method of using a measuring tool to provide a right angle between a first side and a second side of a structure to be laid, the first side having a first side length and the second side having a second side length, may comprise the steps of:determining, using the first side length and the second side length, a diagonal length of a diagonal forming a right triangle with the first side and the second side;attaching a first measuring tape of the measuring tool to a first end of the first side;attaching a second measuring tape of the measuring tool to a second end of the first side, the first end of the first side and the second end of the first side being separated by the first side length;displacing the measuring tool to a first location where the first measuring tape is tautly drawn to the diagonal side length and the second measuring tape is tautly drawn to the second side length;leveling the measuring tool at the first location using a level of the measuring tool, the level indicating orientation relative to a horizontal plane;activating a vertical laser of the measuring tool at the first location, the vertical laser downwardly projecting a laser beam which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the level; andidentifying marking a first point on the ground indicated by the laser beam of the vertical laser at the first location;wherein the first point on the ground, the first end of the first side, and the second end of the first side comprise the three corners of the right triangle.

Further still, a method may comprise the additional steps of:after marking the first point on the ground at the first location, displacing the measuring tool to a second location where the first measuring tape is tautly drawn to the second side length and the second measuring tape is tautly drawn to the diagonal length;leveling the measuring tool at the second location using the level of the measuring tool;activating the vertical laser of the measuring tool at the second location; andidentifying or marking a second point on the ground indicated by the laser beam of the vertical laser at the second location;wherein the first point of the ground, the second point on the ground, the first end of the first side, and the second end of the first side comprise the four corners of a square or rectangle.

In the previous example, the user already knew the desired distances of the perpendicular sides501,502and the angle therebetween (90°). If the user instead knows the lengths of the diagonal503and only one of these sides, the length of the other side may be readily calculated using the same method through rearrangement of the Pythagorean theorem equation (a2+b2=c2). Further, if the user knows the desired values for certain sides and angles therebetween, even if not 90°, the corresponding lengths may be calculated via basic trigonometry (e.g., law of cosines, law of sines). In this way, the tool calculator140may be specifically configured for easier input to find the missing sides on-site. In other applications, no calculations may be necessary at all, as in the case where a user wants to stake out an equilateral triangle, since the distance between the secured hook tabs is known and the user can simply pull both measuring tapes to that distance. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to marking out squares, rectangles, or right triangles, since the measuring tool100is capable of designating a wide variety of different structural shapes depending on the skill and needs of the user.

Turning toFIG. 10, another method of using a measuring tool according to the present disclosure is shown. The depicted embodiment of the measuring tool100further comprises a horizontal laser170positioned on a lateral side of the exterior surface111of the top casing110. In this method, the casings110,120of the measuring tool100are first rotated with respect to one another from the default position into a second position provided by magnetic angle capture of the one or more magnets180magnetically coupling the casings110,120together, as previously described. Next, the front lateral sides of the rotated casings110,120are placed against a curved surface of a cylinder510and the horizontal laser170is activated. In this way, the horizontal laser170may act as and trace a diameter/radius through the structure510, and therefore be used to find the opposite point along the circumference of the structure or the center of a half-circle structure. It should be appreciated, then, that the beam emitted by the horizontal laser170is configured to symmetrically bisect the offset of the casings110,120in the second position provided by magnetic angle capture. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10, the casings110,120are rotated approximately 45° with respect to each other, although other angles may also be used depending on the orientation of the horizontal laser170. In other words, so long as the casings110,120are turned relative to one another into a set position that forms projections for pressing against a curved surface, the horizontal laser170may be specifically configured so that the laser beam it emits symmetrically bisects the angle formed between the casing projections (which is defined by the rotational displacement of the casings110,120from the default position into this offset second set position of the measuring tool100).

While a number of aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations, which are within their true spirit and scope. Each embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and sub-combinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.