Faucet with cantilevered support arm

A faucet includes a faucet body having a base, a support arm cantilevered from the base, and a bracket formed on a free end of the support arm. A flexible hose has one end coupled to the faucet body. A spray head is coupled to the other end of the flexible hose such that the flexible hose has a fixed length between the faucet body and the spray head. The spray head has an outer surface with a recess formed therein and is configured to receive the bracket such that the spray head is releasably coupled to the faucet body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202210115874.6, filed Feb. 7, 2022, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Faucets may be found in many different rooms of a building, including bathrooms and kitchens. These faucets can include a spray head which is configured to discharge water when being operated by one or more handles.

Some known spray heads are attached to a pull out hose so that the spray head can be detached from a faucet body and moved relative to a basin to reach all portions of the basin, and returned to a mounting position, with the pull out hose retracting back through the faucet body and stored below the countertop or other mounting surface. Such a pull out faucet is often used in the context of kitchen faucets, which typically have a significant amount of room available below the mounting surface for storage of the excess hose when the spray head is in the mounting position. In some instances, pull out faucets are also used in bathroom applications; however, there is less need for such a pull out faucet because typically a bathroom basin is smaller. Furthermore, there is often less room available (if any) below a mounting surface of the faucet. In some instances, such as for use with pedestal sinks, there may not be any unexposed undersink area where retracted hose may be stored.

In some other example faucets, a detachable spray head may be supported directly on the faucet body, with the hose supported on an extension support arm. In such an arrangement, sometimes referred to as a “culinary” faucet, a spray head will be attached to an exposed, flexible hose having at least a portion of the hose disposed within a spring or other support extending above the faucet body. These extension support arms are often pivotable so that the position of the spray head while attached to the extension support arm is adjustable. However, attaching and detaching the spray head to the extension support arm is often difficult because of all of the moving parts. Additionally, because of the spray head adjustability, components have increased wear and often do not have a sleek, modern configuration. Accordingly, improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to faucets with a releasable spray head. In one possible configuration, and by non-limiting example, faucets with a fixed support arm and an exposed external flexible hose for the spray head are disclosed.

In an aspect, the technology relates to a faucet including: a faucet body including: a base having a bottom inlet opening and a top outlet opening; a support arm cantilevered from the base and having a free end; and a bracket formed on the free end of the support arm, wherein the base, the support arm, and the bracket are of unitary construction; a flexible hose having a first end and an opposite second end, the second end coupled to the top outlet opening of the base; and a spray head having a top end and an opposite bottom end, the top end coupled to the first end of the flexible hose such that the flexible hose has a fixed length between the faucet body and the spray head, the spray head having an outer surface with a recess formed therein and configured to receive the bracket such that the spray head is releasably coupled to the faucet body, wherein the recess extends from the bottom end towards the top end such that a height of the recess extends over half of a height of the spray head.

In an example, the spray head is substantially frustoconical in shape and the recess has a circumferential length, and a surface area of recess within the outer surface is more than 25% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the spray head. In another example, when the spray head is coupled to the faucet body, the flexible hose has a curved shape that aligns above the support arm. In yet another example, when the spray head is disengaged with the bracket, the flexible hose allows the spray head to be moved by a user to a position remote from the faucet body while resiliently returning to the curved shape when the spray head is coupled to the faucet body. In still another example, the curved shape is based on a thickness and a durometer of the flexible hose. In an example, the bottom inlet opening defines a vertical axis, the top outlet opening having an outlet axis that is angled relative to the vertical axis. In another example, when the spray head is coupled to the faucet body, the first end of the flexible hose defines a first axis and the second end of the flexible hose defines a second axis, the first axis is not parallel with the second axis, and the first axis and the second axis are each not parallel with a vertical axis.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a faucet including: a faucet body including: a base having a bottom inlet opening defining an inlet axis and a top outlet opening defining an outlet axis, the inlet axis being non-parallel to the outlet axis; a support arm cantilevered from the base and having a free end; and a bracket disposed at the free end of the support arm; a flexible hose having a first end and an opposite second end, the second end coupled to the top outlet opening of the base and at least a portion of the second end of the flexible hose is coaxial with the outlet axis; and a spray head coupled to the first end of the flexible hose such that the flexible hose has a fixed length between the faucet body and the spray head, the spray head being releasably coupled to the faucet body at the bracket.

In an example, the base and the support arm are not rotatable around the inlet axis, and the base and the support arm define a plane parallel with the inlet axis. In another example, when the spray head is coupled to the faucet body, the flexible hose has a substantially curved shape and aligned with the plane defined by the base and the support arm. In yet another example, the flexible hose does not include a spring or an outer support sheath. In still another example, the outlet axis of the top outlet opening is angled away from a direction that the support arm extends from the base. In an example, the bracket is coupled to the free end of the support arm via a pivot joint such that the bracket is pivotable relative to the support arm. In another example, the spray head has a top end coupled to the first end of the flexible hose and an opposite bottom end, the bottom end of the spray head configured to attach to the bracket.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a faucet including: a faucet body including: a base having a bottom inlet opening defining an inlet axis and a top outlet opening defining an outlet axis, the outlet axis angled relative to the inlet axis; a support arm cantilevered from the base and having a free end; and a bracket formed on the free end of the support arm, wherein the base, the support arm, and the bracket are of unitary construction such that the bracket has a fixed position on the faucet body; a flexible hose having a first end and an opposite second end, the second end coupled to the top outlet opening of the base; a spray head having a top end and an opposite bottom end, the top end coupled to the first end of the flexible hose such that the flexible hose has a fixed length between the faucet body and the spray head that is exposed, the spray head having an outer surface with a recess formed therein and configured to completely receive the bracket such that the outer surface is substantially flush with the bracket, wherein the bracket releasably couples the spray head to the faucet body, and wherein the recess is disposed proximate the bottom end of the spray head.

In an example, rotation of the second end of the flexible hose around the outlet axis is prevented. In another example, rotation of the first end of the flexible hose relative to the spray head is prevented. In yet another example, the flexible hose is defined by a thickness and a durometer such that the spray head is moveable relative to the faucet body when detached from the bracket, and maintains a substantially curved shape when the spray head is coupled to the bracket above the spray head and the faucet body. In still another example, at least one faucet handle is disposed remote from the faucet body. In an example, the bracket is C-shaped, and when the spray head is coupled to the bracket, the bracket extends at least 120° around the spray head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A faucet is disclosed herein with increased performance and manufacturing features. The faucet includes a faucet body, a flexible hose, and a spray head, whereby the spray head can be attached and detached from the faucet body and movable via the flexible hose that is exterior of the faucet body and the spray head. For example, the faucet body can include a support arm for the spray head and a base configured to be secured to a sink basin in a bath and/or a countertop in a kitchen. The support arm and the base are unitarily formed such that the support arm and the base are not movable relative to one another so as to simplify manufacturing and increase performance for the user. The faucet body is also shaped and sized so as to at least partially define a curved shape of the flexible hose that attaches between the spray head and the faucet body.

The flexible hose is exposed within the faucet so as to easily convey the detachable functionality of the spray head to the user. For example, the flexible hose has a fixed length defined between the spray head and the faucet body. The flexible hose has material properties that are flexible enough to enable the spray head to be movable relative to the faucet body when detached from the support arm, but stiff enough such that when the spray head is attached to the support arm, the flexible hose resiliently maintains an upright curved shape above the support arm. For example, the flexible hose has a thickness and/or a durometer that facilitates such function.

Additionally, the free end of the support arm includes a bracket to releasable support the spray head. The bracket may be integrally formed with the support arm or may be pivotably coupled thereto. An attachment interface between the bracket and the spray head is disposed at a bottom end of the spray head so as to increase ease of use for the user. Additionally, the size and shape of the attachment interface increases attachment/detachment performance for the user while the faucet is in operation.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary faucet100in an attached spray head configuration.FIG.2is a perspective view of the faucet100in a detached spray head configuration. Referring concurrently toFIGS.1and2, the faucet100includes a faucet body102configured to mount on a sink basin104of a bath and the faucet100can be considered a bath faucet. It should be appreciated that in other examples, the faucet body102may mount on a kitchen countertop and the faucet100may be considered a kitchen faucet. The faucet100also includes a flexible hose106, a spray head108, and one or more handles110. In the example, the handles110are remote from the faucet body102and separately mounted on the sink basin104, while in other aspects, a single handle may be mounted on the faucet body102or the sink basin104as required or desired.

The spray head108is configured to removably couple to the faucet body102such that the spray head108can be selectively positioned around the sink basin104by a user via the flexible hose106. For example, the spray head108can be detached from the faucet body102so as to make it easier for the user to wash, clean and perform other actives within the sink basin104. The spray head108includes an outlet nozzle112that discharges water from the faucet100. The handles110are configured to control the flow rate and/or temperature of the water flowing through the faucet100and being discharged from the spray head108. In an example, the handles110are hot and cold handles that are operationally coupled to corresponding hot and cold water lines (not illustrated) which are received by the faucet body102.

In the example, the faucet body102includes a base124and a support arm126cantilevered from the base124. At the free end of the support arm126, a bracket128is formed and configured to releasably support the spray head108. The base124, support arm126, and bracket128are of unitary construction such that the faucet body102is a single piece component and the base124, support arm126, and bracket128are not movable relative to one another. As such, when the faucet body102is secured to the sink basin104, the faucet body102is not movable and when the spray head108is attached to the faucet body102at the bracket128, the spray head108is at a fixed orientation and position above the sink basin104. In the example, the bracket128is integrally formed with the support arm126such that the bracket128and the support arm126are fixed in position with respect to each other and not moveable relative to one another. Similarly, the support arm126is integrally formed with the base124such that the support arm126and the base124are fixed in position with respect to each other and not movable relative to one another. As such, the bracket128is also integrally formed with the base124such that the bracket128and the base124are fixed in position with respect to each other and not moveable relative to one another.

The flexible hose106has a first end130coupled to the spray head108and an opposite second end132coupled to the faucet body102. The flexible hose106is configured to allow water to flow from the faucet body102towards the spray head108and dispense from the outlet nozzle112. The flexible hose106has a fixed length defined between the faucet body102and the spray head108which is the same in both the attached and detached spray head configurations. This fixed length of the flexible hose106is also exposed and not covered by a support structure, such as a helical spring, a support sheath or cover, or the like, nor covered by the faucet body102or spray head108. As such, the faucet100is not a pull-out hose type faucet whereby at least a portion of the hose slides within the faucet body to extend the exposed length of the hose. Rather, the flexible hose106of the faucet100is fixed in length with respect to both the spray head108and the faucet body102.

In the example, the sink basin104may be installed in areas such as a bathroom, where a full extendable hose is not required and where hose storage space below the sink basin is not available. As such, the faucet100with the flexible hose106enables the spray head108to reach all portions of the sink basin104as required or desired and does not require storage space for the flexible hose106.

In an aspect, the material properties of the flexible hose106are such that the hose is flexible enough to allow the spray head108to move relative to the faucet body102when detached (e.g.,FIG.2), but stiff enough to maintain and resiliently return to the curved shape and position above the faucet body102when the spray head108is attached to the faucet body102(e.g.,FIG.1), and without the use of additional components. For example, the flexible hose106may be formed from a rubber based material that has a thickness and/or a durometer that defines both the flexibility of movement and a stiffness for shape (e.g., a substantially curved shape). In the example, the flexible hose106does not have an outer covering, an outer support sheath, an external spring, or the like. Rather, the thickness of the flexible hose106is the only material between the water flow channel defined therein and the external environment. This configuration of the exposed flexible hose106and the support of the faucet body102provides a modern aesthetic design with increased manufacturing and assembly performance while reducing costs associated therewith.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the faucet100. The base124of the faucet body102has a bottom inlet opening134that defines an inlet axis136and a top outlet opening138defining an outlet axis140. The bottom inlet opening134is configured to receive one or more water lines (not shown) and/or any other valve and/or coupling component (also not shown) that enables water to enter the faucet body102and flow towards the spray head108and the outlet nozzle112. The top outlet opening138is configured for the second end132of the flexible hose106to couple to the faucet body102. In an aspect, at least a portion of the second end132of the flexible hose106is coaxial with the outlet axis140at the top outlet opening138. A barbed hose fitting142can be used to couple the second end132of the flexible hose106to the faucet body102and this connection prevents rotation of the second end132of the flexible hose106around the outlet axis140. In an aspect, the second end132of the flexible hose106is compressed between the barbed hose fitting142and the top outlet opening138to secure the flexible hose106to the faucet body102.

In the example, the inlet axis136extends in a vertical direction so that the base124of the faucet body102is upright when mounted on a sink basin/countertop. The outlet axis140is non-parallel to the inlet axis136such that the outlet axis140is angled away from the support arm126. As such, the outlet axis140is angled relative to the inlet axis136. This orientation of the top outlet opening138at least partially enables the flexible hose106to form in a substantially curved shape when in the attached configuration (as illustrated inFIG.3) and position the flexible hose106to align above the support arm126even when a portion of the second end132is coaxial with the outlet axis140.

The support arm126extends along an arm axis144that intersects with both the inlet axis136and the outlet axis140, but not at the same location. The arm axis144intersects the inlet axis136at a location that is above where the outlet axis140intersects with the inlet axis136. The support arm126extends in a horizontal direction, however, in the example, the arm axis144is angled in an upwards direction relative to the horizontal direction. This geometry positions the bracket128at about the same vertical height of the top outlet opening138on the faucet body102which further helps to define the curved shape of the flexible hose106when the spray head108is attached to the bracket128.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the base124and the support arm126of the faucet body102are not rotatable around the inlet axis136when mounted to a sink basin or countertop, and thus, the base124and the support arm126define a plane (e.g., the cross-sectional plane shown inFIG.3) that is parallel to and intersects with the inlet axis136. When the spray head108is coupled to the faucet body102, the flexible hose106is aligned with the plane defined by the base124and the support arm126. Additionally, the flexible hose106has a substantially curved shape with respect to the cross-sectional plane. The curved shape of the flexible hose106can be at least partially defined by an inner radius146having a center point148that has a vertical height position that is higher than the top most position of the faucet body102and the top most position of the spray head108when attached to the bracket128. In an aspect, the center point148may be positioned above an approximate midpoint of the support arm126between the bracket128and the base124. The material properties of the flexible hose106at least partially define the curved shape as illustrated. Further, when the spray head108is disengaged with the bracket128, the flexible hose106allows the spray head108to be positioned remote from the faucet body102while enabling the curved shape to be automatically resiliently returned to when the spray head108is attached to the bracket128.

The spray head108has a top end150and an opposite bottom end152. The top end150couples to the first end130of the flexible hose106. In an example, the attachment between the spray head108and the first end130of the flexible hose106may be via the barbed hose fitting142. As such, rotation of the first end130of the flexible hose106relative to the spray head108is prevented. The spray head108defines a head axis154that at least a portion of the first end130of the flexible hose106is coaxial with when the flexible hose106is attached. When the spray head108is attached to the faucet body102, the head axis154is not parallel with the outlet axis140and not parallel with the inlet axis136. Accordingly, the spray head108is slightly angled relative to the vertical direction when attached to the bracket128. This orientation of the spray head108and the top outlet opening138also helps to define the curved shape of the flexible hose106.

The bottom end152of the spray head108supports the outlet nozzle112. The bracket128also releasably couples to the spray head108proximate the bottom end152. By supporting the spray head108at the bottom end152, the spray head108is not as easily accidently dislodged from the bracket128. Additionally, attaching and detaching the spray head108from the bracket128is more efficient because most users grasp the spray head108proximate the top end150.

In the example, the spray head108couples to the faucet body102with one or more magnets155supported in the bracket128. The spray head108may be formed from a ferromagnetic material that is attracted by the magnet155. In other aspects, the spray head108may include one or more magnets itself (not shown). In yet another aspect, the bracket128may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. By using magnetic coupling between the spray head108and the bracket128, the user of the faucet100may easily attach and detach the spray head108as required or desired. It should be appreciated that any other type of releasable coupling connection may be used to attach the spray head108as required or desired. For example, but not limited to, a push button release, a snap fit coupling, a slide fit, a resilient friction coupling, and the like.

FIG.4is a front view of the faucet100.FIG.5is a rear view of the faucet100.FIG.6is a top view of the faucet100.FIG.7is a side elevation view of the faucet100. Referring concurrently toFIGS.4-7, the faucet100includes the flexible hose106that enables the spray head108to be detached from the faucet body102and so as to wash, clean, and perform other faucet activities. The faucet body102is fixed in position so as to hold and support the spray head108in a fixed and non-movable position until the user requires or desires detachment of the spray head108to use the flexible hose106to then enable the spray head108to be movable in position.

In the example, the spray head108does not include any buttons and/or flow/spray controls such that the handles110(shown inFIGS.1and2) control the flow and temperature of the water from the faucet100. Rather, the exterior surfaces of the faucet body102and the spray head108have a modern aesthetic with smooth curves. As shown in the front view ofFIG.4, the bracket128may not be visible from the front as it is behind the spray head108. The flexible hose106is exposed and extends between the faucet body102and the spray head108. The flexible hose106has a curved shape and disposed above and aligned with the support arm126of the faucet body102. The exposed flexible hose106communicates to the user that the spray head108can be detached as required or desired without the use of buttons or the like.

FIG.8is a perspective view of the spray head108.FIG.9is another perspective view of the spray head108. Referring concurrently toFIGS.8and9, the spray head108has a substantially frustoconical shape with the top end150that coupled to the flexible hose and the bottom end152configured to discharge water from the faucet. The spray head108has an outer surface156that extends all the way around the spray head108between the top end150and the bottom end152. A recess158is formed within the outer surface156that is configured to receive the bracket128of the faucet body102(both shown inFIGS.1and2).

In the example, the recess158extends from the bottom end152(e.g., starts at the bottom end152) towards the top end150. In an aspect, a height160of the recess158is greater than half of a height162of the spray head108defined between the top end150and the bottom end152. In an aspect, the height160of the recess158is between 50% and 90% of the height162of the spray head108. In another aspect, the height160of the recess158is between 60% and 80% of the height162of the spray head108. In yet another aspect, the height160of the recess158is about 75% of the height162of the spray head108.

The recess158also has a circumferential length164. In an aspect, the circumferential length164extends at least 100° around the body of the spray head108. In another aspect, the circumferential length164extends at least 120° around the body of the spray head108. The height160and the length164of the recess158at least partially define a surface area of the recess158relative to a total surface area of the outer surface156of the spray head108. In an aspect, the surface area of the recess158is more than 25% of the total surface area of the outer surface156of the spray head108. In another aspect, the surface area of the recess158is between 25% and 50% of the total surface area of the outer surface156of the spray head108. In still another aspect, the surface area of the recess158is between 25% and 40% of the total surface area of the outer surface156of the spray head108.

With the recess158being positioned proximate the bottom end152of the spray head108and having an increased surface area, the support strength from the bracket128is increased so that it is more difficult to unintentionally detach the spray head108from the bracket128. For example, with spray head attachments that are coupled at the top end, it is easier for the user to knock and accidently detach the spray head when using the faucet. Additionally, the increased surface area increases ease of attachment of the spray head108to the bracket128so that the user can more easily operate the faucet100.

In the example, the recess158has a depth that allows the recess158to completely receive the bracket128so that the bracket128is substantially flush with the outer surface156of the spray head108when it is coupled thereto.

FIG.10is a perspective view of an exemplary faucet body102. The faucet body102includes the base124, the support arm126, and the bracket128. In this example, the base124, the support arm126, and the bracket128are all fixed relative to one another. The bracket128has a receiving surface166that is configured to support the magnet155. Additionally, the bracket128has a C-shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the recess158of the spray head108(shown inFIG.8). In an aspect, the bracket128extends at least 100° around the body of the spray head108. In another aspect, the bracket128extends at least 120° around the body of the spray head108. The thickness of the bracket128corresponds to the depth of the recess158so that the recess158can completely receive the bracket128.

The top of the bracket128is smaller than the bottom of the bracket128. This configurations provides more support and coupling surface to the bottom end152of the spray head108(shown inFIG.8) so as to increase the coupling strength of the bracket128while still enabling the spray head108to detach as required or desired.

FIG.11is a side elevation view of another faucet200. Similar to the faucet100described above, the faucet200includes a faucet body202, a flexible hose206, and a detachable spray head208. The faucet body202includes a base224, a support arm226, and a bracket228. As illustrated inFIG.11the spray head208is in an attached configuration whereby the spray head208is releasably coupled to the bracket228. In this example, the support arm226is fixed relative to the base224of the faucet body202as described above, however, the bracket228is coupled to the free end of the support arm226with a pivot joint268so that the orientation of the spray head208is adjustable when attached to the bracket228. The pivot joint268being located at the free end of the support arm226also allows the spray head208to be moved while attached to the bracket228. In an aspect, the pivot joint268may be a ball joint or any other connection type that enables the bracket228to function as described herein.

The connection configuration between the spray head208and the bracket228described above (e.g., the recess within the bottom end of the spray head and the C-shaped bracket) provide additional performance benefits while in use with the pivot joint268. For example, by coupling the bottom end of the spray head208to the bracket228, the user may more easily move the spray head208to different orientations while being coupled to the bracket228without undesirable detachment.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method300of manufacturing a faucet. The faucet being manufactured by the method300may be the same or similar to the faucets100,200described above and shown inFIGS.1-11. The faucet includes a faucet body that can releasable support a spray head that is coupled in fluid communication with the faucet body with an exposed and fixed length flexible hose. As such, the spray head can be undocked so that the user can wash, clean, and perform other faucet functions. The flexible hose is configured to return to a curved shape above the faucet body when the spray head is docked so that the functionality of the faucet is conveyed to the user while still providing a modern stylish overall appearance.

The method300begins with forming a faucet body at operation302. The faucet body includes a base, a support arm, and a bracket. In some aspects, the base, the support arm, and the bracket are all fixed features relative to one another and the faucet body is of unitary construction. In an example, the faucet body may be a molded component. In another aspect, the base and the support arm are fixed features relative to one another and of unitary construction. The bracket may be pivotably coupled to the free end of the support arm as required or desired.

The method300further includes providing a flexible hose at operation304. The flexible hose is coupled to the faucet body at one end and couples to the spray head at the opposite end. The flexible hose is formed from a material that is flexible enough to facilitate the spray head being movable relative to the faucet body by the user when the spray head is detached from the faucet body, but stiff enough to have the flexible hose support itself and resiliently maintain a curved shape above the faucet body when the spray head is attached to the faucet body. In an aspect, a thickness and/or a durometer at least partially define the flex and stiffness properties of the flexible hose. Additionally, the method300includes assembling a spray head at operation306. The spray head is configured to discharge water from the faucet. The spray head may include any outlet nozzle pattern as required or desired. In the example, the spray head may releasably attach to the bracket via a magnetic coupling connection. As such, the spray head may include one or more magnets or ferromagnetic material.

Referring toFIGS.1-12generally, it is noted that the faucet described herein is particularly adaptable to installations at smaller sinks, such as in a bathroom, where a full pull-out faucet having an extendable hose is not required and where significant hose storage space for a pull-out hose below the sink or countertop is not available. In such cases, some flexibility may nevertheless be desirable to reach all portions of such a sink. Still further, in such installation circumstances, it may be preferable to have a fixture having a non-pivotable body (e.g., as in typical bathroom installations) rather than a pivotable body and support arm to provide an consistent aesthetic look. The faucet embodiments described herein therefore provide the aesthetic consistency benefits and compactness of a bathroom faucet, while providing spray head maneuverability to facilitate sink basin cleaning, filling tall containers, and the like.

References in the specification to “one example,” “an example,” “an illustrative example,” etc., indicate that the example described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every example may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same example. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other examples whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Moreover, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurements techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.