Systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale apparatuses or devices

Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale (POS) apparatuses or devices, such as displays. In one embodiment, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly may include a base and a movable arm attached to the base. The movable arm may be configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base. The assembly may further include a pivotable display device attached to the movable arm. The pivotable display device may be configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm. The assembly may also include an arm joint attaching the movable arm to the base, and a pivot joint attaching the pivotable display device to the movable arm.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure generally relates to a point-of-sale (POS) display, and more particularly relates to systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale (POS) apparatuses or devices, such as displays.

BACKGROUND

Point-of-sale (POS) systems may require multiple interfaces for different people involved in a transaction. For example, a POS system may include one display for merchants or retailers to initiate or modify a transaction. The POS system may include another display to present information associated with the transaction to a customer. The POS system may require merchant-customer interaction, coordination, and communication between the different displays.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of articulating point-of-sale (POS) displays of the disclosure. The disclosure provides certain embodiments of systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale (POS) apparatuses or devices, such as displays.

According to an embodiment, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display may include a base. One or more arms may extend from the base. Each arm may have a pivotal arm joint for attaching a display. The display may be attached to the assembly by the pivotal arm joints.

According to another embodiment, a method for providing an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include providing a base; attaching a movable arm to the base with an arm joint, the movable arm configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base; and attaching a pivotable display device to the movable arm with a pivot joint, the pivotable display device configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm; wherein the pivotable display device is configured to rotate with respect to the movable arm; and the movable arm is configured to rotate with respect to the base.

Other embodiments, systems, methods, features, and aspects for providing an articulating point-of-sale apparatus, device, or display will be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and the detailed description. All other features and aspects, as well as other system, method, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be included within the description and are intended to be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Described below are embodiments of an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly (as well as individual components of the articulating POS display assembly). In certain embodiments, having a single display at a POS allows a merchant to work on a transaction and rotate the POS device or display to the customer for completion of the transaction. Additionally, having a single display in a POS display system enables a relatively simpler architecture for creating and processing transactions. Furthermore, the POS device or display can be ergonomically rotated and/or positioned for both the merchant and/or customer to facilitate a transaction.

In one embodiment, an articulating POS display assembly may include a base, a first arm, a second arm, and a display. The first and second arm may extend substantially orthogonally from the base and on opposite ends of the base. The display may be pivotally attached to the first arm and the second arm. The display may have a horizontal pivot axis through a centerline of the display.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, an adjustable arm extending from the base, and a POS display. The base may include a front angled portion and a rear angled portion. The adjustable arm may include a first arm joint configured for pivotal attachment to the display and a second arm joint configured for pivotal attachment to the base. The POS display may be pivotally attached to the second arm joint. The POS display may be adjustable to rest on one of the front angled portion of the rear angled portion of the base.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, a plurality of arms extending from the base and the POS display. The plurality of arms extending from the base may be pivotally attached to the base. Each of the plurality of arms may include an arm joint configured for adjustable attachment to the POS display. The POS display may be attached to each of the plurality of arms via the respective arm joint of the plurality of arms.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, an arm extending from the base, an arm joint on the second portion of the arm, and a POS display. The arm may include a first portion substantially orthogonal to the base and a second portion at a skew angle. The POS display may be attached to the arm joint.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, a pivotal joint connected to a corner of the base, and a POS display attached to the base via the pivotal joint.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, a rotatable arm extending from the base, a hinge on the second portion of the rotatable arm, and a POS display attached to the rotatable arm via the hinge.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base comprising a first portion of a latch. The mount assembly may include a pivotal spring-loaded arm attached to the base. The mount assembly may include a POS display attached to the pivotal spring-loaded arm, wherein the POS display comprises a second portion of the latch.

In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly may include a base, an arm extending from the base and positioned toward a first side of the base, and a POS display comprising a card reader positioned on a second side of the based opposite the first side of the base.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description of the disclosure that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims or the proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many.

Illustrative Embodiments

Now referring toFIG. 1, a side-mounted horizontal pivot articulating POS display assembly100is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly100may include a base102, a first arm104, a second arm106, and a POS display108. The first arm104and second arm106may extend substantially orthogonally from the base102and on opposite ends of the base102. The first arm104may be substantially aligned with and/or substantially parallel to the second arm106. The POS display108may be pivotally attached to the first arm104and the second arm106. The POS display108may be attached to the first arm104and the second arm106by, for example, suction cups110. The suction cups110may be formed from any suitable plastic, rubber, or other material capable of securely attaching to a surface of the POS display108. Any number of suction cups110may be used to secure the POS display108. The suction cups110may be a part of or may be attached to rotating portions112of the first arm104and the second arm106. The rotating portions112may be formed as a part of the first and second arms104,106, or may be attached to the first and second arms104,106, for example with a ball and socket joint. The rotating portions112may be configured to rotate with respect to the first and second arms104,106, thereby allowing rotation of the POST display108about the first and second arms104,106. The POS display108may have a horizontal pivot axis through a centerline116of the POS display108corresponding to the point of attachment of the POS display108to the first arm104and the second arm106, where the POS display108rotates about the first and second arms104,106along with the rotating portions112. For example, the POS display108may rotate in direction114about the first arm104and the second arm106.

The horizontal pivot axis, which may run through the centerline116or near the centerline116of the POS display108, may be the axis about which the POS display108pivots and may correspond to the center of mass of the POS display108. The POS display108may roll or otherwise rotate smoothly or in predefined sections from one side of the mount assembly100to another. In some embodiments, stops or predefined sections may be set at different angles or positions about the first and second arms104,106for the POS display108. In some embodiments, magnets, protrusions, or other types of detenting stops may be used enable the POS display108to be set and stopped at different angles. The stops may resolve any pressure exerted by users of the system on the POS display108(e.g., tapping or swiping) which may be less than a force sufficient to articulate the POS display108. In some embodiments, the breakaway torque or pressure, or force, may be set to be greater than the input tap or contact of a user but less than a pressure that may be too difficult for a user to adjust the mount assembly.

Now referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a center-mounted horizontal pivot articulating POS display assembly200is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, the POS display assembly200may include a base202, an adjustable arm204extending from the base202, and a POS display206. The adjustable arm204may be connected to the base202via connections211. In some embodiments, connections210may be a ball and socket joint, or any other connection or attachment that is configured to allow adjustable arm204to move or rotate about the base202in direction216. The adjustable arm204may include a first arm joint205configured for pivotal attachment to the POS display206and a second arm joint210configured for pivotal attachment to the base202. In some embodiments, adjustable arm204may be extendable, for example adjustable arm204may be configured to extend and/or move in direction218away from the base202. In certain embodiments, the adjustable arm204may be telescoping. The adjustable arm204may further include the first arm joint205. The first arm joint205may attach the adjustable arm204to the POS display206. In some embodiments, the POS display206may be attached directly to the adjustable arm204, while in other embodiments, the POS display206may be positioned in a holder or cradle (not shown) that is attached to the adjustable arm204. The first arm joint205may include suction cups208configured to removably attach the POS display206to the adjustable arm204. The first arm joint205may further be configured to rotate about the adjustable arm204, thereby allowing the POS display206to rotate about the adjustable arm204. For example, the first arm joint205may be a ball and socket joint or the like.

The base202may include a front angled portion220and a rear angled portion222. The front angled portion220and the rear angled portion222may serve as backstops, rests, and/or supports for the POS display206when the POS display206is in a first position212, as shown inFIG. 2. For example, the first position212may be such that the POS display206is facing a merchant. In the first position212, the POS display206may rest on the front angled portion220of the base202. The POS display206may be pivotally attached to the adjustable arm204. The POS display206may be adjustable to rest on one of the front angled portion220or the rear angled portion222of the base202.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the POS display206is shown in a second position214, for example facing a customer, after rotating in direction216from the first position212. In the second position214, the POS display206may rest on the rear angled portion222of the base202. The adjustable arm204may be positioned upright, as shown inFIG. 3, when the POS display206is in the second position214. In other embodiments, the adjustable arm204may be in a different position when the POS display206is in the second position214.

In some embodiments, the center-mounted horizontal pivot mount articulating POS display assembly200may have a pivot point with respect to the POS display206in a way such that the POS display206rests a bottom edge on the base202in a way to create a 3-point stance. For example, the adjustable arm204may attach to the POS display206, and two corners of the POS display206may rest on a side of the base202in a kinematic scheme. In some embodiments, the base202may have different or additional angled sides or surfaces that enable the POS display206to rest on the base202at different angles.

Now referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, a four-bar linkage mounted articulating POS display assembly300is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly300may include a base302, a plurality of arms304extending from the base302, and a POS display306. The plurality of arms304extending from the base302may be pivotally attached to the base302via attachment318. Each of the plurality of arms304may be individually attached or connected to the base302, or the plurality of arms304may be connected to the base302at a single connection point. Each of the plurality of arms304may include an arm joint312configured for adjustable attachment to the POS display306. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms304may be connected at a support313that the POS display306may be mounted on. As shown inFIG. 4, the support313may include suction cups310configured to allow the POS display306to be removably attached to the support313. In other embodiments, the plurality of arms304may be connected directly to the POS display306. The POS display306may be attached to each of the plurality of arms304via the respective arm joint of the plurality of arms304. For example, each arm joint may include a suction cup configured to removably attach the POS display306to each respective arm of the plurality of arms304.

The attachment318may be configured to allow the plurality of arms304to rotate in direction322and in reverse about base302, thereby allowing the POS display306to rotate about the base302. The attachment318may include predefined stop points where the POS display306may be positioned without fully rotating about base302. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, inFIG. 4, the articulating POS display assembly300is shown with POS display306in a first position314, for example such that the POS display306is facing a merchant. The POS display306may rotate in direction322about the base302to come to a second position320shown inFIG. 5, which may correspond to a customer position, thereby allowing the customer to view the POS display306.

In some embodiments, the angle of the POS display306may be set by the kinematic linkage and the pivot locations of the mount assembly or attachment318. In some embodiments, the mount assembly or attachment318may be configured to allow the POS display306to articulate from merchant to customer facing modes and may translate a customer facing POS display306much closer to the customer. This may allow for a wider counter-depth which may provide better ergonomics for the customers and merchants.

Now referring toFIG. 6, a center-mounted angled vertical pivot mounted articulating POS display assembly400is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly400may include a base402, an arm404extending from the base402, an arm joint406connecting the arm404to the base402, and a POS display408attached to the arm404via joint410. The arm404may be straight, curved, or bent as shown inFIG. 6. The arm404may include a first portion substantially orthogonal to the base and a second portion at a skew angle. The POS display408may be attached to the arm404at joint410. Joint410may include suction cups412configured to removably attach the POS display408to the arm404. Other joints configured to removably attach the POS display408to the arm404may be used, such as Velcro, adhesive, or the like.

The joint410may be configured to allow the POS display408to rotate about the arm404in direction414, such that the POS display408may be viewed in a horizontal or vertical orientation, or at some angle in between horizontal and vertical. The joint410may be configured to lock in certain predetermined positions while rotating in direction414, for example a snap lock in the horizontal and vertical positions. The arm joint406connects the arm404to the base402. The arm joint406may be configured to allow the arm404to rotate with respect to the base404, for example in direction420. The arm joint406may therefore allow the POS display408to be rotated from a merchant view to a customer view, for example.

In some embodiments, the center-mounted angle vertical pivot mounted articulating POS display assembly400may allow the POS display408to be pivoted around or on the arm404. In some embodiments, the POS display408may be set to different display angles as it pivots around or on the arm404. In some embodiments, the mount assembly or arm joint406may permit 180 degree rotation of the POS display408around the arm404at different set angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 60 degrees, or the like). The portion of the arm404attached to the POS display408may be at an angle. Once it pivots, the angle of the POS display408may change as well.

Now referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, a flat corner rotation mounted articulating POS display assembly500is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly500may include a base502, a pivotal joint508connected to a corner510of the base, and a POS display506attached to a surface504of the base502via the pivotal joint508.

The pivotal joint508may include suction cups512that removably attach the POS display506to the base502. The pivotal joint508may allow 360 degree rotation of the POS display506about the base502, and may be, for example, a swivel joint. The pivotal joint508may be integrated into the base502or may otherwise be attached to the base502such that surface504remains substantially smooth. The pivotal joint508may allow the POS display506to rotate in directions514with respect to the base502.

In some embodiments, the flat corner rotation mounted articulating POS display assembly500may enable the POS display506to be presented in landscape or portrait mode, depending on the state of the pivotal joint508. For example, a merchant may view the POS display506in landscape mode while processing a transaction. The merchant may then exert force on the POS display506so that it swivels or rotates in direction514from the pivotal joint508connecting the base502and the POS display506such that when the POS display506is facing the customer, the POS display506may be in portrait mode from the customer's perspective. For example, the POS display506may be in a first position514, or landscape mode as shown inFIG. 7, and upon rotating with respect to the base502, the POS display506may be in a second position520, or portrait mode as shown inFIG. 8. In the second position520, the surface504of the base502may be exposed. Accordingly, functionality may be incorporated into the surface504, for example, a drawer for currency may be positioned in the base502and may be accessible via the surface504.

Now referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, an angled corner rotation mounted articulating POS display assembly600is depicted in a first position610in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly600may include a base602, a rotatable arm604attached to and extending from the base602, and a POS display606attached to the rotatable arm604via a rotatable attachment608.

The rotatable attachment608may be configured to allow the POS display606to rotate with respect to the rotatable arm604. The rotatable attachment608may be configured to removably attach the POS display606to an end or other portion of the rotatable arm604. For example, the rotatable attachment608may include suction cups612that allow the POS display606to be attached and removed from the rotatable arm604. The rotatable attachment608may be configured to allow the POS display606to rotate in directions614about the rotatable arm604, for example from landscape view to portrait view.

The rotatable arm604may be rotatably attached to the base602, for example via swivel mount616. The rotatable arm604may rotate with respect to the base602for example in directions620. The rotatable arm604may allow 360 degrees of motion with respect to the base602. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9, the rotatable arm604may be bent, while in other embodiments, the rotatable arm604may be straight, curved, or angled. In some embodiments, the rotatable arm604may be extendable, allowing the POS display606to move away from the base602while remaining connected to the rotatable arm604. For example, the rotatable arm604may have a telescoping portion.

In some embodiments, the angled corner rotation mounted articulating POS display assembly600may enable a merchant-facing mode, such as at the first position610shown inFIG. 9, to be at one angle (e.g., landscape mode). The assembly600may be manipulated (e.g., the display may be rotated) by a pre-determined angle (e.g., 90 degrees) and the display606may be put into a customer-facing mode (e.g., at a shallower angle in portrait mode) which may enable the customer to view the details of the transaction and sign or otherwise indicate via the POS display606approval of the transaction. In another instance, as shown inFIG. 10, the POS display606may be rotated with respect to the base606and can be moved to a second position630, or in view of a customer for approval of a transaction.

The angled corner rotation mounted articulating POS display assembly600may be a single pivot axis rotation placed at a skew angle. The skew angle and the location of the intersection of the skew angle with respect to the base and the display may give the assembly unique properties of set angle in different modes. For example, the merchant mode may have set angles that are different than the set angles of the customer-facing mode. The angled corner rotation mount assembly may enable users to easily change the angle and orientation of the POS display from merchant mode to customer mode.

Now referring toFIGS. 11-13, a horizontal pivot POS display assembly700is depicted in a first position702in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in detail inFIG. 13, the POS display assembly700may include a spring704, damper706, and electromagnetic latch mount assembly708. Referring toFIG. 11, in one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly700may include a base710including a first portion712of a latch714. The articulating POS display assembly700may include a pivotal spring-loaded arm716attached to the base710. The articulating POS display assembly700may include a POS display720attached to the pivotal spring loaded arm716, for example by suction cups722as discussed above. The POS display720may include a second portion724of the latch714.

In some embodiments, the POS display assembly700may be spring loaded and may include a magnetic latch714. When the articulating POS display assembly700is in a merchant mode, for example in the first position702illustrated inFIG. 11, and the merchant would like to present the POS display720to the customer, the customer may push a portion730of the POS display720down until the POS display720is latched, for example to the base710, as shown in the second position740inFIG. 12. In some embodiments, the latch714may comprise a magnet730affixed to a portion of the POS display720and a second magnet732affixed to a portion of the base710. The second magnet732affixed to the portion of the base710may have an inductor coil wrapped around it. The inductor coil may be energized in a manner that nullified the magnetic field of the second magnet732of the base710which may permit the magnetic latch714to release. The inductor coil may be energized by a hardware or software switch. For example, power supply742may be used.

Now referring toFIG. 14, a POS display system800may include a stationary mounted articulating POS display assembly810in communication with an integrated or nearby printer820. In one embodiment, the articulating POS display assembly810may include a base802, an arm804extending from the base802and positioned toward a first side806of the base802, and a POS display808comprising a card reader812positioned on a second side814of the base802opposite the first side806of the base802.

In some embodiments, the POS display808may be a touch screen display integrated with a card swipe reader812. The POS display808may be in communication with the integrated receipt printer820. The POS display808may be part of an articulating POS display assembly as described herein where the base802may be wider than in other embodiments. The wide base802may be needed to provide stability to the POS display808and to compensate for the swiping of the credit cards in the card reader812without knocking over or otherwise damaging the POS display808and/or to provide stability and compensate for any movement of the base802that may occur when articulating the POS display808into different states.

In some embodiments, the integrated receipt printer820may include a printed circuit board assembly822that may act as a hub for the input/output (I/O) for the POS system800. The printer820may include a system power supply, Ethernet cable, and RJ11connector that may be integrated in the unit, additional USB ports for expansion capabilities (e.g., for weigh scales or third-party 1-D or 2-D barcode reader). In some embodiments, a dedicated line may connect the POS display808and the printer820or the POS display808and printer820may be connected wirelessly over a wireless protocol.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and second arm extend substantially orthogonally from the base and on opposite ends of the base. The assembly also includes a POS display pivotally attached to the first arm and the second arm, wherein the POS display has a horizontal pivot axis through a centerline of the POS display.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base with a front angled portion and a rear angled portion. The assembly includes an adjustable arm extending from the base, where the arm includes a first arm joint configured for pivotal attachment to the display and a second arm joint configured for pivotal attachment to the base. The assembly also includes a POS display pivotally attached to the second arm joint. The POS display is adjustable to rest on one of the front angled portion of the rear angled portion of the base.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base, and a plurality of arms extending from the base and pivotal attached to the base. Each of the plurality of arms includes an arm joint configured for adjustable attachment to a POS display. The POS display may be attached to each of the plurality of arms via the respective arm joint of the plurality of arms.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base and an arm extending from the base. The arm includes a first portion substantially orthogonal to the base and a second portion at a skew angle, and an arm joint on the second portion of the arm. The assembly includes a POS display attached to the arm joint.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base, a pivotal joint connected to a corner of the base, and a POS display attached to the base via the pivotal joint.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base and a rotatable arm extending from the base. The arm includes a first portion substantially orthogonal to the base and a second portion at a skew angle, a hinge on the second portion of the rotatable arm, and a POS display attached to the rotatable arm via the hinge.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base comprising a first portion of a latch, a pivotal spring-loaded arm attached to the base, and a POS display attached to the pivotal spring-loaded arm, wherein the POS display comprises a second portion of the latch.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include a base, an arm extending from the base and positioned toward a first side of the base, and a POS display comprising a card reader positioned on a second side of the based opposite the first side of the base.

Associated methods of use and manufacture of the assemblies described herein are included in this disclosure.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly may include a base and a movable arm attached to the base. The movable arm may be configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base. The assembly may further include a pivotable display device attached to the movable arm. The pivotable display device may be configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm. The assembly may also include an arm joint attaching the movable arm to the base, and a pivot joint attaching the pivotable display device to the movable arm. The movable arm may be configured to rotate with respect to the base. The arm joint may be configured to allow the movable arm to rotate 360 degrees about the base. The pivotable display device may be configured to lock in the third position or the fourth position. The pivotable display device may be configured to rotate about the movable arm. The movable arm may include a telescoping arm portion. The pivotable display device may be removably attached to the movable arm. The pivot joint may include one or more suction cups to attach the pivotable display device to the movable arm. The movable arm may be configured to lock in the first position or the second position. The movable arm may include a straight portion and an angled portion. The base may include a backstop for the pivotable display device at either the third position or the fourth position. The arm joint may be positioned near a corner of the base. The pivotable display device may further include a first magnetic latch portion and the base may further include a second magnetic latch portion, the first and second magnetic latch portions may be configured to engage and lock the pivotable display device in the third position or the fourth position. The pivotable display device may be configured to rotate about the base. The assembly may further include an integrated printer, where the base further includes a card reader and the pivotable display device may be configured to communicate with the integrated printer.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for providing an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly can include providing a base, attaching a movable arm to the base with an arm joint. The movable arm may be configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base, and attaching a pivotable display device to the movable arm with a pivot joint. The pivotable display device may be configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm. The pivotable display device may be configured to rotate with respect to the movable arm. The movable arm may be configured to rotate with respect to the base.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the disclosure.