Painting apparatus

A painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material. The handle portion is configured to prevent a user's hand from moving with respect to the handle portion while grasping the handle portion. The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator material is arranged relative to an external surface of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to paint application devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a painting apparatus and method of use in connection with painting within narrow spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain situations it is desirable to mount objects close to surfaces to minimize the portion of the location in which the object is located that is occupied by the object. An example of one such object is a toilet. It is possible to mount the toilet close to a wall because it is generally not necessary to access the portion of the wall that is behind the toilet.

One of the primary times that it is necessary to access the space behind the toilet is when decorating. For example, it is generally desirable to paint the space behind the toilet when painting other portions of the wall that are not behind the toilet.

While conventional painting implements such as rollers and paint brushes may be used on the other portions of the wall that are not behind the toilet, the toilet is typically located sufficiently close to the wall such that it is not possible to access all of the space that is behind the toilet with a conventional roller or paint brush.

To overcome this limitation, it is common to disconnect at least a portion of the toilet to facilitate painting behind the toilet. A problem with disconnecting a portion of the toilet is that it may be necessary to have the portion of the toilet disconnected by a plumber because the toilet contains water and drain lines. Any water and/or waste that inadvertently escapes from the toilet may not only cause damage to the areas that surround the toilet, but also could present a health risk.

A need exists for improvement in paint application devices. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material.

The handle portion includes a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section has a maximum width and a maximum height. The distal section has a thumb engaging mechanism formed therein. The intermediate section has a maximum width and a maximum height. The proximal section and the distal section extend from opposite ends of the intermediate section.

At least one of the maximum width of the proximal section is larger than the maximum width of the intermediate section and the maximum height of the proximal section is larger than the maximum height of the intermediate section.

The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator portion has first and second external surfaces are oriented opposite one another. The applicator material is arranged relative to at least one of the first and second external surfaces of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material.

The handle portion includes a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The distal section has a thumb engaging mechanism formed therein. The proximal section and the distal section extend from opposite ends of the intermediate section. The proximal section is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the intermediate section.

The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator portion has first and second external surfaces are oriented opposite one another. The applicator material is arranged relative to at least one of the first and second external surfaces of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of painting a surface to be painted within a narrow space. A painting apparatus is provided that includes a handle portion and an applicator portion offset from the handle portion. An applicator material is arranged relative to at least one external surface of the applicator portion.

At least a portion of the applicator material is immersed in a paint reservoir. The applicator material is positioned on the surface to be painted. The painting apparatus is moved relative to the surface to be painted to cause paint to be applied to the surface to be painted. Movement of a user's hand with respect to the handle portion is resisted with a plurality of channels on a surface of the handle portion. The channels define a plurality of ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a painting apparatus10in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.FIG. 2is another perspective view of the painting apparatus10ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a top view of the painting apparatus10ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a side view of the painting apparatus10ofFIG. 1.

The painting apparatus10aids in the application of paint to surfaces that are blocked or obstructed by objects placed close to the surfaces, such as toilets, stoves and refrigerators. Many such objects are very heavy or permanently mounted, and therefore difficult or impossible to move. As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the painting apparatus10comprises a handle portion20, an applicator portion22and an intermediate portion24.

In at least one embodiment, the handle portion20includes an elongated region configured to be grasped by a user of the painting apparatus10. The elongated region may be formed with a length, width and outer surface contour to at least partially conform to the shape of the user's hand when closed.

The handle portion20includes several features that enhance the ability to hold onto the handle portion20if part of the handle portion20is covered with paint, which can reduce the ability to grasp the handle portion20.

The handle portion20may generally be defined as including a proximal section50, an intermediate section52and a distal section54. In certain embodiments, the proximal section50, the intermediate section52and the distal section54may be integrally formed.

The proximal section50may have a maximum width and/or a maximum height that is larger than a maximum width and/or a maximum height of the intermediate section52. Forming the proximal section50with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section52reduces the potential of the user's hand slipping off of the end of the painting apparatus10because even if the user's hand is held slightly larger than the intermediate section52, the user's hand will encounter the wider and/or higher proximal section50and thereby be prevented from sliding off the handle portion20.

Forming the proximal section50with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section52also enables the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion20without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion20.

In certain embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section50is more than 5 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section52. In other embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section50is between about 10 and 30 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section52.

An upper surface160and at least a portion of side surfaces162of the proximal section150may be curved to generally conform to a shape of a portion of a user's hand who is holding the painting apparatus110.

At least part of the upper surface60and the side surfaces62may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, at least part of the upper surface60and the side surfaces62may be textured to enhance the ability for the user to grasp the handle portion20.

The proximal section50may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion20. In certain embodiments, the proximal section50encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion20.

At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion20may include a non-smooth transition (not shown) between the proximal section50and the intermediate section52. In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition is a ridge on the upper surface.

The non-smooth transition enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion20without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion20.

The intermediate section52may encompass up to about 80 percent of a length of the handle portion20. In certain embodiments, the intermediate section52encompasses between about 40 percent and about 80 percent of the length of the handle portion20.

At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion20may include a non-smooth transition66between the distal section54and the intermediate section52. In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition is a ridge on the upper surface.

The non-smooth transition66enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion20without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion20.

The handle portion20may be fabricated from the same material as the other components of the painting apparatus10. Alternatively, the handle portion20may be fabricated from a material such as molded plastic.

The applicator portion22has a first surface30and a second surface32that are oriented opposite each other. In at least one embodiment, the first surface30is substantially flat and is adapted to receive an applicator material34. It will further be appreciated that various embodiments of the applicator portion22are of varying lengths.

The difference in length of the applicator portion22depends on the size of the object behind which the user desires to paint. In at least one embodiment, the applicator portion22is between about 12 inches and about 18 inches. However, other embodiments may feature an applicator portion22as short as about 6 inches and as long as about 36 inches.

Depending on the length of the applicator portion22and the material from which the applicator portion22is formed, it may be necessary to strengthen the applicator portion22to ensure that an end of the applicator portion22that is opposite the handle portion20is sufficiently rigid to cause the paint to be applied to the surface.

An example of one such device that may be used to strengthen the applicator portion22is at least one rib36that extends from the second surface32along at least a portion of a length of the applicator portion22.

The applicator portion22may be formed with a width that depends on factors such as the size of the object behind which it is desired to paint and the volume of paint that is desired to be held with the applicator material34. For example, the wider the applicator material34, the more paint that may be held in the applicator material34, which reduces the frequency at which the applicator material34must be refilled with paint. In at least one embodiment, the width of the applicator portion22is about 6 inches. In alternative embodiments, the width is smaller, even as small as about 1 inch.

The applicator portion22may be formed from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. In some embodiments, the applicator portion22may be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel. Forming the applicator portion22from stainless steel enables the applicator portion22to be relatively rigid and relatively thin.

The applicator material34may be formed from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention such that the applicator material34is relatively thin and has the ability to absorb paint to facilitate applying the paint to the surface. In some embodiments, the applicator material34may be foam, bristles, fabric or some combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the applicator material34has a surface covering that is consistent over the entire surface thereof. In other embodiments, the applicator material34may have at least two applicator regions that are fabricated from different materials.

The applicator material34may be attached to the applicator portion22using a variety of techniques. In some embodiments, the applicator material34is permanently attached to the applicator portion22. Using such a configuration, the painting apparatus10may be disposed of after use.

In other embodiments, the applicator material34may be removably attached to the applicator portion22. An example of suitable techniques for removably attaching the applicator material34is an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener such as is available under the designation VELCRO.

Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the applicator material34may extend over at least a portion of the applicator portion22such that sliding of the applicator material34with respect to the applicator portion22facilitates attachment of or detachment of the applicator material34to the applicator portion22. In such a configuration, a lock mechanism may be provided to retain the applicator material34in a desired location with respect to the applicator portion22.

The intermediate portion24may offset the handle portion20from applicator portion22such that when the applicator portion22is positioned along a surface for applying paint to the surface, the handle portion20is located above the surface such that the user's hand does not contact the surface. In some embodiments, the offset between the handle portion20and the applicator portion22is up to about 6 inches.

In other embodiments, the offset between the handle portion20and the applicator portion22is between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. The intermediate portion24may be oriented at an angle with respect to the applicator portion22. In some embodiments, the angle may be between about 20 and about 90 degrees.

The handle portion20, the applicator portion22and the intermediate portion24may be oriented in different configurations. Examples of alternative configurations provide the painting apparatus10with a C-shape or an L-shape.

The intermediate portion24may be integrally formed with at least one of the handle portion20and the applicator portion22. The intermediate portion24may have sufficient rigidity such that when a pressure is applied to the applicator portion24with the handle portion20, the intermediate portion24resists deformation.

FIGS. 5-9are environmental views depicting the painting apparatus10ofFIG. 1in a method of use, andFIGS. 10-11are perspective views of the painting apparatus10ofFIG. 1with a paint reservoir60. WhileFIGS. 5-9depict the painting apparatus10in a method of use to paint behind a toilet72, it is also contemplated that the painting apparatus10may be used in a similar manner to paint other areas that may be difficult to access with conventional paint application devices, such as behind stoves and refrigerators.

As shown inFIG. 5, a portion of a surface70that is not behind a toilet72may be painted using the painting apparatus10. Alternatively, the painting apparatus10may be used to paint the surface70that is behind the toilet72before the other portions of the surface70are painted.

In an initial step, a top74of the toilet72may be removed, as shown inFIG. 6. The toilet72may be covered with a protective material such as a sheet of plastic. As shown inFIG. 10, the applicator material34is at least partially immersed in a paint reservoir60to cause the paint to be retained therein.

If the applicator material34soaks up excess paint, the applicator material34may be moved across an edge of a paint reservoir60, as shown inFIG. 11, to remove some of the paint from the applicator material34.

The painting apparatus10is then positioned so that the applicator material34is on the surface70that is at least partially behind the toilet72, as shown inFIG. 7. The painting apparatus10is moved with respect to the surface70to cause paint to be applied to the surface70.

The process may be repeated to apply paint to the surface70that is along the sides of the toilet72, as shown inFIG. 8. Once the surface70behind the toilet72is painted, any protective material may be removed from the toilet72and the top74of the toilet72is replaced, as shown inFIG. 9.

An alternative embodiment of the painting apparatus110is set forth inFIGS. 12-16. The painting apparatus110includes a handle portion120, an applicator portion122and an intermediate portion124.

The handle portion120includes several features that enhance the ability to hold onto the handle portion120if part of the handle portion120is covered with paint, which can reduce the ability to grasp the handle portion120.

The handle portion120may generally be defined as including a proximal section150, an intermediate section152and a distal section154. In certain embodiments, the proximal section150, the intermediate section152and the distal section154may be integrally formed.

The proximal section150may be oriented at an angle with respect to the intermediate section152. Orienting the proximal section150at an angle with respect to the intermediate section reduces the potential of a user's hand slipping off the end of the painting apparatus110while using the painting apparatus110.

Orienting the proximal section150at an angle with respect to the intermediate section152also enables the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion120without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion120.

In certain embodiments, when viewed from a side of the handle portion120as illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 15, the proximal section150is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the intermediate section152. In other embodiments, an angle between the proximal section150and the intermediate section152is between about 145 degrees and about 170 degrees.

The proximal section150may have a maximum width and/or a maximum height that is larger than a maximum width and/or a maximum height of the intermediate section152. Forming the proximal section150with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section152reduces the potential of the user's hand slipping off of the end of the painting apparatus110because even if the user's hand is slightly larger than the intermediate section152, the user's hand will encounter the wider and/or higher proximal section150.

Forming the proximal section150with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section152also enables the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion120without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion120.

In certain embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section150is more than 5 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section152. In other embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section150is between about 10 and 30 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section152.

An upper surface160and at least a portion of side surfaces162of the proximal section150may be curved to generally conform to a shape of a portion of a user's hand who is holding the painting apparatus110.

At least part of the upper surface160and the side surfaces162may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, at least part of the upper surface160and the side surfaces162may be textured to enhance the ability for the user to grasp the handle portion120.

The proximal section150may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the proximal section150encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion120.

At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion120may include a non-smooth transition164between the proximal section150and the intermediate section152. In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition164is a ridge on the upper surface.

The non-smooth transition enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion120without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion120.

The intermediate section152may encompass up to about 80 percent of a length of the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the intermediate section152encompasses between about 40 percent and about 80 percent of the length of the handle portion120.

The distal section154may have a recess166formed in an upper surface thereof. The recess166is adapted to receive a portion of a tip of a user's thumb. The recess166enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user's hand on the handle portion120without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion120.

The recess166may have a width and a length that are slightly larger than a width and a length of the tip of the user's thumb. The width and the length of the recess166should not be significantly larger than the width and the length of the tip of the user's thumb because such a configuration would impair the ability of the user to utilize the position of the tip of the user's thumb as indicating the position of the user's hand on the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the width and the length of the recess166may each be between about ½ of an inch and 1 inch.

The recess166should have a depth that is sufficiently large such that the user can readily feel when the tip of the user's thumb is positioned in the recess166without the user having the visually see that the tip of the user's thumb is positioned in the recess166.

However, the depth of the recess166should not be too great such that the user perceives the depression as being indicative of the end of the handle portion120. Additionally, if the recess166is too deep, the user may experience discomfort caused by the user's thumb contacting the lip surrounding the recess166.

In certain embodiments, the recess166has a depth of up to about ½ of an inch. In other embodiments, the recess166has a depth that is between about ⅛ of an inch and about ¼ of an inch.

A plurality of channels170is formed in a lower side of the handle portion120. The channels170each have a depth that is between about 10 percent and about 50 percent of the height of the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the channels170may each have a depth that is approximately the same. In other embodiments, the channels170at different locations on the handle portion120may have different depths.

The plurality of channels170may be positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that a spacing between each of the channels170is substantially equal. A width of the channels170may be approximately the same as a width of the ribs172that are positioned between each of the channels170.

The channels170may be oriented at an angle with respect to an upper surface of the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the angle is between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees.

In still other embodiments, the channels170are not oriented substantially transverse to the upper surface of the handle portion120. By orienting the channels170at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the handle portion120that is not transverse to the upper surface, the ribs172are more likely to deflect when the handle portion120is grasped by the user's hand.

The rib172should be sufficiently wide so that the person using the painting apparatus110does not experience discomfort when contacting the edges of the ribs172. In certain embodiments, the edges of the ribs172may be slightly curved.

Forming the channels170in the preceding manner provides the handle portion120with a lower surface that may be grasped by the user. However, the channels170are adapted to receive paint that is on the user's hand.

The channels170thereby can cause the paint to be scraped off of the user's hand as the person's hand moves with respect to the handle portion120. Alternatively or additionally, the channels170receiving the paint enhance the ability of the user to grasp the handle portion120.

The ribs172may be formed with a sufficiently thin thickness such that the ribs172are deflectable by manual pressure from the user's fingers when the user is holding the handle portion120. The deflectable ribs172thereby enhance the comfort to the user such that the handle portion120may be fabricated from a single type of material that provides a rigid upper surface and a deflectable lower surface.

Yet another advantage of forming the channels170in the handle portion120is that the weight of the painting apparatus110is reduced when compared to the handle portion120that is formed from a solid piece of material. This reduced weight reduces fatigue to the user caused by holding a heavier painting apparatus that does not include the channels170.

Furthermore, the channels170reduce the cost associated with manufacturing the painting apparatus110compared to a design that does not include the channels170because less material is used to fabricate the handle portion120of the painting apparatus110that includes the channels170.

The distal section154may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion120. In certain embodiments, the distal section154encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion120.

The applicator portion122has a first surface130and a second surface132that are oriented opposite each other. In certain configurations, the first surface130is substantially flat and is adapted to receive an applicator material134. Depending on the intended use of the painting apparatus110, the applicator portion122may be formed of varying lengths.

One factor that may affect the length of the applicator portion122is the size of the object behind which the person using the painting apparatus110desires to paint. In certain embodiments, the applicator portion122has a length of between about 6 inches and about 36 inches. In other embodiments, the applicator portion122has a length of between about 12 inches and about 18 inches.

Depending on the material from which the applicator portion122is formed, it may be necessary to strengthen the applicator portion122to ensure that an end of the applicator portion122that is opposite the handle portion120is sufficiently rigid to cause the paint to be applied to the surface.

An example of one such strengthening device is a rib136that extends from the second surface132along at least a portion of a length of the applicator portion122. As illustrated inFIGS. 12-16, the rib136may span an intersection between the applicator portion122and the intermediate portion124.

The applicator portion122may be formed with a width that depends on factors such as the size of the object behind which it is desired to paint and the volume of paint that is desired to be held with the applicator material134.

The applicator portion122may include measuring indicia142on a surface thereof. In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia142may be provided on the second surface132.

The measuring indicia142may be positioned proximate to at least one of the edges of the applicator portion122. In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia142extend substantially between a proximal end and a distal end of the applicator portion122.

In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia142may be provided in inches. In addition to marks spaced one inch apart, the measuring indicia142may include a plurality of intermediate marks. The intermediate marks may be placed at a spacing of about ¼ of an inch. In addition to the marks, the measuring indicia142may also include numbers to facilitate the person using the painting apparatus110to readily determine the distance.

Depending on the material from which the applicator portion122is formed, the measuring indicia142may be integrally formed with the other parts of the applicator portion122. In other embodiments, the measuring indicia142may be applied to the applicator portion122. Examples of techniques that may be used to apply the measuring indicia142are painting or printing.

An advantage of using the indicia that are raised above a surface of the applicator portion122is that it may remain possible for the person using the painting apparatus110to view the measuring indicia142even after paint accumulates on the part of the applicator portion122where the measuring indicia142is located.

The measuring indicia142may be used to determine how far the person has painted in from an edge of the object that is located near to the wall. The measuring indicia142thereby enable the person to minimize the potential of not painting far enough behind an object from a first side. When this happens, the person would not realize that he or she has not painted far enough behind the object until the person had painted one of the other sides. In this situation, the person would have to go back to the first side for additional painting.

Such a situation is highly undesirable because it would not only increase the time associated with the painting project but could also present a significant issue that negatively impacts the outcome of the painting project if the paint along the first side had already begun to dry when the person comes back over to the first side for the additional painting

The larger the width of the applicator material134, the more paint that may be held in the applicator material134, which thereby reduces the frequency at which the applicator must be refilled with paint. In certain embodiments, the width of the applicator material134is up to about 6 inches. In other embodiments, the width of the applicator material134is between about ½ of an inch and 2 inches.

In certain embodiments, the applicator material134has a surface covering that is consistent over the entire surface thereof. In other embodiments, the applicator material134may have at least two applicator regions that are fabricated from different materials.

The applicator material134may be attached to the applicator portion122using a variety of techniques. In certain embodiments, the applicator material134is permanently attached to the applicator portion122. Using such a configuration, the painting apparatus110may be discarded after use.

In other embodiments, the applicator material134may be removably attached to the applicator portion122. An example of one technique that may be used to removably attach the applicator material134to the applicator portion122is an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener such as is available under the designation VELCRO.

Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the applicator material134may extend over at least a portion of the applicator portion122such that sliding of the applicator material134with respect to the applicator portion122facilitates attachment or detachment of the applicator material134to the applicator portion122. In such a configuration, a lock mechanism may be provided to retain the applicator material134in a desired location with respect to the applicator portion122.

The intermediate portion124may offset the handle portion120from the applicator portion122such that when the applicator portion122is positioned along a surface for applying paint to the surface, the handle portion120is located above the surface such that the user's hand does not contact the surface.

In certain embodiments, the offset between the handle portion120and the applicator portion122is up to about 6 inches. In other embodiments, the offset between the handle portion120and the applicator portion122is between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.

The intermediate portion124may be oriented at an angle with respect to the applicator portion122. In certain embodiments, the angle may be between about 20 degrees and about 90 degrees.

The handle portion120, the applicator portion122and the intermediate portion124may be oriented in different configurations. Examples of the alternative configurations provide the painting apparatus110with a C-shape or an L-shape.

The intermediate portion124may be integrally formed with at least one of the handle portion120and the applicator portion122. In other embodiments, the intermediate portion124may be fabricated separately from at least one of the handle portion120and the applicator portion122.

The intermediate portion124should exhibit sufficient rigidity so that the handle portion120may be used to apply pressure to the applicator portion124without the intermediate portion124experiencing deformation.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

It will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.

Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.

The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.”

Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”