REUSABLE DISPENSING CONTAINER SYSTEMS

A container system includes a container insert including a material chamber and a number of ridges positioned along the material chamber. The system also includes a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert, and a support member is positioned in the material chamber and includes a support surface on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned. A plug member is positioned between the support member and the container insert, and is configured to prevent passage between the support member and the container insert of a material which may be positioned in the material chamber. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert, and the number of ridges limit rotation of the support member relative to the container insert.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to containers. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to reusable dispensing container systems.

BACKGROUND

Single use packaging containers and other consumer product containers may lead to increases in the amount of waste provided to landfills and, in turn, the amount of waste which ultimately finds its way into waterways and other natural features. In order to reduce such waste, there is an increasing need to provide reusable packaging containers and related consumer product containers.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a container system includes a container insert including a material chamber and a number of elongated projections extending into the material chamber. The system also includes a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert, and a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a number of receptacles each corresponding to a respective one of the number of elongated projections. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert and the number of elongated projections limit rotation of the support member relative to the container insert.

In another embodiment, a container system includes a container insert including a material chamber and a number of ridges positioned along the material chamber; a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert; a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a support surface on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned; and a plug member positioned between the support member and the container insert. The plug member is configured to prevent passage between the support member and the container insert of a material which may be positioned in the material chamber. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert and the number of ridges limit rotation of the support member relative to the container insert.

In yet another embodiment, a container system includes a container insert including a material chamber; a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert; a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a support surface on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned; and a plug member positioned between the support member and the container insert, the plug member being configured to prevent passage between the support member and the container insert of a material which may be positioned in the material chamber. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of example embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such example embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

The present disclosure generally relates to containers. In particular, some embodiments relate to container systems which include an outer container and a container insert removably positioned in the outer container. It will be appreciated that embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in a variety of fields and/or operating environments where the functionality disclosed herein may be useful. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be construed to be limited to the exemplary implementations and operating environments disclosed herein.

With general reference toFIGS.1-3for example, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a container system10. The container system10includes an outer container12, a container insert14which is removably positionable and securable in the outer container12, and a lid16configured to engage with the outer container12with or without the container insert14being positioned therein.

The outer container12includes a container body18which extends between a first end20and an opposite second end22. The container body18generally includes a cylindrical configuration, although variations in the shape and configuration of the container body18are contemplated. An opening at the first end20of the container body18communicates with and provides access to a hollow interior24of the container body18in which the container insert14may be positioned. The opening at the first end20may have a circular or generally circular configuration, although variations are possible. The second end22of the container body18also includes an opening which is positioned opposite of the opening at the first end20. The opening at the second end22may also communicate with the hollow interior24.

The container insert14includes a container insert body26which extends between a first end28and an opposite second end30. The container insert body26generally includes a cylindrical configuration, although variations in the shape and configuration of the container insert body26are contemplated. An opening32at the first end28of the container insert body26communicates with and provides access to a material chamber or hollow interior34which may be configured to store or otherwise hold a material to be dispensed from the container system10. In one form for example, the material may be a solid material in the form of stick or block which is initially poured or provided in the material chamber34in a flowable form, although other variations are possible. The opening32may have a circular or generally circular configuration, although variations are possible. In addition, the container insert14includes an opening positioned opposite of the opening32which extends through the second end30of the insert body26. In one form for example, the opening extending through the second end30of the insert body26may be smaller than the opening32and may have a keyhole or similarly shaped configuration, although variations are possible. For example, in one form, the opening at the second end30of the insert body26may include a generally circular portion with a slot extending therefrom, and the slot may include a width which is less than the diameter of the generally circular portion.

The container insert body26also includes a number of elongated projections or ridges35aand35bpositioned on a sidewall thereof and extending into the material chamber34as best seen inFIG.3A. In the illustrated form, the container insert body26includes only two elongated projections35aand35b, although forms in which only a single elongated projection or more than two elongated projections are provided are also possible. The container insert body26also includes a plurality of grooves35cand35dpositioned on an external surface thereof and opposite of and corresponding to the elongated projections35aand35b(FIG.3B).

The container insert14also includes a driving member36which extends through the opening through the second end30of the container insert body26such that a portion of the driving member36is positioned in the material chamber34. The driving member36includes an externally threaded portion38extending from a head portion40. The head portion40may include a hex or other similarly configured portion42positioned adjacent to an engagement portion44which, when the driving member36is engaged with the container insert body26, bears against the second end30of the container insert body26opposite of the material chamber34. The opening through the second end30of the container insert body26may be sized and structured to facilitate rotation of the driving member36relative to the container insert body26while also preventing the head portion40from passing into the material chamber34.

The container insert14also includes a support member46which is engaged with the driving member36and provides a support platform for a material stored in the material chamber34. As will be described in greater detail below, the support member46is movable in the material chamber34in response to rotation of the driving member36. As the support member46is moved in this manner, a force may be applied to a material stored in the material chamber34to push the material toward and/or out of the opening32at the first end20of the container insert body26.

In the illustrated form, the support member46includes an upper portion48defining a surface which may support a material in the material chamber, and a lower portion50which extends from the upper portion48. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4for example, the upper portion48is generally configured as a round disc, although other shapes and configurations are possible. The upper portion48includes an upper surface52positioned opposite of a lower surface54. The upper portion48further includes a plurality of apertures58,60and62(only a few of which have been numerically identified for the sake of clarity) which are positioned about an internally threaded aperture56and extend through the upper portion48between the upper surface52and the lower surface54. Forms in which one or more of the apertures58,60and62is replaced by an indentation, groove or similar feature that does not extend entirely through the upper portion48are also possible and contemplated, as well as forms where the upper portion48is flat and does not include any surface features. The upper portion48also includes a pair of oppositely positioned recesses or receptacles63aand63bwhich may generally correspond to the elongated projections35aand35bsuch that a portion thereof may be positioned in the receptacles63aand63band limit or prevent rotational movement of the support member46relative to the container insert body26. In alternative forms, the upper portion48may include a number of the receptacles63which corresponds to the number of the elongated projections35, although forms in which the numbers thereof are different are also possible.

The upper portion48may be sized such that, when positioned in the material chamber34as illustrated inFIG.3for example, a space extends around the upper portion48and a sidewall of the material chamber34, although other variations are possible. The support member46may be formed of a rigid metal, plastic or composite material, just to provide a few non-limiting examples. Forms in which the support member46is formed of a semi-rigid or flexible material are also contemplated.

As indicated above, the support member46also includes an internally threaded aperture56. More specifically, the internally threaded aperture is formed in the lower portion50of the support member46. The externally threaded portion38of the driving member36is configured to engage with the internally threaded aperture56.

The container insert also includes a plug member64, further details of which are provided in connection withFIGS.5and6. The plug member64has a generally disc-like configuration. More specifically, the plug member64includes a central portion66having an aperture68extending therethrough. The aperture68may be configured, for example, to facilitate passage of the driving member36through the plug member64. The plug member64also includes a radial flange or sidewall70extending from the central portion66. As best seen inFIG.3for example, the sidewall70extends obliquely to the central portion66in an arrangement where a distance between opposing portions of the sidewall70increases as the sidewall70moves away from the central portion66. Similarly, the configuration of the sidewall70provides a flared configuration for a portion of the plug member64. Moreover, in this arrangement, the sidewall70may engage with a sidewall of the material chamber34at a location spaced above the support member48. However, forms in which the sidewall70is shorter and engages the sidewall of the material chamber34at or near the support member46are also possible. In addition, while not previously mentioned, the sidewall70includes an edge71extending laterally therefrom and in some forms the edge71may engage against the sidewall of the material chamber34.

The plug member64also includes a cylindrical portion72which extends from the central portion66. The aperture68extends through the cylindrical portion72such that the driving member36may also extend through the cylindrical portion72. Moreover, the cylindrical portion72may be sized and configured to receive the lower portion50of the support member46therein. In addition, while not previously mentioned, the central portion66and the sidewall70may be sized such that the upper portion48of the support member46is received in the plug member64as best seen inFIG.3for example. Similarly, in this arrangement, the plug member64may fill any space between the support member46and the container insert body26and thereby prevent passage of any material in the material chamber34past the support member46. Forms in which the cylindrical portion72is absent are also possible and contemplated.

In one form for example, the cylindrical portion72of the plug member64and the lower portion50of the support member46may be sized relative to one another in a fashion providing a press fit arrangement between the plug member64and the support member46. In this arrangement for example, the press fit may result in coupling of these elements together such that the plug member64is moved as the support member46is moved in the material chamber34. Additionally or alternatively, the plug member64and the support member46may be coupled by one or more adhesives, and/or a material which is poured or provided in the material chamber34may flow through the apertures of the support member46and into contact or communication with the plug member64to provide coupling between these elements.

The plug member64further includes a number of projections74aand74bformed in the sidewall70as well as a number of receptacles76aand76bformed in the sidewall70opposite of and corresponding to the projections74aand74b. The projections74aand74band the receptacles76aand76bmay generally correspond to the elongated projections35aand35bsuch that a portion thereof may be positioned in the receptacles76aand76band limit or prevent rotational movement of the plug member64relative to the container insert body26. Similarly, a portion of the projections74aand74bmay be positioned in the receptacles63aand63bof the support member46to transfer the rotation limiting or preventing function from the elongated projections35aand35bto the support member46. This arrangement may be best seen inFIG.3Bfor example. In addition, as shown in this Figure, the container body18also includes a pair of projections19aand19bwhich may extend into the grooves35cand35dof the container insert body26in an arrangement limiting or preventing rotation of the container insert body26relative to the container body18.

As suggested above, the plug member64may be sized such that at least a portion thereof, like the sidewall70or the edge71for example, engages or bears against a sidewall of the material chamber34. In one form for example, the plug member64in its natural state may be larger than the material chamber34and formed of a flexibly deformable material that yields to the material chamber34to provide a press fit therebetween. For example, as the plug member64is positioned in the material chamber34, the sidewall70may be inwardly compressed as it engages against the sidewall of the material chamber34. However, the sidewall70may still provide enough outward force toward the sidewall of the material chamber34such that a press fit arrangement between the plug member64and the material chamber34is provided. In one aspect, the press fit may for example prevent passage of a material poured or positioned in the material chamber34from passing between the plug member64and the sidewall of the material chamber34. In one form, the plug member64may be formed of paper, a paper-based material, rubber, metal, plastic, or other suitable materials.

As indicated above, the support member46may be longitudinally moved through the material chamber34in response to rotation of the driving member36relative to the insert body26. More specifically, in the illustrated form, the container system10also includes a rotation member80which is rotatably coupled to (and rotatable relative to) the outer container12and configured to engage with the head portion40of the driving member36. In this arrangement, rotation of the rotation member80also results in rotation of the driving member36relative to the insert body26. As the driving member36is rotated, the arrangement between the support member46, the plug member64and the material chamber34prevents rotation of the support member46such that the support member46may be threadingly advanced along the driving member36toward the first end20of the insert body26. Similarly, in this arrangement, when a material is present in the material chamber34it may be advanced by the support member46toward the first end28of the insert body26for use.

As the support member46is moved across the material chamber34, it may (along with the plug member64) provide a closure for a lower portion of the material chamber34across a number of different positions. Similarly, as the material in the material chamber34is used, advancement of the support member46toward the first end28will result in a decreased size of the portion of the material chamber34which is accessible from the first end28of the insert body26. In addition, while the press fit provided between the plug member64and the material chamber34may allow advancement of it and the support member46toward the first end28of the insert body26in response to rotation of the driving member36, it is also contemplated that the press fit between these components will prevent movement of these components away from the first end28of the insert body26when the driving member36is not being rotated.

The lid16may be engageable with the outer container12utilizing a press fit or threaded configuration, although other variations are possible, and the container insert14may be provided with a removable cover.

Referring now toFIG.7, where like numerals refer to like features previously described, there is illustrated in section view an alternative embodiment container system110. The container system110is similar to the container system10, provided however that the plug member64in the container system10has been replaced with a plug member164in the container system110. Unless otherwise specified herein, it should be appreciated that the plug member164may function the same or substantially similar to the plug member64, and may otherwise be configured or structured the same or substantially similar to the plug member64as described above. In addition to the plug member164, the container system110also includes a blocking member200. Further details of the plug member164and the blocking member200are provided below in connection withFIGS.7-10.

The plug member164has a generally disc-like configuration. More specifically, the plug member164includes a central portion166having an aperture168extending therethrough. The aperture168may be configured, for example, to facilitate passage of the driving member36as well as the lower portion50of the support member46through the plug member164. In one form for example, the plug member164may include a stem extending therefrom through which the aperture168extends thereby defining an elongated receptacle configured to receive the driving member36as well as the lower portion50of the support member46.

The plug member164also includes a radial flange or peripheral sidewall170extending from the central portion166. As best seen inFIG.10for example, the peripheral sidewall170extends obliquely to the central portion166in an arrangement where a distance between opposing portions of the peripheral sidewall170increases as the peripheral sidewall170moves away from the central portion166. Similarly, the configuration of the peripheral sidewall170may provide a flared configuration for a portion of the plug member164. Moreover, in this arrangement, the peripheral sidewall170may engage with a sidewall of the material chamber34at a location spaced above the support member48. However, forms in which the peripheral sidewall170is shorter and engages the sidewall of the material chamber34at or near the support member46are also possible. In addition, while not previously mentioned, the peripheral sidewall170includes an edge171extending laterally therefrom and in some forms the edge171may engage against the sidewall of the material chamber34.

The plug member164also includes an interior sidewall172spaced inwardly of the peripheral sidewall170and generally extending around the aperture168, and a cavity174is positioned between the peripheral sidewall170and the interior sidewall172. While not previously mentioned, it should be appreciated the different aspects of the plug member164may be integrally formed with one another to provide the plug member164with a unitary construction. In addition, while not previously mentioned, the central portion166and the peripheral sidewall170may be sized such that the upper portion48of the support member46is received in the plug member164as best seen inFIG.7for example. In this arrangement, as best seen inFIG.7for example, an upper surface of the interior sidewall172is positioned on a side of the support member46opposite of the upper surface52of the upper portion48of the support member46and an upper portion of the peripheral sidewall170extends above the upper surface52of the upper portion48of the support member46.

In the illustrated and described arrangement, the plug member164may fill any space between the support member46and the container insert body26and thereby prevent passage of any material in the material chamber34past the support member46. The container system110also includes the blocking member200which is positioned around the driving member36and between the plug member164and the second end30of the container insert body26. In this arrangement, if any material should pass between the plug member164and the container insert body26, the blocking member200may be configured to prevent passage of such material through the end opening of the container insert body26through which the driving member36extends. Moreover, the apertures58,60and62of the support member46may be positioned over the cavity174such that material provided in the material chamber may flow or pass through the apertures58,60and62and fill the cavity174. In this arrangement, the positioning of the material through the apertures58,60and62and in the cavity174may provide enhanced engagement between the plug member164and the support member146.

In one form for example, the aperture168of the plug member164and the lower portion50of the support member46may be sized relative to one another in a fashion providing a press fit arrangement between the plug member164and the support member46. In this arrangement for example, and in addition to any coupling provided by material extending through the support member46and into the cavity174as described above, the press fit may result in coupling of these elements together such that the plug member164is moved as the support member46is moved in the material chamber34. Additionally or alternatively, the plug member164and the support member46may be coupled by one or more adhesives.

The plug member164further includes a number of projections174aand174bformed in the peripheral sidewall170as well as a number of receptacles176aand176bformed in the peripheral sidewall170opposite of and corresponding to the projections174aand174b. The projections174aand174band the receptacles176aand176bmay generally correspond to the elongated projections35aand35bsuch that a portion thereof may be positioned in the receptacles176aand176band limit or prevent rotational movement of the plug member164relative to the container insert body26. Similarly, a portion of the projections174aand174bmay be positioned in the receptacles63aand63bof the support member46to transfer the rotation limiting or preventing function from the elongated projections35aand35bto the support member46as described above in connection withFIG.3Bfor example.

As suggested above, the plug member164may be sized such that at least a portion thereof, like the peripheral sidewall170or the edge171for example, engages or bears against a sidewall of the material chamber34. In one form for example, the plug member164in its natural state may be larger than the material chamber34and formed of a flexibly deformable material that yields to the material chamber34to provide a press fit therebetween. For example, as the plug member164is positioned in the material chamber34, the peripheral sidewall170may be inwardly compressed as it engages against the sidewall of the material chamber34. However, the peripheral sidewall170may still provide enough outward force toward the sidewall of the material chamber34such that a press fit arrangement between the plug member164and the material chamber34is provided. In one aspect, the press fit may for example prevent passage of a material poured or positioned in the material chamber34from passing between the plug member164and the sidewall of the material chamber34. In one form, the plug member164may be formed of paper, a paper-based material, rubber, metal, plastic, or other suitable materials.

The container system110may be operated in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the container system10in order to advance a material in the material chamber34toward the first end28of the container insert body26for use.

In one embodiment, a system container system includes a container insert including a material chamber and a number of elongated projections extending into the material chamber; a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert; and a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a number of receptacles each corresponding to a respective one of the number of elongated projections. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert and the number of elongated projections limit rotation of the support member relative to the container insert.

In one form, the container system further includes a plug member positioned between at least a portion of the support member and the container insert.

In one aspect, the plug member is formed of a flexibly deformable material and provides a friction fit against the container insert.

In another aspect, a portion of the support member is received in a corresponding portion of the plug member or extends through the plug member, and a sidewall of the plug member extends past a surface of the support member on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned.

In still another aspect, the plug member includes an enlarged portion engaging against the container insert.

In yet another aspect, wherein the support member includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into communication with a surface of the plug member.

In a further aspect, the support member includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into communication with a cavity defined by the plug member.

In yet a further aspect, the container system further includes a blocking member positioned around the driving member and between the plug member and an end wall of the container insert.

In another aspect, the plug member is adhered to the support member.

In still another aspect, the plug member includes a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the support member and provide a press fit arrangement between the plug member and the support member.

In another form, the container system further includes a plug member configured to prevent passage of a material in the material chamber between the support member and the container insert.

In one aspect, the plug member includes a number of engagement portions each configured to cooperate with a respective one of the number of elongated projections and a respective one of the number of receptacles of the support member.

In a further aspect, each of the number of engagement portions includes a convex surface and a concave surface, the convex surface being configured to be positioned in a receptacle of the support member and the concave surface being configured to receive a respective one of the elongated projections.

In another aspect, the driving member includes external threading and the support member includes internal threading configured to engage with the external threading.

In still another aspect, the plug member is formed of a paper material.

In yet another aspect, the container system further includes an outer container including a container body extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the container body including a hollow interior communicating with an opening at the first end of the container body and configured to receive the container insert, wherein the container insert includes a generally cylindrical portion and an out-of-round portion positioned adjacent to the generally cylindrical portion and the out-of-round portion is enlarged relative to the generally cylindrical portion and configured to engage with a portion of the container body when the container insert is positioned in the hollow interior of the container body to provide a press fit between the container body and the container insert.

In another form, the container system further includes an outer container including a hollow interior configured to receive the container insert and a rotation member configured to engage with a portion of the driving member extending from container insert, wherein the driving member is rotatable in response to rotation of the rotation member.

In another embodiment, a container system includes a container insert including a material chamber and a number of ridges positioned along the material chamber; a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert; a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a support surface on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned; and a plug member positioned between the support member and the container insert, the plug member being configured to prevent passage between the support member and the container insert of a material which may be positioned in the material chamber. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert and the number of ridges limit rotation of the support member relative to the container insert.

In one form, the number of ridges further limit rotation of the plug member relative to the container insert.

In another form, the support member and the plug member are coupled together by one or more of an adhesive material positioned therebetween and a press fit arrangement.

In yet another form, the support member includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and communicating with a portion of plug member.

In one aspect, the portion of the plug member is one of a surface of the plug member positioned adjacent to the support member and a cavity defined by the plug member.

In another form, the plug member includes a central portion positioned adjacent to the support member opposite of the support surface and a lateral edge engaging against the container insert.

In one aspect, the plug member includes a peripheral sidewall extending from the central portion past the support surface of the support member, and the lateral edge is laterally offset from the peripheral sidewall.

In another form, the container system further includes a blocking member positioned around the driving member and between the plug member and an end wall of the container insert.

In yet another form, the plug member includes a peripheral sidewall, an interior sidewall spaced inwardly of the peripheral sidewall, and a cavity positioned between the peripheral sidewall and the interior sidewall.

In one aspect, the support member includes a number of apertures extending therethrough and at least partially positioned over the cavity of the plug member.

In a further aspect, an upper surface of the interior sidewall is positioned on a side of the support member opposite of the support surface of the support member and an upper portion of the peripheral sidewall extends above the support surface.

In another aspect, the internal sidewall of the plug member extends around an opening through which a portion of the support member is positioned.

In still another aspect, the container system further includes a blocking member positioned around the driving member and between the plug member and an end wall of the container insert.

In another embodiment, a container system includes a container insert including a material chamber; a driving member engaged with and rotatable relative to the container insert; a support member positioned in the material chamber and including a support surface on which a material in the material chamber may be positioned; and a plug member positioned between the support member and the container insert, the plug member being configured to prevent passage between the support member and the container insert of a material which may be positioned in the material chamber. The support member is engaged with the driving member and movable in the material chamber in response to rotation of the driving member relative to the container insert.

In one form, the support member includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into communication with a surface of the plug member.

In another form, the support member includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into communication with a cavity defined by the plug member.

In yet another form, the container system further includes a blocking member positioned around the driving member and between the plug member and an end wall of the container insert.

In another form, the plug member includes a peripheral sidewall, an interior sidewall spaced inwardly of the peripheral sidewall, and a cavity positioned between the peripheral sidewall and the interior sidewall.

In one aspect, the support member includes a number of apertures extending therethrough and at least partially positioned over the cavity of the plug member.

In still another aspect, an upper surface of the interior sidewall is positioned on a side of the support member opposite of the support surface of the support member and an upper portion of the peripheral sidewall extends above the support surface.

In yet another aspect, the internal sidewall of the plug member extends around an opening through which a portion of the support member is positioned.

In still another aspect, the container system further includes a blocking member positioned around the driving member and between the plug member and an end wall of the container insert.

In another form, the plug member includes a stem defining an elongated receptacle configured to receive a portion of the support member and a portion of the driving member.

Unless specific arrangements described herein are mutually exclusive with one another, the various implementations described herein can be combined to enhance system functionality or to produce complementary functions. Likewise, aspects of the implementations may be implemented in standalone arrangements. Thus, the above description has been given by way of example only and modification in detail may be made within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.). Also, a phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”