Abstract:
Materials and apparatus are provided that exhibit increased efficiency. The apparatus includes an antiperspirant composition with a citric acid stain reducing agent. The antiperspirant composition includes a water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion includes an oil-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion includes a water-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-phase component includes an active antiperspirant ingredient. The water-phase component also includes a citric acid stain reducing agent forming between 0.1 to 8.0 weight percent of the water-in-oil emulsion.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a composition to reduce precipitate formation on fabric, and more particularly relates to an antiperspirant composition with a citric acid stain reducing agent. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Antiperspirants are personal care products that are used to prevent or reduce perspiration and odors resulting from perspiration, particularly perspiration from a person&#39;s underarm. Such antiperspirants may interact with sweat, sebum soils, and detergent ingredients to form precipitates on fabric. The precipitates may turn yellow with time leaving stains on fabric such as clothing. Such staining may be unsightly and embarrassing. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, it is desirable to have an antiperspirant composition that results in less staining of a fabric surface. Additionally, it is desirable to have an antiperspirant composition that has improved application aesthetics and increased antiperspirant efficacy. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An antiperspirant composition with a citric acid stain reducing agent includes a water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion includes an oil-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion and a water-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-phase component includes an active antiperspirant ingredient. The water-phase component also includes a citric acid stain reducing agent forming between 0.1 to 8.0 weight percent of the water-in-oil emulsion. 
         [0005]    An antiperspirant product with a citric acid stain reducing agent includes a container and a water-in-oil antiperspirant emulsion housed within the container. The water-in-oil antiperspirant emulsion includes an oil-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion and a water-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-phase component includes an active antiperspirant ingredient. The water-phase component also includes a citric acid stain reducing agent forming between 0.1 to 8.0 weight percent of the water-in-oil emulsion. 
         [0006]    An antiperspirant composition with a citric acid stain reducing agent includes a water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion includes between 25.0 to 35.0 weight percent of an oil-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion also includes between 65.0 to 75.0 weight percent of a water-phase component disposed within the water-in-oil emulsion. The water-phase component includes an active antiperspirant ingredient. The water-phase component also includes a citric acid stain reducing agent to protect the active antiperspirant ingredient an interaction with a detergent. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of an example of container for applying an antiperspirant composition with a citric acid stain reducing agent according to the principles described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. 
         [0010]    As described above, perspiration is a common occurrence in most individual&#39;s lives. Perspiration itself and odors emanating from the perspiration can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and embarrassing. To combat perspiration, an individual may use an antiperspirant substance to reduce the perspiration itself and odors emanating from the perspiration. Such antiperspirant substances include an active antiperspirant ingredient. The active antiperspirant ingredient may reduce perspiration, perspiration odor, perspiration wetness, or combinations thereof. However, in some examples, the active antiperspirant ingredient may interact with detergent used to launder clothing. The interaction may result in precipitates that form on the clothing fabric. Such precipitates may also form due to an interaction between the active antiperspirant ingredient and other ingredients in the antiperspirant substance, sweat and sebum soils. Such precipitates may turn yellow in time, leaving a stain on the fabric. For example, antiperspirant compositions applied to an underarm may interact with laundry detergent to form yellow stains on the armpit region of a shirt. These yellow stains may be both unsightly and embarrassing for an individual. The stains may also reduce the lifecycle of an article of clothing. 
         [0011]    Antiperspirants may come in various forms. For example, some antiperspirants are invisible solid stick antiperspirants, clear gel antiperspirants, and roll-on antiperspirants. Some of these antiperspirant types may exhibit application aesthetics that lead to a less than satisfactory user experience. For example, some antiperspirant substances may feel “sticky” and may be difficult to apply. Moreover, various types of antiperspirant may leave residues on the skin surface during use. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the principles described herein provide a composition for reducing precipitate formation on fabric, which may result in reduced yellow staining of the fabric. For example, an antiperspirant composition as will be described below may include a citric acid stain reducing agent in a water-in-oil emulsion antiperspirant composition. In some examples, the citric acid may protect an active antiperspirant ingredient. Such protection may reduce the ability of the active antiperspirant ingredient to polymerize and may reduce the ability of the active antiperspirant ingredient to interact with laundry detergent, sweat, sebum soils, or other compounds. The reduced interaction may reduce the propensity of particulate formation, thus reducing yellow staining. The quantity of citric acid present in the antiperspirant composition described herein may be a unique aspect of the invention. Additionally, the use of the citric acid as an protectant of the active antiperspirant ingredient may also be a unique aspect of the present invention. 
         [0013]    Additionally, the principles described herein provide an antiperspirant composition that has improved aesthetics such as a less sticky feel and has an improved gliding motion during application. For example, the antiperspirant composition as described below may be a water-in-oil emulsion that may leave less white residue and may provide pleasing application aesthetics such as a “gliding” motion. 
         [0014]    Still further, an antiperspirant composition with citric acid may improve antiperspirant efficacy. For example, as described above, an antiperspirant composition with citric acid may reduce the active antiperspirant ingredient molecular weight. Active antiperspirant ingredients with a lower molecular weight, or low polymer size may provide more intense sweat reduction. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, the antiperspirant composition disclosed herein may prevent precipitate formation on fabric, provide improved aesthetics, and exhibit enhanced antiperspirant efficacy to leave the consumer with an overall satisfactory experience. 
         [0016]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a diagram of a container ( 102 ) for applying an antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with a citric acid stain reducing agent according to the principles described herein. In this example, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be held within a container ( 102 ) that has an opening ( 104 ) that allows the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) to be pushed out of the container ( 102 ) and onto a surface. For example, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may extend beyond the opening ( 104 ) of the container ( 102 ) and be applied to skin. As indicated in  FIG. 1 , the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be approximately dome-shaped and may be applied to skin. For example, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be applied to an underarm. The container ( 102 ) may also include a dispenser to dispense the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ). For example, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) can be pushed out of the opening ( 104 ) by rotating a dial ( 106 ), or a knob, positioned at the bottom of the container ( 102 ). As the dial ( 106 ) is rotated, a platform internal to the container ( 102 ) moves up and pushes the solid antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with it. 
         [0017]    Any appropriate type of container ( 102 ) may be used to hold and apply the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) to skin. For example, a container ( 102 ) with an oval cross section may be used to hold the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ). Also, a container ( 102 ) with a more cylindrical cross section may be used in some examples. The container ( 102 ) may have any appropriate shape in accordance with the principles described herein. In some examples, the container ( 102 ) may include a protective cover. 
         [0018]    During use, a top of the container ( 102 ) may be removed and the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) exposed. Via the container ( 102 ), a user may apply the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) to skin by rubbing the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) across the skin. 
         [0019]    The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be a water-in-oil emulsion. In other words, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include a number of phase components that are otherwise immiscible. A water-in-oil emulsion antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be beneficial in that it may leave less white residue on a skin surface and may improve application aesthetics. In other words, the water-in-oil antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may feel smoother during application. 
         [0020]    The water-in-oil emulsion antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include a water-phase component and an oil-phase component. The oil-phase component may include a number of ingredients to improve the application aesthetics of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) or to improve other characteristics of the antiperspirant composition. For example, the oil-phase component may include an emollient. An emollient may refer to any mixture or chemical compound that is configured to make layers of the skin softer and more pliable. Accordingly, the oil-phase component may include any compound or mixture that is configured to make layers of skin softer and more pliable. 
         [0021]    The oil-phase component may also include a number of carriers. A carrier may be any compound or mixture configured to deliver other ingredients. Accordingly, the oil-phase component may include any compound or mixture that is configured to deliver other ingredients to the skin. The oil-phase component may also include a number of structurants. A structurant may be any compound or mixture configured to give shape, or structure to the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ). Accordingly, the oil-phase component may include any compound or mixture that is configured to give shape, or structure to the antiperspirant composition. The oil-phase component may include a number of emulsifiers. An emulsifier may be any compound or mixture that is configured to provide stability to a water-in-oil emulsion. Accordingly, the oil-phase component may include any compound or mixture that is configured to stabilize the water-in-oil emulsion. Non-limiting, specific examples of emollients, carriers, structurants, and emulsifiers are given below in Table (3). In some examples, the oil-phase component may form between 25.0 and 35.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ), such as 29.5 weight percent. 
         [0022]    The water-in-oil emulsion antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may also include a water-phase component. The water-phase component may include an active antiperspirant ingredient. The active antiperspirant ingredient may be any active ingredient that may reduce perspiration, perspiration odors, wetness resulting from perspiration, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the active antiperspirant ingredient may be a salt that reduces perspiration by diffusing through the sweat ducts of sweat glands and may plug the sweat glands by precipitation. 
         [0023]    Examples of active antiperspirant ingredients include astringent water-soluble inorganic and organic salts of aluminum, zirconium and zinc or any mixtures of these salts. Examples of active antiperspirant ingredients include, aluminum zirconium techlorohydrex, aluminum halides, aluminum chlorohydrates, aluminum hydroxyhalides, zirconyl oxyhalides, zirconyl hydroxyhalides, aluminum dichlorohydrate, aluminum-zirconium octachlorohydrate, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, aluminum chlorohydrex propylene glycol complex, aluminum dichlorohydrex propylene glycol complex, aluminum sesquichlorohydrex propylene glycol complex, aluminum chlorohydrex polyethylene glycol complex, aluminum dichlorohydrex polyethylene glycol complex, aluminum sesquichlorohydrex polyethylene glycol complex, aluminum-zirconium trichlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium octachlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex glycine complex, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine complex, aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrex glycine complex, aluminum zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine complex, zirconium chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, and combinations thereof. 
         [0024]    While the above examples have been described with reference to specific types of active antiperspirant ingredients, any appropriate antiperspirant ingredient may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the active antiperspirant ingredient may be used to prevent perspiration and perspiration odors, inhibit the formation of perspiration and perspiration odors, or otherwise contribute to reducing perspiration. Further, the active antiperspirant ingredients may include multiple types of active antiperspirant ingredients that reduce perspiration and perspiration odors. In such examples, each of the active antiperspirant ingredients may perform different functions, perform overlapping functions, perform the same functions, or combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include the active antiperspirant ingredient in an amount that provides an antiperspirant effect. For example, the active antiperspirant ingredient may form between 12.0 and 20.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ), such as 19.0 weight percent. In some examples, the active antiperspirant ingredient may have a pH of between 3.0 and 4.5. 
         [0026]    The water-phase component of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may also include an active carrier ingredient to distribute the active antiperspirant ingredient throughout the water-phase component. The active carrier ingredient may include any ingredient that distributes the active antiperspirant ingredient throughout the water-phase component. For example, the active carrier ingredient may be propylene glycol that distributes the active antiperspirant salt throughout the water-phase component. The carrier ingredient may form between 2.0 and 20.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ), such as 5.0 weight percent. 
         [0027]    In some examples, the water-phase component may include a citric acid stain reducing agent. The citric acid stain reducing agent may aid in prevention of precipitate formation on fabric. More specifically, the citric acid stain reducing agent may protect an active antiperspirant ingredient. For example, citric acid particles may protect an active antiperspirant polymer, and prevent the active antiperspirant polymer from reacting with a detergent, sweat, sebum soils, or other ingredients in the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ). Accordingly, the protectant citric acid may prevent the formation of precipitates on fabric by reducing the probability of an interaction of the active antiperspirant ingredient with detergent, sweat, sebum soils, other ingredients within the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as the active antiperspirant ingredient is not in contact with these compounds. 
         [0028]    The use of the citric acid as a protectant for the active antiperspirant ingredient and other ingredients, detergent, sweat, sebum soils or other compounds may be a unique aspect of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as general practice in the industry may not rely on citric acid in this fashion. An antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with citric acid may be beneficial in that the citric acid protectant may prevent the active antiperspirant ingredient from contacting other compounds that may lead to the formation of precipitates, and corresponding yellow stains, on fabric. Additionally, the citric acid may modify the polymer distribution of Aluminum salt polymers in an aqueous solution as indicated in Table (1). 
         [0029]    Table (1) indicates a shift in the polymer distribution. More specifically, Table (1) indicates a shift to more short chain polymers which may be more active. A chromatogram show peaks for more long chain polymers (peak 1-3), peaks for mid chain polymers (peak 6-8) and short chain polymers (peak 9-12). Table (1) indicates the peak distribution based on the molecular weight of the polymers of an active antiperspirant ingredient in a number of antiperspirant compositions. More particularly, Table (1) represents information of data gathered from a chromatogram that indicates the polymer length of an active antiperspirant ingredient as used in a typical emulsion antiperspirant composition and the molecular weight of an active antiperspirant ingredient as used in a water-in-oil emulsion antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with a citric acid stain reducing agent as disclosed herein. The data indicated in Table (1) was gathered using high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE (1) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Peak 
                 1 
                 2&amp;3 
                 4&amp;5 
                 6&amp;7 
                 8 
                 9 
                 10&amp;11 
                 12 
                 &gt;12 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Active 
                 1 
                 1 
                   
                 45 
                 5 
                   
                 36 
                 2 
                 10 
               
               
                 Antiperspirant 
               
               
                 Ingredient 
               
               
                 Antiperspirant 
                   
                 1 
                   
                 45 
                 4 
                   
                 36 
                   
                 14 
               
               
                 Composition 
               
               
                 without Citric 
               
               
                 Acid 
               
               
                 Antiperspirant 
                 2 
                 4 
                 6 
                 30 
                 4 
                   
                 43 
                   
                 11 
               
               
                 Composition 
               
               
                 with 1.5% 
               
               
                 Citric Acid 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0030]    In Table (1), the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with 1.5% citric acid may be an example of the antiperspirant composition described herein, which may have a pH of between 2.0 and 3.0. The “peaks” as indicated in the first row of Table (1) may refer to a polymer chain length as detected during high-performance liquid chromatography for an antiperspirant active ingredient. For example, columns “1” and “2&amp;3” may indicate long-chain polymers. By comparison column “6&amp;7” and “8” may indicate mid-chain polymers, and columns “9,” “10&amp;11,” “12,” and “&gt;12” may indicate short-chain polymers. In Table (1), the numbers in rows 2-4 (i.e., the rows for an active antiperspirant ingredient, an antiperspirant composition without citric acid, and an antiperspirant composition with 1.5% citric acid), may indicate a percentage of polymers within the composition that correspond to that particular polymer chain length. The number may indicate an area under the curve within that peak range. For example, approximately 43% of the area under the curve for an antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with 1.5% citric acid is found under the peaks numbered 10 and 11. Stated another way, approximately 43% of the polymers in an antiperspirant composition with 1.5% citric acid are short-range polymers corresponding to the peak numbers 10 and 11. 
         [0031]    In general, antiperspirant active ingredients with less efficacy contain mid-chain polymers and long-chain polymers in a higher percentage and more efficient antiperspirant active ingredients contain more mid-chain polymers and short-chain polymers. Also, in general, long-chain polymers are generally more stable than mid-chain polymers and short-chain polymers. Accordingly, an antiperspirant composition with citric acid may stabilize the polymers in a solution. 
         [0032]    As indicated by Table (1), the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as disclosed herein, and containing 1.5% citric acid may have more short-chain active antiperspirant ingredient polymers than the antiperspirant composition without citric acid. In other words, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as disclosed herein, with 1.5% citric acid may include an active antiperspirant ingredient with a lower molecular weight. This is indicated by the greater number in column “10&amp;11.” As such, the distribution of polymers is stabilized by shifting to more short-chain polymers with the addition of the citric acid. In other words, the citric acid may stabilize the polymer distribution of the active antiperspirant ingredient. Such stabilization may be an enhancement of the mid and short chain polymer distribution. 
         [0033]    Similarly, as the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with citric acid has shorter chain polymer active antiperspirant ingredients, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with citric acid may increase the antiperspirant efficacy. Accordingly, an antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with a citric acid stain reducing agent may be beneficial by reducing active antiperspirant polymer growth which may create a stronger sweat plug. 
         [0034]    In some examples, the citric acid stain reducing agent may form between approximately 0.1 to 8.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ). More specifically, the citric acid stain reducing agent may form between 0.9 to 4.0 weight percent of the water-in-oil-emulsion, such as 1.5 weight percent. Including citric acid in an antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) within this weight percent range may be a unique aspect of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as general practice within the field does not implement citric acid concentrations in this amount. In some examples, the water-phase component may form between 65.0 and 75.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ), such as 69.0 weight percent. 
         [0035]    The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include other ingredients such as anti-bacterial additives, dyes, antioxidants, and moisturizers among other additive to achieve a desired purpose or function. Specifically, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include fragrances to provide the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) with a pleasant smell. In some examples, the fragrance may form between 0.05 and 5.0 weight percent of the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ), such as 1.5 weight percent. 
         [0036]    The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include a deodorant to reduce odors emanating from perspiration. Examples of deodorant additives include any agent to neutralize, suppress, or mask perspiration odor. The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may also include antibacterials and enzyme-inhibiting deodorant active. 
         [0037]    In addition to the aforementioned components, further additives may be included in the antiperspirant composition for various purposes including additives that cause the antiperspirant composition to exhibit long-lasting fragrance, odor protection, bacteria control, and/or another desired purpose and/or function. Specific examples of additional such additives include, but are not limited to, fragrances, including encapsulated fragrances; skin conditioners; dyes; pigments; preservatives; antioxidants; moisturizers; and the like. 
         [0038]    Tables (2)-(4) present an example of an antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) as described herein. More specifically, the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include a water-phase component that includes the following ingredients in the corresponding weight percentages as indicated in Table (2). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE (2) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Antiperspirant Active Ingredient 
                 62.5 
               
               
                   
                 Propylene Glycol 
                 5.0 
               
               
                   
                 Citric Acid 
                 0.1-8.0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0039]    As used in Table (2), propylene glycol may be the carrier of the active antiperspirant ingredient. As indicated in Table (2), the water-phase component may also include citric acid. The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include an oil-phase component that includes the following ingredients in the corresponding weight percentages as indicated in Table (3). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE (3) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate 
                 8.035 
               
               
                   
                 2 centistokes (cst) Dimethicone 
                 6.432 
               
               
                   
                 5 centistokes (cst) Dimethicone 
                 1.5680 
               
               
                   
                 Polyethylene component A 
                 10.942 
               
               
                   
                 Polyethylene component B 
                 1.223 
               
               
                   
                 Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone 
                 0.998 
               
               
                   
                 Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone 
                 .202 
               
               
                   
                 Synthetic Wax 
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0040]    As used in Table (3), C12-15 alkyl benzoate may be an emollient, dimethicone at 2 centistokes and dimethicone at 5 centistokes may be emollients, polyethylene component A and polyethylene component B may be structurants, cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone and bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 dimethicone may be emulsifiers and synthetic wax may be another structurant. While Tables (2) and (3) make particular reference is made to specific compounds, other compounds that provide similar functionality as described herein may be implemented. 
         [0041]    Table (4) indicates an overall antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) including the water-phase component as indicated in Table (2) and the oil-phase component as indicated in Table (3). 
         [0042]    As indicated in Table (4), the antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may include a water-phase component as indicated in Table (2), an oil-phase component as indicated in Table (3) and a fragrance in the corresponding weight percentages as indicated in Table (4). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE (4) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent (%) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water-phase Component 
                 69.0 
               
               
                   
                 Oil-phase Component 
                 29.5 
               
               
                   
                 Fragrance 
                 1.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0043]    The antiperspirant composition ( 100 ) may be formed by combining the ingredients that make up the water-phase and combining the ingredients that make-up the oil-phase. The different phases may then be combined and mixed. Other ingredients such as fragrance may be added and the mixture homogenized. 
         [0044]    While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.