Abstract:
A dispensing pad cleaner is disclosed having a novel integrated dispensing system for delivering cleaning solutions and similar liquids to a surface to be cleaned. A removable cleaning pad coupled to a flexible pad substrate is also provided. The dispensing system has a reservoir for liquid retention that is coupled to the dispensing pad cleaner. An integral pump dispenses the liquid from the reservoir and through a nozzle to a surface to be cleaned. The pump is actuated from a lever that is depressed by a user, at times repeatedly, to facilitate pumping of the liquid onto a surface to be cleaned by scrubbing action of the dispensing pad cleaner.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/977,015 filed Dec. 21, 2015 entitled “Dispensing Brush” by Andre Sampaio, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to cleaning devices, and more specifically to a dispensing pad cleaner that delivers a cleaning solution from the device without the need for a separate cleaning solution dispenser. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Scrubbers and other cleaning devices have been used throughout the years as tools to facilitate the cleaning of objects where undesirable material is stubbornly attached to the object, requiring mechanical abrasion of the undesirable material for proper cleaning. These devices often have an abrasive surface to provide cleaning action when the device is moved over the object to be cleaned, often times repeatedly. Devices to clean objects have taken on a variety of forms over the years, and have included many different abrasive surfaces and forms. A scrubber is a cleaning device that has some form of scrubbing surface or surfaces to abrade and remove undesirable material. A pad cleaner is a form of scrubber where the scrubbing surface of the cleaning device is formed as a pad. The scrubbing surface and material of the cleaning device may vary in composition, abrasiveness, form, thickness, or other factors to better suit the cleaning task at hand. For example, while a scrub brush may be suitable for cleaning grout lines in a shower, it would be cumbersome to use to clean a glass shower door. A scrubber with a suitably abrasive scrub pad would, however, make the cleaning of the glass shower door faster and more thorough. 
         [0006]    While there are times when a cleaning device such as a scrubber or pad cleaner can be effectively used without a solvent or cleaning solution, often a cleaning solution, solvent or other such liquid will make the cleaning process easier and more effective. The cleaning solution is often applied to the object to be cleaned either before scrubbing with the cleaning device or during the scrubbing operation. The way in which the cleaning solution is applied in conjunction with the cleaning operation is often a matter of personal preference, and a variety of containers to retain the cleaning solution can be found in most stores. There are times when the container that retains the cleaning solution is not well suited for dispensing the proper amount of cleaning solution, and the resulting cleaning operation is either less than effective or the cleaning solution is wasted or over used. What is therefore needed is a pad cleaner with an integrated cleaning solution dispenser. 
         [0007]    It is thus an object of the present invention to provide such a dispensing pad cleaner. 
         [0008]    These and other objects of the present invention are not to be considered comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather, exemplary of objects that may be ascertained after reading this specification and claims with the accompanying drawings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dispensing pad cleaner comprising a handle attached to a pad substrate; the pad substrate comprising a flexible material; a reservoir for liquid retention; a pump capable of receiving liquid from the reservoir; a dispensing nozzle to deliver liquid from the pump; a lever mechanically coupled to the pump such that movement of the lever causes actuation of the pump and subsequent dispensing of the liquid. 
         [0010]    The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described in this specification, claims and the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispensing pad cleaner of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a rotated perspective view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the dispensing pad cleaner showing the cleaning pad removed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts a taper valve of the reservoir cap; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  depicts an engagement feature of the reservoir cap; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  depicts a pump actuator lever assembly of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  depicts a handle assembly of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  depicts a handle overlay of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  depicts a handle half of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  depicts a reservoir of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a pad substrate assembly of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of the pad substrate assembly of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the pad substrate assembly of the dispensing pad cleaner; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the pump of the dispensing pad cleaner; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the pump of  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
       [0033]    The attached figures depict various views of the dispensing pad cleaner in sufficient detail to allow one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. These figures are exemplary, and depict a preferred embodiment; however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment depicted herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, claims and drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    A Dispensing pad cleaner is described and depicted by way of this specification and the attached drawings. 
         [0035]    For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. 
         [0036]    The Dispensing pad cleaner of the present invention, as described and depicted herein, provides, among other things, a novel liquid reservoir and dispensing mechanism that delivers a liquid such as a cleaning solution toward the working surface of the cleaning pad, thus improving the efficiency of the cleaning process and providing improved cleaning. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispensing pad cleaner of the present invention. The dispensing pad cleaner may be made from any suitable material, for example, a plastic. Examples of suitable plastics include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. Bioplastics may also be used in some embodiments of the present invention. In addition, reinforced plastics, metals, wood, or other materials that may be suitably formed may also be used. The various components of the dispensing pad cleaner may be made by injection molding, blow molding, machining, extruding, forming, or the like. The various components are then assembled in accordance with the instructions and figures provided herein. 
         [0038]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , a dispensing pad cleaner  100  is shown comprising a handle and related handle assembly  105  attached to a pad substrate  113 . The pad substrate  113  may be flexible, and may be made from a material that has cushioning and flexibility, such as various polymers. An example of such a material is EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate). The pad substrate  113  may also be curved in some embodiments of the present invention. The pad substrate  113  retains a cleaning pad  115 . This pad  115  comprises an abrasive cleaning material such as a woven synthetic or plastic, for example, woven polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pad  115  comprises a woven metal such as stainless steel, brass, or the like. The woven material, regardless of composition, may vary in abrasiveness and other properties depending on the cleaning application. The pad  115  may also be non-woven, and may comprise a cleaning fabric or other suitable cleaning material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pad  115  may contain a cleaning material such as a detergent, bleach, cleaning particles, or the like. The pad  115  is formed such that it may be retained by the dispensing pad cleaner, specifically by fixtures designed to retain the pad  115  to the pad substrate  113 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , an example of such retention means are provided. A first pad retention tab  117  can be seen as part of the pad  115  and a second pad retention tab  121  can be seen as well. In each retention tab a retention slot can also be seen. A first pad retention slot  119  can be seen transverse to the first pad retention tab  117  and a second pad retention slot  123  can be seen transverse to the second pad retention tab  121 . These slots each receive a pad hook, as further seen in  FIG. 17 . The slots may be of various geometries, such as rectangular, circular, oval, or the like. A reservoir  107  for liquid retention can also be seen fixed below the handle and may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be shaped to conform to the underside of the handle. A pump (as shown in  FIG. 9  as  903 ) is also part of the dispensing pad cleaner  100  and is capable of receiving liquid from the reservoir  107  when so filled. A dispensing nozzle  201 , as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , is arranged to deliver liquid contained in the reservoir through the action of the pump  903 . A lever and related pump actuator lever assembly  111  is mechanically coupled to the pump  903  (as seen in  FIG. 9 ) such that movement of the lever causes actuation of the pump and subsequent dispensing of the liquid contained in the reservoir  107 . The reservoir  107  can be seen clearly attached to the dispensing pad cleaner  100  such that it is integral with the dispensing pad cleaner  100  during a cleaning operation. 
         [0039]    The handle assembly  105  comprises a front support beam  101  that is curved to conform to a user&#39;s hand and provides adequate width and structural integrity to support the reservoir  107 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the handle assembly  105  is made in two or more parts to accommodate placement of a pump and related structural elements within and attached thereto. Such structural details are shown by way of example, and not limitation, in  FIG. 9 . The front support beam transitions into the main handle where a thumb rest  103  can be seen. The thumb rest may simply be a flattened area of the handle or may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be depressed or concave to more comfortably support the thumb or appendage of a user. As seen and taught by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the reservoir  107  is generally wedge shaped to best accommodate it&#39;s location under and attached to the front support beam  101  and related handle assembly  105 . The reservoir  107  may be made from a clear, opaque, or translucent plastic such that the contents of the reservoir, and their depletion level, can be clearly seen by the user. The shape of the reservoir  107  may also vary along a vertical dimension such that there is additional ability to accommodate cleaning solution toward the bottom area of the reservoir  107 . A reservoir cap  109  can also be seen in  FIG. 1  attached to the side (vertical wall) of the reservoir  107 . The placement of the reservoir cap  109  may vary, with some embodiments of the present invention placing the reservoir cap on the top or bottom horizontal surfaces of the reservoir  107 . The reservoir cap  109  may also be placed at an angle to any side by appropriate modification of the shape of the reservoir through tooling and related computer aided design (CAD). Further, the reservoir wall where the reservoir cap  109  is placed may protrude outward past the reservoir cap  109  in order to accommodate more cleaning solution and further to provide a more positive area for the reservoir cap to be situated. 
         [0040]    Under the handle assembly  105  can also be seen a pump actuator lever assembly  111  that can be gripped and moved by a user to in turn move and actuate a pump that moves the cleaning solution or similar liquid from the reservoir  107  and out a nozzle (such details to be later described with the assistance of subsequent figures). The pump actuator lever assembly  111  may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be bent or angled such that a portion of the pump actuator lever assembly  111  is generally parallel to the handle (although variations on such parallel precision may be a matter of design choice, and a curved or otherwise non-parallel pump actuator lever assembly portion may be employed). The pump actuator lever assembly  111  also contains further structural components that will be further depicted and described by way of  FIG. 12 . 
         [0041]    As can also be seen in  FIG. 1 , a pad  115  can be seen removably attached to the pad substrate  113 . The pad  115  can be replaced when worn, or when a different style cleaning pad is desired due to the nature of the cleaning task. The pad substrate  113  may be curved in some embodiments to provide a better overall cleaning form. The pad substrate  113  may also comprise slots completely through the pad substrate, and may also comprise slots that are only partially through the thickness of the pad substrate  113 . These various slots may be fashioned singularly, or may alternate such that the fully through slots and the partially through slots are adjacent each other in an alternating arrangement. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pad substrate  113  may be flexible or semi-flexible due to variables such as choice of material, thickness of material, number of slots, and the like. As will be further seen in subsequent figures, the pad substrate  113  is attached to the handle assembly  105  and a pad substrate strut and pad substrate retention fixture may further be employed to facilitate structural attachment of the handle to the substrate and related bristles. Such further details can be seen by way of example in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a rotated perspective view of the dispensing pad cleaner that clearly shows the dispensing nozzle  201 . The dispensing nozzle  201  is directed toward the leading edge or cleaning surface of the dispensing pad cleaner  100  in such a way that cleaning solution or similar liquid is deposited on the surface to be cleaned. The user may chose to dispense the cleaning solution or liquid while scrubbing with the dispensing pad cleaner  100 , or may lift the dispensing pad cleaner  100  away from the cleaning surface and direct the dispensing nozzle  201  at an area where the cleaning solution is to be applied. In this manner, the user can carry the dispensing pad cleaner  100  without the need to carry and pick up a cleaning device and cleaning solution dispensing bottle separately. Such convenience not only saves time, but through the precise application of cleaning solution also saves unnecessary consumption of cleaning solution during a cleaning task. In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispensing nozzle  201  is adjustable to change the spray pattern and/or delivery volume. The adjustment may be made by rotation of the nozzle, insertion of a screwdriver blade and subsequent rotation of the nozzle, or the like. 
         [0043]    The reservoir cap  109  can also be seen in  FIG. 2  as having a grip for ease of rotation and removal. The grip may be a longitudinal span, a knob, a point, knurls, other geometries, or simply the reservoir cap itself. Also seen is a vent hole that is coupled with a taper valve as seen in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is a rear plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner where another perspective of the handle assembly  105  can be seen. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner showing clearly the placement of the dispensing nozzle  201 . As previously stated, the nozzle may be adjustable and further may be directional. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner. The flared bottom of the reservoir and the placement of the reservoir under the handle can be seen. The front support beam  101  of the handle assembly  105  is seen to be progressively larger than the handle itself in this exemplary embodiment. This larger size provides not only structural rigidity, but also accommodates internal placement of the pump, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner. The texture of the woven pad material of the pad  115  can be seen. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a side plan view of the dispensing pad cleaner that further shows the pump actuator lever and the angle thereof. Placement of the reservoir  107  in relation to the handle assembly  105  can also be seen as well as the exemplary slots or cuts in the pad substrate  113 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the dispensing pad cleaner showing the cleaning pad removed. The way in which the cleaning pad  115  is attached to the dispensing pad cleaner can be clearly seen. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the dispensing pad cleaner. A handle overlay  901  can be seen as an optional item to provide comfort to the user, as the handle overlay is made from a soft durometer material, and may cover the entire handle or a portion thereof. A pump  903  can also be seen that provides fluid communication and fluid delivery between the reservoir  107  and the dispensing nozzle  201  that is depicted in  FIG. 2 . The reservoir  107  has an opening or hole that is in turn connected to the pump  903  for the entry and subsequent expulsion of liquid previously contained in the reservoir  107 . The pump  903  may be any form of mechanical pump including a piston actuated or diaphragm style pump. In  FIG. 9 , the pump  903  is mechanically coupled to the pump actuator lever assembly  111  by way of a cam feature that provides translational force from the lever piece through a curved cam structure and into a linear drive of the pump  903  where the linear drive includes a stem or similar surface to receive the force from the cam and transfer it to a piston or fluid moving arrangement within the pump to force liquid from the reservoir  107  and out the dispensing nozzle  201  with force sufficient to broadcast or spray the liquid onto a surface to be cleaned. 
         [0051]    A gasket seal  907  can also be seen, and provides a liquid tight seal when the reservoir cap  109  is properly attached to the reservoir  107 . The gasket seal  907  may be a flat annular seal that is retained by a lip or recess on the reservoir cap itself, or may be an O-ring or the like. The gasket seal may be made from any soft durometer material suitable for liquid tight sealing, such as rubber, silicone rubber, various expanded or closed cell synthetic materials, cork, or the like. Also, a taper valve  905  can be seen that provides for replacement air into the reservoir  107  as liquid is being dispensed.  FIG. 10  shows a close up view of this taper valve. The taper valve  905  brings two edges of material into close contact such that in one direction the edges are tight and in the other direction the edges are loose to allow for the passage of air while excluding the entry of liquid in an opposite direction. The taper valve  905  uses edges that are tapered or angled toward each other to accomplish this objective, and allows the reservoir cap  109  to be placed on a vertical wall of the reservoir  107  without leaking. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments of the present invention the pump  903  is an electrically driven pump that is actuated through a lever, button or switch that contains electrical contacts. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  depicts a taper valve  905  of the reservoir cap. As previously described, the taper valve  905  is attached to a protrusion and opening on the reservoir cap  109  on the inward facing portion of the reservoir cap  109 . The angled or tapered surfaces of the soft durometer material of the taper valve provide a liquid seal in one direction while allowing make up air to enter the reservoir  107  in the other direction. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  depicts an engagement feature  1101  of the reservoir cap. This engagement feature may be a protrusion or recess that couples and locks with an opposing feature on the reservoir  107  along the surface where the reservoir cap  109  attaches to the reservoir  107 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 12  depicts a pump actuator lever assembly  111  of the dispensing pad cleaner. A lever  1201  can be seen with a flattened or otherwise ergonomic surface to allow interaction by a user. Such interaction includes repeated movement of the lever  1201  to drive the pump  903  (see  FIG. 9 ) and expel liquid from the dispensing nozzle  201  (see  FIG. 2 ). A pump engagement cam  1203  can also be seen mechanically coupled or formed with the lever  1201 . The pump engagement cam  1203  provides translational force from the lever  201  through a cam  1203  and into a linear drive of the pump  903  where the linear drive includes a stem or similar surface to receive the force from the cam  1203  and transfer it to a piston or fluid moving arrangement within the pump to force liquid from the reservoir  107  and out the dispensing nozzle  201  with force sufficient to broadcast or spray the liquid onto a surface to be cleaned. The pump engagement cam  1203  may be curved or angled to facilitate proper interaction between the lever  1201  and the pump  903  as seen in  FIG. 9 . To allow the pump actuator lever assembly  111  to pivot or hinge repeatedly in order to drive the pump, a first hinge pin  1205  and a second hinge pin  1207  can be seen protruding from the pump actuator lever assembly  111  at a suitable location such that recesses or similar features in the dispensing pad cleaner handle assembly  105  are able to receive and interact with the hinge pins such that movement occurs that is sufficient and adequate to drive the pump. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  depicts a handle assembly  105  of the dispensing pad cleaner. The various features within the handle assembly to accommodate the pump  903  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) can be seen. In addition, a pad substrate strut  1301  can be seen that has a generally flat appearance to accommodate attachment of the pad substrate to the handle assembly  105 . A pad substrate retention fixture  1303  can be seen where the pad substrate is mechanically fastened to the pad substrate strut  1301  and related handle assembly  105 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the pad substrate strut  1301  is curved to conform to a pad substrate. 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  depicts a handle overlay  901  of the dispensing pad cleaner. As previously stated, the handle overlay is made from a soft durometer material to provide a comfortable and secure grip for the user. 
         [0058]      FIG. 15  depicts a handle half  1501  of the dispensing pad cleaner. This handle half  1501  mates with the handle assembly  105  to form a handle that also incorporates the pump within the two pieces. Fastening features and pump retention features can be clearly seen in  FIG. 15 . As the two halves are joined together, the reservoir  107 , as further depicted in  FIG. 16 , is retained by mechanical means such as a reservoir attachment protrusion  1601  that provides a protrusion, in one embodiment a linear protrusion, that can be captured and retained by the handle half  1501  and handle assembly  105  when formed or attached together. A reservoir fill opening  1603  can also be seen protruding from the reservoir  107  with at least one reservoir engagement feature  1605  that may include a slot, recess, or slot with an angled (such as right angled) opening in the reservoir fill opening  1603  to allow for engagement and retention of the reservoir cap  109  (not shown in  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0059]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a pad substrate assembly  113  of the dispensing pad cleaner. A front substrate strut attachment feature  1701  can be seen along with a rear substrate strut attachment feature  1705 . The attachment features may be protrusions or recesses with mating geometries to allow attachment of the pad substrate  113  to the handle assembly  105 . In addition, a first pad hook  1703  can be seen as well as a second pad hook  1707 . The pad hooks engage with pad retention slots (see  FIGS. 1 and 8 ) to secure the pad to the pad substrate. The pad hooks may be curved and flare outward to provide secure retention of the pad to the pad substrate while allowing for ease of removal and replacement. 
         [0060]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of the pad substrate assembly  113  of the dispensing pad cleaner showing side cuts  1801  that alternate with full transverse cuts. In some embodiments of the present invention, the substrate is curved or otherwise retained in a curved position. The perspective view of  FIG. 19  better shows the curved substrate embodiment and also further depicts the attachment features  1701  and  1705  as well as the first pad hook  1703  and the second pad hook  1705 . While the substrate may be curved, downward pressure by the user may straighten out the substrate, providing improved cleaning force. 
         [0061]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the pump  903  of the dispensing pad cleaner. Various embodiments of the present invention may employ various types of pumps. In this example, a linear piston style pump is depicted. A pump piston stem  2001  can be seen that provides a surface for the pump engagement cam to move when the pump actuator lever is moved. The pump piston stem  2001  is in turn connected to the pump piston (not show in  FIG. 20 , see  FIG. 21 ). A pump cylinder  2003  houses and seals the pump piston and a pump body  2005  provides fluid communication between the pump cylinder  2003  and the pump intake  2007  and the pump discharge  2009 . For both the pump intake  2007  and the pump discharge  2009  fittings can be seen to allow attachment to a hose, conduit, or the like. To show the inner workings of the exemplary pump  903 , an exploded view of the pump can be seen in  FIG. 21 . A spring  2101  can be seen to return the piston  2103  to a given linear position in the cylinder. The piston  2103  also has seals to provide a liquid tight seal between the piston and the cylinder, thus allowing for movement and spray of the cleaning solution placed within the reservoir of the dispensing pad cleaner. A piston spring  2105  can also be seen to provide return force to the piston  2103  as it travels through the cylinder  2003 . Seals such as O-rings and gaskets are used as necessary to provide for a liquid tight seal and associated pressurization and expulsion of cleaning solution by the pump  903 . 
         [0062]    To use the dispensing pad cleaner, cleaning solution or a similar liquid is placed in the reservoir and the reservoir then appropriately capped. A pump actuator lever is squeezed and released repeatedly, driving the liquid from the reservoir and through a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing pad cleaner is positioned such that the expelled liquid is deposited on a surface to be cleaned, and the dispensing pad cleaner is used to scrub and subsequently clean the surface. The dispensing pad cleaner provides a novel arrangement for dispensing cleaning solution or similar liquid in an efficient and cost effective manner, something heretofore not possible with separate dispensing bottles and cleaning devices. 
         [0063]    It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a dispensing pad cleaner. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of this specification, claims and the attached drawings.