Abstract:
A hair extension apparatus and methods capable of providing a plurality of hair styles. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A fastener is attached to the outer surface of the member that secures a hair section in a desired style position. The desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/______{Attorney Docket LEE.001A} filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 24, 2006, entitled “Multi-Style, Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods” by inventor Richard JunSuh Lee, the foregoing which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates generally to the field of hair grooming and appearance, and specifically in one exemplary aspect to hair extension apparatus for, e.g., humans.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Technology  
         [0005]     Hair extensions are well known in the art. Such extensions can be used to change an individual&#39;s physical appearance, supplement their natural hair length, and/or increase the number of hair styling options. Hair extensions may be composed of multiple strands of any of the following: natural human hairs, synthetic fibers, or a composite of different hairs and materials. Hair extensions are normally secured to human hair using any number of standard attachment procedures such as weaving, adhesives, or sewing.  
         [0006]     Hair extensions are typically styled by trained professionals in a hair salon or beauty shop setting. Persons often request that the positioning and styling of the person&#39;s hair, including hair extensions, be tailored to suit a particular occasion or event. In one example, a person may desire their hair style to look glamorous and mimic that of another person, such as a Hollywood movie star. In another instance, a person may desire a particular hair style for an outdoor setting, such as for an upcoming athletic event (e.g., a softball tournament). In yet another case, a person may desire a hair style suited to a more formal occasion, such as a wedding, homecoming, or graduation. Alternatively, the person may wish to implement a hair style completely different than that normally worn or discussed above, such as for attendance at an outdoor heavy metal concert or as part of a costume.  
         [0007]     Typically, the positioning and styling of hair and hair extensions under the prior art involves a somewhat labor-intensive process. For example, a professional hair stylist may spend a large number of hours attaching hair extensions to human hair, arranging the hair extensions to achieve a specified volume and styling, and securing the hair extensions to achieve the desired appearance. See, e.g., U. S. Pat. No. 6,832,614 to Frazier issued Dec. 21, 2004 and entitled “Hair extension attachment”, which is generally representative of such prior art methods and apparatus.  
         [0008]     After the hair is styled, if a person decides to alter his/her hair style, it may require removal and/or repositioning of one or more hair extensions, which may incur yet additional significant labor. For instance, the restyling of hair may require any or all the following steps: carefully removing multiple hair extensions to prevent damage to natural hair as well as the hair extensions, restyling the natural hair to create a new style, and attaching new or modified hair extensions, which may involve one or more braiding processes by a trained hair care professional.  
         [0009]     Thus, what is needed are improved hair styling apparatus and methods that permit easy initial configuring and reconfiguring, i.e., restyling, to suit a particular event or occasion, which minimizes the required labor and/or time. Such improved apparatus and methods would also ideally allow a person other than a trained hair care professional to implement style changes, and would further permit the creation of user-customized styles and appearance such as through the use of hair sections having different textures, colors, positions, tints, etc.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair extension apparatus and methods that provide a user with a multitude of hair style options.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the present invention to provide hair extension apparatus and methods allowing configuring and reconfiguring to suit a user&#39;s desires and/or rapidly change with the events or surroundings.  
         [0012]     It is yet another object of the invention to provide extension apparatus and methods that allow for substantial user customization of their hair style.  
         [0013]     In a first aspect of the invention, hair extension apparatus is capable of providing a plurality of hair styles is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A fastener is attached to the outer surface of the member that secures a hair section in a desired style position. The desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.  
         [0014]     In a second aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed using a hair extension apparatus to provide at least one of a plurality of hair styles. The method comprises disposing a hair section proximate to an outer surface of a coupling member of the apparatus, passing at least a portion of the hair section through a fastener coupled to the outer surface, arranging the hair section in a desired style position, and securing the fastener so as to substantially fix the hair section in the desired style position.  
         [0015]     In a third aspect of the invention, a fastener adapted to substantially secure at least one hair section within a hair extension apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a ribbon disposed on an outer surface of a coupling element, the at least one hair section is attached to the outer surface of the coupling element, wherein the ribbon comprises at least one flexible member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the ribbon to the outer surface of the coupling element to achieve a desired style position. The desired style position is configurable to adapt to an activity that a user participates, and the ribbon is substantially blended with a plurality of hair sections to substantially hide or conceal the fastener.  
         [0016]     In one variant, the ribbon comprises ends that are inserted through at least one hole in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus.  
         [0017]     In another variant, the ribbon comprises a body that is attached along at least one portion of the body to the coupling element, the ribbon comprising a first member and a second member where at least one of the first member or the second member is wrapped around the at least one hair section and inserted through at least one opening in the outer surface of the coupling member to substantially secure the at least  
         [0018]     These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing attachment of a hair extension in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head with the hair extension in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head exposing a fastener attached to a coupling member in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing a hair section being lifted for attachment within the fastener (with a portion of the hair section removed to more readily show a structure of the fastener) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing a hair section secured within the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing a hair section being secured using a fastener and an elastic band in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing two hair sections secured within a fastener (with a portion of the hair section removed to more readily display a structure of the fastener) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing two hair sections secured using a fastener and two elastic bands in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a top elevation view of a hairnet (with hair sections removed) showing a multi-mesh structure to secure and prevent movement of a hair section affixed to the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is a rear elevation view showing a hair extension apparatus with two fasteners to increase a degree of configuring and reconfiguring the hair extension apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the method for configuring the hair extension apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]     Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.  
         [0031]     As used herein, the term “hair” refers without limitation to any natural or artificial single- or multi-stranded material or structure, irrespective of origin, color, texture or shape. For example, hair may comprise natural hair of a human or animal, artificial or synthetic fibers, weaves or filaments and so forth.  
         [0000]     Overview  
         [0032]     In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses apparatus and methods for hair styling for, inter alia, cosmetic purposes. In particular, a hair extension apparatus is disclosed; the hair extension apparatus provides a hair styling mechanism (e.g., using a fastener) for rapidly attaching and/or reconfiguring various hair sections of the hair extension apparatus. The apparatus advantageously allows changing styling of the hair extension, thereby allowing a user to rapidly adjust their hair appearance for a desired event or present/anticipated surroundings. The same styling and attaching principles, as discussed below, may be applied to straight, curly, colored, bleached, and artificial hair.  
         [0033]     The ability to attach and adjust the placement of multiple hair sections relative to the apparatus (and further adjust the placement of the apparatus on the user&#39;s head) provides significant flexibility to the user in quickly and easily creating new “customized” styles as well.  
         [0034]     The present invention may also be utilized in conjunction with (e.g., as a complement to), or in place, of the methods and apparatus described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/______ filed Mar. 24, 2006, entitled “Multi-Style, Reconfigurable Hair Extension Apparatus and Methods” previously incorporated herein.  
         [0000]     Exemplary Extension Apparatus  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-10 , exemplary embodiments of the hair extension apparatus of the invention are described in detail. It will be appreciated that while described primarily in the context of human hair extension apparatus, at least portions of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in other applications, such as for example and without limitation mannequins, “wax” representations, or other humanoid figures.  
         [0036]     Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention may find utility beyond purely cosmetic concerns. For example, the “hair sections” described subsequently herein may conceivably be replaced with sections or components having other functionality; e.g., helping to control the wearer&#39;s natural hair which may be prone to “flyaway”, static charge, etc. Other functions might include the release of a therapeutic or other chemical agent or substance (e.g., for purposes of enhanced aroma, insect repulsion, and so forth). Myriad other functions will be recognized by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.  
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a person&#39;s head showing attachment of a hair extension in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The hair extension apparatus  10  includes a plurality of strands, for example strands of hair  12 . The strands of hair  12  may be gathered together and extended outward to form a multitude of hair sections, one such hair section being a hair section  14 . The hair section  14  extends outward from an outer surface  18  of a coupling member (here, a hairnet  13 ) or other such coupling apparatus. The hairnet  13  also has an inner surface  16  that contacts the person&#39;s head  5 . It will be appreciated that while a hairnet is shown as the exemplary retaining apparatus, other mechanisms may conceivably be used with equal success, including for example a stocking, panty hose, fishnet, elastic covering, mesh or semi-mesh structure, cap or the like.  
         [0038]     To attach the hair extension apparatus  10  to a person&#39;s head  5 , a drawstring  26  located, for example, around an outer perimeter  30  of the hairnet  13  attaches to a lock of that person&#39;s existing hair, such as the section  4  shown in  FIG. 1 . A connector (such as a clip  28  in this exemplary embodiment) is attached to the drawstring  26  and slides along the drawstring  26  to secure the hair extension apparatus  10  to the human hair section  4 . In alternate embodiments, the drawstring  26  may be replaced by any means for securing the hair extension apparatus  10  to the human hair section  4 . For example, the drawstring  26  may be replaced with a cord, rope, strand, twine, line, belt, braid, ribbon, tie, or the like as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure. It will also be recognized that the hair extension apparatus  10  may be secured to something other than the wearer&#39;s existing hair, such as where a wig or the like is used by the wearer.  
         [0039]     Furthermore, the drawstring  26  (or other mechanism) may be positioned in other locations, other than the outer perimeter  30  of the hairnet  13 . For example, one or more loops or openings created in the hairnet may provide an insertion point to secure the human hair section  4  to the hairnet  13 . Furthermore, the clip  28  may be replaced by any means for securing the drawstring  26  to a person&#39;s head  5  including for example hooks, fasteners, wires, loops, adapters, clamps, ties, links, couplers or the like.  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head with the hair extension in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the human hair section  4  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) inserts into the extension apparatus  10  inside the outer perimeter  30 . Drawstring  26  (in  FIG. 1 ) is pulled and the clip  28  (in  FIG. 1 ) secures the hair extension apparatus  10  to the human hair section  4 . As shown, the hair extension apparatus  10  provides increased hair volume and well as hair length for, e.g., everyday use. Exemplary hair styling configurations are discussed in detail subsequently herein with respect to  FIGS. 3-10 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of a person&#39;s head exposing a fastener attached to a coupling member in an open position (unconnected position) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To secure the hair section  14 , the exemplary fastener  70  is a string or ribbon. The exemplary fastener  70  is attached, for example by sewing or gluing, along a portion of the exemplary fastener body  72  to a portion of the hairnet  31  (see  FIG. 1 ) along a fastener area  73 . This exemplary fastener  70  comprises a first member  74  and a second member  75 . The first member  74  and the second member  75  may be composed of many different materials that are substantially flexible and/or rigid including string, ribbon, plastic, flexible or rigid metal, fiberglass, foam, or the like. The first member  74  and the second member  75  may be shaped as a rod, tube, stick, strip, clip, or the like. The first member  74 , in this example, has an end  76 . The second member  75 , in this example, has an end  77 . In this example, the first member  74  and the second member  75  are tied together along at least one portion of the body  72  to form a knot  78  (in  FIG. 4 ) to substantially secure a hair section, such as hair section  14  (in  FIG. 4 ), to the hair extension apparatus  10 .  
         [0042]     In an alternative embodiment, there may be mating clasps attached to the first  74  or second member  75 , in one example at ends  76 ,  77  respectively, so that these members may be mated in a closed position to secure a section of hair, such as the hair section  14 . In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fastener  70  may be made from a cord, strap, clasp, flexible plastic piece, or the like. In yet another alternative embodiment, the fastener  70  may have first and second flexible members that are slidably mated to each other to substantially secure at least one of the plurality of hair sections to a hairnet in a desired style position. In yet another example, because the first and second flexible members may be made of a substantially flexible plastic or metal material, such as steel or aluminum or the like, one or more hair extension sections, e.g., such as a plurality of hair extension sections, such as hair section  14 , may be inserted into the same fastener, such as the fastener  70 . Other combinations of the foregoing will also be recognized by those of ordinary skill. For example, either one or both of the first member  74  or the second member  75  may be attached to or be received within each other or attached to the hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In another alternative embodiment, at least one of the first and second members may clip to the outer surface  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or the outer surface  38  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In another alternative embodiment, the fastener may be a ribbon attached to the coupling member. One end of the ribbon may be inserted through and attached (for example hooked to) an opening in an outer surface of the coupling member, e.g., openings in the mesh structure of the hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to substantially secure the at least one hair section within the hair extension apparatus  10 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the ribbon may have a body that is attached along at least one portion to the coupling element, for example hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), which has many openings in its mesh structure. In this embodiment, the ribbon can comprise for example a first member and a second member, where one or both the first member or the second member may be wrapped around a section of hair, and passed through an opening in an outer surface of the coupling member, for example an opening in the mesh structure of hairnet  13 , so as to secure a hair section, (e.g., hair section  14 ) to an hair extension apparatus, such as the hair extension apparatus  10 .  
         [0043]     The desired style position of the hair extension apparatus  10  may be based on any number of different user criteria. For example, a user criterion may be related to an upcoming event which the user desires to attend; e.g., the user may want a hair style to participate in a causal setting, such as a sporting event, or to attend a more formal event, like a fine arts performance. Because a fastener  70 , may be rapidly attached and detached from a hair section, a user may advantageously change their hair styling very rapidly, in response to changing conditions and to suit widely varying circumstances (e.g., going rapidly from a style appropriate to a casual outdoor or athletic event to a second style appropriate for a formal event). To achieve such changed hair style, hair extension users disconnect the first member  74  and the second member  75  of the fastener  70 , remove or insert one or more hair sections, such as hair section  14  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) in the fastener  70 , style their natural hair as well as the hair extension apparatus  10 , and reconnect (secure) one or more hair sections, such as hair section  14  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) within the fastener  70 . As will be subsequently described with respect to other embodiments (FIGS.  4 - 10 ), hair extension users may achieve a multitude of hair styles with minimal or no assistance from another person; e.g., a hair care professional, in certain cases.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are rear elevation views of a person&#39;s head showing a hair section being lifted and secured within the fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hair section  14  is raised by support member  40 , e.g., a hair styling stick or pencil, above the fastener  70 .  FIG. 4  depicts the final position of the fastener (whereas  FIG. 3  better shows the mechanics of the fastener mechanism). As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the first member  74  of the fastener  70  is tied to the second member  75  in a closed (mating) position, the hair section  14  is secured to the hair extension apparatus  10  situated on the person&#39;s head  5 .  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in an alternative embodiment, an elastic band  48  (or other comparable restraining mechanism) may be utilized to increase a user&#39;s hair styling options of one or more hair sections, such as hair section  14 . For example, the elastic band  48 , shown in  FIG. 6 , secures an upper portion  49  of the hair section  14  to achieve a more rigid and refined hair styling position. In yet another alternative embodiment, the elastic band  48  may be attached along the hair section  14  between the fastener  70  and the hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). This attachment point may be used to bind together the hair section  14  to aid in inserting the hair section  14  into the fastener  70  and/or provide another hair style option.  
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of a person&#39;s head showing two hair sections  14  secured within a fastener having a corrugated inner surface in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fastener  70  in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is replaced with fastener  50 . The fastener  50 , for example made of string or ribbon, is attached, for example by sewing or gluing the fastener&#39;s body  52  into an outer surface of a coupling member, e.g., hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), at one portion  57  located on the hair extension apparatus  10 . As shown in a close-up view of the fastener  50  in an open (unattached) position, an inner surface  52  of the second member  55  has a corrugated structure  51 , where the second member  55  is similar in function to the second member  75  described above. In an alternative embodiment of the present embodiment, the fastener  50  may have a corrugated structure on an inner surface  55  of a first member  56 . In the exemplary illustrated in a close-up view of the fastener  50  in a closed (e.g., mating or attached position), the first member  55  is tied to the second member  56  forming a knot  59 . The knot  59  secures one or more sections of hair  63   a ,  63   b  within the corrugated structure  51  of the fastener  50 . The corrugated structure  51  advantageously allows a fastened hair section to be separated into two smaller hair sections  63   a ,  63   b  along the fastener  50 , so as to achieve a different hair style than those shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0047]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an alternative of this embodiment of the invention utilizes one or more elastic bands  49   a ,  49   b  for cosmetic purposes. In this example, the elastic bands  49   a ,  49   b  secure an upper portion  80  of the hair sections  63   a ,  63   b  together to achieve a more rigid and structured hair styling position. In yet an alternative embodiment, the elastic bands  49   a ,  49   b  may secure along the hair sections  63   a ,  63   b , between the fastener  50  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and the hairnet  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), to aid aligning a section to insert into the fastener  50  (shown in  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a top elevation view of an exemplary configuration of a hairnet (with some hair sections removed) showing a mesh structure used to secure and prevent movement of hair sections  14  affixed to the fastener  70 . The hairnet  89  comprises a multi-texture (e.g., dual) mesh structure having a first (substantially flexible) mesh structure  96  attached underneath to a fastener area  92  by nylon thread (or alternatively by glue). The first mesh structure  96  may be composed of materials such as polyester, metal screen, or plastic. The fastener area  92 , in this example, may be constructed of nylon, fabric, polyester, cotton, mesh or the like. The hairnet  89  comprises a second (substantially rigid) mesh structure  95 , in this example, attached above the fastener area  92  by nylon thread (or alternatively by glue). In this example, the second mesh structure  95  may be constructed of materials such as polyester, cotton, plastic, steel, wood, or the like. The two different stiffness meshes help prevent movement of the fastener  70  along the fastener area  92  (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the fastener area  92 ), upon a hair section, such as hair section  14 , being secured in the desired style position.  
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing another embodiment of the hair extension apparatus, wherein two fasteners  130   a ,  130   b  are used to provide the wearer/stylist with additional freedom to configure and reconfigure the hair sections. In this embodiment, the fasteners  130   a ,  130   b  are used independent of one another (or in a coordinated fashion) to realize a desired hair style. The hair sections  88   a ,  88   b  provide a different hair style than that of previous embodiments.  
         [0050]     Likewise, it will further be recognized that additional fasteners (e.g., three or more) may be employed to provide yet additional flexibility to the user. These additional fasteners may be placed at different elevations and locations than those shown or proximate thereto in order to provide a “layered” effect for the sections, where one such section is hair section  14 . Furthermore, it should be recognized that the fastener(s), either in an open or a mated state, substantially blended (are camouflaged) within a plurality of hair sections to substantially hide or conceal the fastener(s) from viewing of others, including the hair extension user. The orientation of the fasteners may also be varied so that different orientations or “lay” of the hair sections is achieved. For example, the fastener  70  may be a tab, strips such as Velcro® or the like.  
         [0000]     Exemplary Methods  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary embodiment of the method for utilizing the aforementioned extension apparatus is described. While described primarily in the context of the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , it will be appreciated that the methodology presented herein may be readily adapted to any different configuration of the apparatus  10  by those of ordinary skill.  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the exemplary method  140  comprises first holding a hair section  14  attached to an outer surface of the hairnet  13  of the hair extension apparatus  10  (step  150 ). This section  14  may comprise, for example, a plurality of individual or woven hair strands that are intended to be attached to the apparatus  10 . These strands may also optionally be pre-conditioned before attachment, such as by coloring/tinting, texturing (e.g., curling), coating with a desired material (e.g., hairspray).  
         [0053]     At least one portion of the hair section  14  is then passed through a fastener coupled to the outer surface of the hairnet  13  (step  155 ), and the hair section arranged in a desired style position (step  160 ). Lastly, the fastener is secured to the hair section in the desired style position in order to meet a user criterion for a chosen style/event (step  165 ).  
         [0054]     The method  140  may further optionally include utilizing an elastic band in order to bind along the hair section to create the desired style position, and/or align the hair section to be secured by the fastener  70  in the desired style position (step  170 ), as previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 .  
         [0055]     The method  140  may further comprise actuating a drawstring located along an outer perimeter of the hairnet  13 , or other such securing mechanism, so as to secure the hair extension apparatus  10  to hair of a user (step  175 ).  
         [0056]     In an alternate embodiment of step  155 , the hair section  14  is passed through a corrugated structure formed or disposed on an inner surface of the first and/or the second members  74 ,  75  of the fastener  70  in order to separate and secure portions of the hair section  14  in the desired style position.  
         [0057]     It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the invention have been described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the invention, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.  
         [0058]     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.