Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box including a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall portion configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear wall portion of the outer wall flange is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the intermediate box, the cover assembly providing access to the intermediate volume in an open position and substantially sealing the intermediate volume and the inner volume in a closed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring boxes, and particularly to electrical wiring box assemblies. 
   2. Technical Background 
   In many cases it is desirable to provide electrical outlets on the exterior wall of both residential and commercial structures. Homeowners, maintenance and repair personnel and contractors require such electrical outlets to provide electrical power to electrically operated appliances, tools and other such devices. Obviously, electrical outlets must be protected in some manner because of the substantial possibility of creating an electrical hazard when the energized outlet comes in contact with water or moisture. An exterior outlet may come in contact with water by any number of ways, such as rainfall, melting snow, or by way of human activity in close proximity to the outlet. Activities such as watering plants and shrubbery, or children playing with the water hose are easily imagined. Moreover, exterior electrical outlets may also be subjected to various contaminants which may also affect the safe operation of the electrical device. 
   Another consideration that must be accounted relates to the standard installation of electrical wiring devices. Typically, the electrical wiring device is mounted at the top and bottom to bosses formed in a wiring box. Once the fasteners are inserted therein, the face of the electrical wiring device is substantially flush with the wall. Of course, when a user inserts the appliance or tool plug into the receptacle, both the plug and the cord extending therefrom extend outwardly from the wall surface. As such, a small gap is created between the electrical wiring device and the plug itself. This gap may all the admittance of moisture. Moreover, the plug may be partially dislodged as a result of contact by persons or objects. Of course, a partial dislodgement may expose a portion of the energized prongs of the electrical plug causing an electrical safety hazard. 
   What is needed, therefore, is an electrical wiring box assembly that over comes the drawbacks described above. In particular, an electrical box assembly is needed that prevents moisture and contaminants from coming in contact with the electrical device. An electrical box assembly is needed that provides a recessed plug/device interface that prevents the inadvertent dislodging of the plug. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the needs described above by providing an electrical wiring box assembly that overcomes the drawbacks described above. The recessed electrical box assembly of the present invention substantially prevents moisture and contaminants from coming in contact with an electrical device installed therein. The present invention provides a recessed plug/receptacle device interface that prevents the inadvertent dislodging of the plug. Another benefit of recessing the plug/receptacle device interface is that the chance of the interface being exposed to water or contaminants is greatly diminished. 
   One aspect of the present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box including a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall portion configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear wall portion of the outer wall flange is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the intermediate box, the cover assembly providing access to the intermediate volume in an open position and substantially sealing the intermediate volume and the inner volume in a closed position. 
   In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end thereof to form an accessible volume. A wall flange extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein, at least some of the plurality of apertures being configured to accommodate fasteners to thereby mount the wall flange to a wall structure. A collar wall extends toward the front end in a substantially perpendicular direction from the wall flange. The collar wall is separated from the peripheral inner wall by a predetermined distance to form a water channel. A plurality of mounting bosses are disposed at predetermined locations within the water channel and at least one drain aperture formed in the collar wall. 
   In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end thereof to form an accessible volume. A wall flange extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral wall at a predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. A pattern is formed in the wall flange such that a viscous material adheres to the wall flange. 
   In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a temporary and disposable cover for use with an electrical assembly. The cover includes a faceplate having a surface area substantially corresponding to a front portion of the electrical assembly. A plurality of sidewalls are integrally formed with the faceplate. The faceplate and the plurality of sidewalls are configured to substantially conform to and cover at least a portion of the electrical assembly. At least one of the plurality of sidewalls includes a reverse draft that is configured to frictionally engage at least one corresponding surface of the electrical assembly such that the disposable cover is attached to the electrical assembly by frictional fit. 
   In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box having a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box also includes a plurality of fastening structures coupled to the peripheral inner wall. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end. The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear portion of the outer flange wall is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. 
   Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the electrical box assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the assembled electrical box assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the inner box shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cut-away detail view of the inner box shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the intermediate box shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cover ring shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the box assembly depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 8  provides a detail view of the drain openings shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  are detail views of a gasket arrangement for the intermediate box shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the inner box in accordance with a alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  are directed to various views of a non-permanent mud cover in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. An exemplary embodiment of the recessed while-in-use electrical box assembly of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 , and is designated generally throughout by reference numeral  10 . 
   As embodied herein, and depicted in  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of the recessed electrical box assembly  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The assembly  10  includes an inner box  20 , an intermediate box  30 , a cover ring  40 , ring mounting screws  50  and a cover member  60 . The inner box  20  is configured to be disposed within the wall structure and includes a wall flange  26  that mounts to the wall structure itself. The intermediate box  30  is telescopically disposed within the inner box  20  and is configured to accommodate the electrical wiring device therein. The cover ring  40  is attached to both the intermediate box  30  and the inner box  20  by way of ring mounting screws  50 . As such, mounting screws  50  also serve to attach intermediate box  30  to inner box  20 . Of course, the cover ring is configured to accommodate cover member  60  therein to complete the assembly  10 . 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the assembled electrical box assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . Please note that when intermediate box  30  is telescopically inserted into the inner box  20 , a gap W g  is formed between the intermediate box flange  36  and the inner box flange  26 . The gap W g  is sized to accommodate exterior wall siding. When the box assembly is deployed, the rear portion of the inner box flange  26  is disposed against the wall sheathing and, ultimately, is covered by siding. The intermediate box flange  36  is disposed over the siding, such that the siding is sandwiched between flange  26  and flange  36 . The intermediate box flange  36  is, therefore, at least partially visible when the installation of box assembly  10  is completed. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of inner box  20  is disclosed. Inner box  20  includes a rear wall  22  surrounded by a rear peripheral wall  24  to define a rectangular shaped enclosure  200 . The enclosure  200  may include several wiring knock-outs  220 . The inner box flange  26  extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the peripheral wall  24 . The flange includes slots  260  that are configured to accommodate fasteners. The fasteners are inserted into the slots  260  to thereby mount the inner box  20  to the wall sheathing. Flange  26  also includes holes  262  that allows stucco material to more readily bond with the flange or the wall sheathing exposed inside the holes. The edges of holes  262  or flange  26  may include reverse tapers to allow the stucco material to bond to the edges themselves. 
   An outer wall portion  240  is a collar structure that extends outwardly from flange  26  in parallel with an inner wall portion  242  that forms the peripheral wall  24 . The outer wall collar  240  and the inner wall portion  242  form water channels  244  around the periphery of enclosure  200 . The water channels are configured to direct moisture by force of gravity toward drain openings  246 . As previously described, the inner box flange  26  is set back a predetermined distance from the front edges of outer wall portion  240  and inner wall portion  242  by a distance substantially less than or equal to gap W g . Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there may be dimensional variations in the thickness of the siding. The telescopic interface between the inner box  20  and intermediate box  30  accommodate these variations. 
   In any event, the inner box  20  includes four (4) screw holes  280  that are configured to receive the fastener screws  50 . Of course, the fastener screws connect cover ring  40  to the intermediate box  30  and the inner box  20  together to form the integrated assembly  10 . Note also that the inner box  20  includes electrical wiring device mounting bosses  282 . 
     FIG. 4  is a cut-away detail view of the inner box  20  shown in  FIG. 3 . In this cut away view, the water channels  244  and the drain openings  246  are clearly seen. Drain openings  246  are formed on either side of the webbing material that connects the screw hole structures  280  to the corner formed by the intersection of perpendicular sections of the outer wall  240 . As alluded to previously, inner wall  242  extends from the front edge of inner box  20  to back wall  22  and essentially forming enclosure  200 . The peripheral wall  24  that is visible from the exterior of the inner box  20  is the back portion of the inner wall  242  that extends from behind flange  26 . The rear wall  22  includes mounting bosses  282  that are recessed from the front edge of inner wall  242  by a distance that substantially aligns the bosses with recessed inner ledge  34  of intermediate box  30  (See  FIG. 5 ). An electrical wiring device is seated on inner ledge  34  and is secured to mounting bosses  282  with fasteners. The bosses include threaded device mounting holes. The installation is completed by attaching a cover plate to the wiring device. The cover plate and ledge  34  form a moisture barrier. A sealant material or gasket may be disposed in the underside of the cover plate to aid the barrier. In an alternate embodiment, each mounting boss  282  includes a non-threaded device mounting hole and a pocket that accommodates a “quick click” metal insert that allows the screw to be inserted into the device mounting hole and “click” into place. In an alternate embodiment, the electrical wiring device is seated on bosses  282  and secured to mounting bosses  282  with fasteners. The cover plate is attached to the wiring device. The cover plate and ledge  34  form a moisture barrier as previously described. 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the intermediate box  30 . Intermediate box  30  includes the ledge framing member  34  which is surrounded by a peripheral wall  32 . The intermediate box  30  is configured to accommodate a standard size wall plate which is seated against ledge  34  after the electrical wiring device has been installed. Peripheral wall  32  has a front edge  320  that defines the front opening of the intermediate box. The cover ring  40  snugly fits over the front edge  320 . A flange member  36  extends outwardly and perpendicularly from peripheral walls  32 . The flange member  36  includes six (6) holes that are aligned with the screw hole bosses  280  disposed in the inner box  20  and the screw holes disposed in cover ring  40 . In other embodiments, the assembly includes four (4) screw holes, bosses, etc. As implied by  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the rear side of flange  36  is configured to form a water-proof interface with the front edge portion of inner wall  242  and outer wall  240  of inner box  20 . Obviously, the water-proof interface is formed only when the intermediate box+ is seated against inner wall  242  and outer wall  240  in the non-telescoped position. 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cover ring  40 . The cover ring  40  includes a hinge member  400  that mates with a mating hinge element on cover  60 . Although the hinge member is shown at the corner of the ring, those skilled in the art appreciate that the hinge member can be located on a side of the ring. A channel  402  is disposed in a portion of the perimeter of ring  40 . The channel  402  provides drainage of water that enters between the cover and ring. The ring is configured to provide a water seal when the cover is in the closed position. Ribs  406  are included to provide extra strength to the ring. In this embodiment, four (4) bosses  404  are disposed in the interior of the channel  402 . Six (6) bosses may be employed in other embodiments. The bosses are aligned with holes in the intermediate box and bosses  280  disposed in the inner box  20 . Screws  50 , therefore, are inserted into bosses  404  and are used as a means for assembling the inner box  20 , the intermediate box  30  and the cover ring  40  into a single unit. The ring also includes a wire entry portion  414  which includes a gasket pocket  416  and a locking element  410 . The wire entry portion  414  includes ribs  408  disposed therein for added strength. Both the wire entry portion  414  and the locking element  410  mate with a corresponding wire entry portion and locking element, respectively, disposed in cover member  60 . 
     FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the box assembly depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . As described above, the mounting bosses  282  are disposed on the front edge of inner wall  242  such that an electrical wiring device may be properly seated on bosses  282  or inner ledge  34  of intermediate box  30  and secured to the mounting bosses  282  with fasteners. This view also clearly shows the water channel  244  formed by outer wall  240  and inner wall  242 . 
     FIG. 8  provides a detail view of the drain openings  246  disposed at the corners of the box assembly  10  near the electric cord opening  64  formed in the cover  60  and cover mounting ring  40 . Comparing  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 8 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that there are, in fact, two drain openings  246  at this location. The one that is not viewable in  FIG. 8  is disposed behind the corner mounting boss  280 . 
   As embodied here in and depicted in  FIGS. 9A-9E , detail views of an intermediate box gasket arrangement are depicted.  FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective view of intermediate box  30 . A gasket  360  (or bead of sealant) may be disposed around the perimeter of peripheral wall  36  in the manner shown. Referring to  FIG. 9B , the position of the gasket  360  in the context of the fully assembled box assembly  10  is shown. In particular, the gasket  360  prevents moisture from entering the interior of assembly  10  at the location where inner wall  242  (inner box  20 ) meets the junction of peripheral wall  32  and flange  36 . It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that modifications and variations can be made to gasket  360  of the present invention depending on cost and manufacturing processes. For example, gasket  360  may be formed using any suitable gasket materials such as EDPM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), fluoroelastomer materials, foam, neoprene rubber, nitrile materials such as Buna-N, and silicone rubber. Gasket  360  may be supplied as a precut length or as a loop. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9C  the gasket may conform to the rectangular shape of the peripheral walls  32  or, as depicted in  FIG. 9D , may be circular in shape. In the latter example, the gasket  360  is stretched over the box formed by peripheral walls  32  and conforms to its shape by virtue of its inherent elasticity. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9E , gasket  360  may be formed having any suitable cross-section. In the examples depicted, gasket  360  may have a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section or an elliptical cross-section. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any common cross-section such as circular (solid and hollow), square, rectangular, channel, C-fold, D-section, L-section, P-section, knife-edge, and wedge may be employed herein. 
     FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the inner box in accordance with a alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the flange  26  has a so-called “wire-mesh” pattern  264  formed thereon. The wire-mesh  264  includes raised cross-hatched portions  2640  that form recessed diamond portions  2642 . The raised and recessed portions, like the holes  262 , allows stucco material to more easily adhere to the flange  26 . Stated generally, a pattern  264  is included on flange  26  to allow stucco or other such material to more easily adhere to the flange. Pattern  264  is comprised of an array of troughs, ribs, protrusions, polygonal, irregular or curved shapes, dimples, or points or some combination thereof. Pattern  264  is distributed evenly (or in an alternate embodiment non-evenly) over a portion of flange  26 . Flange  26  may in addition include holes  262 . 
     FIGS. 11A-11C  are directed to various views of a non-permanent mud cover  70  that is configured to fit over cover  60 . As those of ordinary skill in the construction arts will appreciate, a mud cover allows a worker to apply stucco or other such materials over the inner flange  26  during construction without getting the remainder of the assembly soiled by these materials or by other contaminants present on the job site. Once the material has been applied, the cover may be removed and discarded. 
   Mud cover  70  is configured to removably fit over cover  60 , ring  40  and intermediate box  30 . Mud cover  70  includes a substantially flat top portion (faceplate)  72  and a sidewall portion  74  that surrounds the top portion. Sidewall portion  74  includes upper plateaus  76  joined to faceplate  72  by walls  78 . There are also lower plateaus  80  that are joined to upper plateaus by walls  82 , and a lip  84  that is joined to the lower plateaus by walls  86 . The exact shape of these walls and plateaus is chosen to roughly conform to the shape of the underlying electrical box assembly. 
     FIGS. 11B-11C  are perspective views of cross section A-A shown in  FIG. 11A .  FIG. 11B  shows the mud cover in aligned relationship with respect to the electrical box assembly  10  in the “X” and “Y” dimensions but not yet pressed onto the electrical box assembly in the “Z” direction. Electrical box assembly  10  includes flange  36  and cover  60 , portions of which are shown as dotted lines. Flange  36  has edges  500  and  501  that are substantially parallel to each other. Likewise, Cover  60  includes edges  502  and  505  that are substantially parallel to each other. By comparison, mud cover  70  includes reverse draft portions  88 ,  90  that taper inwardly with respect to the top of walls  86 . The distance separating the inward tapers is less than the distance between edges  500 ,  501  of flange  36  whereas the top of walls  86  is greater than the distance between edges  500 , 501 . Similarly, reverse draft portions  92 ,  94  taper inwardly from the top of walls  82 . The distance separating these inward tapers is less than the distance between edges  502 ,  505  of cover  60  whereas the top of walls  82  are greater than the distance between edges  502 , 505 . In one embodiment, the amount of the reverse draft is about 2 degrees. 
     FIG. 11C  shows mud cover  70  being aligned to electrical box assembly  10  in the installed position after having been moved downwardly in the “Z” dimension. Obviously, reverse draft portions  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  have to deflect outwardly to accommodate the distance between edges  500 ,  501  and  502 ,  505 . As such, mud cover  70  needs to be made out of flexible material or at least needs to be pliable in the wall portions that include reverse draft. Since the walls including the reverse draft have a natural springiness that tries to return them to their original shape, the mud cover grips the electrical box assembly, being held then by friction fit. The mud cover may be made out of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, or low density polyethylene, and may have a uniform thickness or vary in thickness between 0.005 inches to 0.050 inches. The mud cover may be manufactured using a technology such as vacuum forming, pressure forming, or injection molding. 
     FIGS. 11B and 11C  also show how the reverse draft wall may be advantageously included as just a portion of a side wall. In particular, wall  82  includes a reverse draft portion  94  that ends at an abutting wall  96 . Even though draft portion  94  may be in and of itself too flexible to provide sufficient gripping force against edge  505 , abutting wall  96  creates a stiffening effect that increases the gripping force. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many variations of the mud cover design that are within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, abutting walls may be included for increasing the reverse draft gripping force. In another, ribs may be included for increasing the gripping force. In another, the reverse draft portions are disposed in opposing side wall portions. In another, a reverse draft portion is disposed in one side wall without a corresponding reverse draft portion in an opposing side wall. In another, the reverse draft portions are distributed in a plurality of planes within the side wall of the mud cover. 
   As an added feature, mud cover  70  includes a lip  84 . Lip  84  provides the installer an easy way to pull of the mud cover from the electrical box assembly after the installation is complete. Lip  84  surrounds the perimeter of mud cover  70 . In an alternate embodiment, lip  84  is provided in at least one portion of the perimeter of mud cover  70 . Of course, once the mud cover is removed it can always be reattached to the electrical box assembly if there is motivation to do so. 
   All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
   The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. 
   The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. 
   All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. 
   No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
   It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.