Abstract:
A packet, or packet combination, containing a wipe and powdered substrate is provided. The packet, or packet combination, may be used in conjunction with a hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin. The wipe is used to clean an area of skin or hair that has residual menstrual, urinary, or fecal material left behind after the removal of a hygiene article. The powder may then be used to provide an added benefit such as odor control. An order of use can be dictated by locating the packets containing the wipe and powdered substrate in specific positions on the hygiene article.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a wipe and powdered substrate combination, and more particularly to wipe and powdered substrate combinations used with hygiene articles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hygiene articles, such as incontinence devices, tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers do not completely prevent body exudates from soiling areas of the skin. After the removal of a hygiene article, such areas may have residual menstrual, urinary, or fecal material attached to the skin or hair. It is also desirable to remove such residual exudate material from the body. Often, an individual who is removing a hygiene article is constrained to a rather limited geographical area such as a public restroom or a child&#39;s changing table. Therefore, unless the individual has some means to clean himself or herself within close proximity, they will remain soiled with the unwanted material. 
         [0003]    In addition to the cleanliness concerns associated with the use of hygiene articles, there is often the problem of immediate and residual malodor. The malodor may occur during use, but is especially noticeable upon the removal of a hygiene article. Hygiene articles are designed to absorb materials such as menstrual fluid, urine, and feces, which have noticeable and unpleasant odors. These unpleasant odors, combined with the close contact of the hygiene article with the body surface, along with the general moistness of the areas where hygiene articles are worn, and the usually extended time period during which the hygiene article is worn, often while soiled, can cause an even greater malodor. The production and then release of this malodor during removal of a hygiene article is often distressing to the user. 
         [0004]    Wipes have been used to clean the body after removal of hygiene articles. The user of a hygiene article will use a wipe to clean the area of skin associated with the wearing of the hygiene article. For example, when changing a sanitary napkin, the user may wish to wipe the vaginal area with a wet or dry wipe such as a disposable towelette. To provide users with ready access to wipes, prewrapped wipes have been provided with individual hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins. The prewrapped wipes have either been packaged with the hygiene article, or fixedly attached thereto. 
         [0005]    Hygiene articles do not completely eliminate a “moist” feeling during use, particularly in an occluded area, or when the user is hot or sweaty. As such, it would be desirable to provide a product that would provide a clean dry feeling during or after use of a hygiene article. Further, it would be desirable to provide a wipe combination that could be modified according to specific uses. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a product for use in combination with a hygiene article that would provide a pleasing smell to the user and increased odor control. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A packet is provided which comprises packaging material. The packaging material defines an outer surface and an internal space. An internal divider is also present, and is disposed within the internal space, and joined to the packaging material to define a first discrete compartment and a second discrete compartment. The first discrete compartment contains at least one wipe and the second discrete compartment contains at least one powdered substrate. 
         [0007]    A packet combination is provided which comprises a first packet comprising packaging material. The packaging material defines an outer surface of the packet and an internal space, wherein the internal space is a discrete compartment. The packet combination also comprises a second packet comprising packaging material. The packaging material defines an outer surface of the packet and an internal space, wherein the internal space is a discrete compartment. The first packet contains at least one wipe disposed within the discrete compartment, and the second packet contains at least one powdered substrate disposed within the discrete compartment. The first packet and second packet are joined. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out, and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a packet of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of section A-A of  FIG. 1  showing a packet comprising three packaging materials. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of section A-A of  FIG. 1  showing a packet comprising two packaging materials. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of section A-A of  FIG. 1  showing a packet comprising a single packaging material. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a packet combination of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of section B-B of  FIG. 5  showing a packet combination comprising two packaging materials. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of section B-B of  FIG. 5  showing a packet combination comprising a single packaging material. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a packet combination of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of section C-C of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a partial cut-away perspective view of a powdered substrate of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a powdered substrate and wipe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    As used herein, “hygiene article” refers to articles that absorb, block, and/or contain body exudates discharged from the body, and which may be placed within, against or in proximity to the body of a user. Examples of hygiene articles include feminine hygiene pads, tampons, pessaries, inter labial pads, adult incontinence products, training pants, and baby diapers. 
         [0021]    The term “joined”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which a first element is directly secured to a second element. Joined also includes configurations in which the first element is indirectly secured to the second element by securing the first element to at least one intermediate member, which in turn is secured to the second element. Additionally, the term joined covers configurations in which the first element is integral with the second element, such that the first element is part of the second element. The first element and the second element can be fixedly joined, or releasably joined. 
         [0022]    As used herein, the term “fixedly joined” refers to a configuration as defined under the term “joined”, where a first element cannot be separated from a second element without at least partially destroying one of the joined elements. As used herein, the term “releasably joined” also refers to a configuration as defined under the term “joined”, where a first element may be separated from a second element without causing destruction or undue distortion to either element. 
         [0023]    Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated using the following figures. The present invention, however, is not limited to structures having the particular configurations shown in the figures. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments the present invention may comprise an individual packet  10 . As used herein the term “individual packet”, or “packet”, refers to a structure comprising one or more packaging materials. The packaging materials form one or more discrete compartments. Further, a packet may be separate from other packets, or joined to other packets. A packet  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , which are cross-sections (A-A) of the packet  10  of  FIG. 1 , have two discrete compartments  26  each having a wipe  20  or powdered substrate  22  disposed therein. Each packet  10  contains at least one wipe  20  and/or at least one powdered substrate  22 . While  FIGS. 2-4  show the wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  in specific discrete compartments  26  sharing a common internal divider  17 , it is to be understood that the placement of the wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  in the figures is for the purpose of illustration only. In certain embodiments, the packet  10  may have more than two discrete compartments  26 , with each having a wipe  20  or powdered substrate  22  disposed therein. The discrete compartments  26  contain the wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  in a single packet  10 , and prevent the wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  from contacting each other. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a packet  10  and the discrete compartments  26  contained therein may be formed from three packaging materials. A first packaging material  14  and a second packaging material  28 , forming at least a part of the outer surface  30  and at least a part of the inner surface  18  of the packet  10 , and a third packaging material  16  forming an internal divider  17  disposed between the first packaging material  14  and the second packaging material  28 . 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a packet  10  and the discrete compartments  26  contained therein may be formed from two packaging materials. The first packaging material  14 , forming at least a part of the outer surface  30  and at least a part of the inner surface  18  of the packet  10 , and a second packaging material  28  forming an internal divider  17  in that the second packaging material  28  is disposed between the opposing inner surfaces  18  formed by the first packaging material  14 . In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a packet  10  of the present invention may be formed from a single packaging material. The packet  10  and the discrete compartments  26  contained therein may be formed from a single packaging material, such as a first packaging material  14 , which forms the outer surface  30 , inner surface  18 , and internal divider  17  of the packet  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the packaging materials, which includes the first packaging material  14 , second packaging material  28 , and third packaging material  16 , may have similar dimensions. The packet  10  may be formed by any method known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by joining the packaging materials about their respective peripheral edges  24  using heat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic seals, glue seals, and zippered track sealing systems, such as Dow Company&#39;s “ZIP LOCKS”. In certain embodiments, the packet  10  may be hermetically sealed. 
         [0026]    In further embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5-9 , a wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  may be disposed in individual but joined packets  10  to form a packet combination  11 . The term “packet combination”, as used herein, refers to two or more joined packets. The packet combination  11 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , may be produced by any method known in the art, including in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6  (cross-section of packet combination  11  of  FIG. 5  along B-B), forming both packets  10  in the packet combination  11  from a first packaging material  14  and a second packaging material  28 . Wherein the first packaging material  14  and second packaging material  28  are joined about their peripheral edges  24  and along at least one dividing section  25  using means as described previously, with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . The dividing section  25  is disposed between opposing peripheral edges  24  of the first packaging material  14  and second packaging material  28  to form at least two packets  10 . In other embodiments as shown in  FIG. 7 , the packets  10  of the packet combination  11  may be formed from a first packaging material  14 . The first packaging material  14  is joined about the first packaging material&#39;s  14  peripheral edges  24  and at least one dividing section  25 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0027]    The outer surface of the first packaging material  14  alone as shown in  FIG. 7  or as shown in  FIG. 6  the outer surface of the first packaging material  14  in combination with the outer surface of the second packaging material  28  form the outer surface  30  of the packets  10  and packet combination  11 . The opposing surfaces of the first packaging material  14  and the second packaging material  28  form the inner surface  18 , and the discrete compartments  26  where a wipe  20  or powdered substrate  22  may be disposed therein. Each packet combination  11  comprises at least one wipe  20  and one powdered substrate  22 . In certain embodiments, the packet combination  11  may include a means (not shown) with the dividing section  25  that enables the packets  10  to be separated by a user, such as a line of weakness, for example perforations. In certain other embodiments, the packet combination  11  may include a means, such as a line of weakness that allows both packets  11  to be opened in one motion. 
         [0028]    In certain other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  (which is a cross-sectional view of C-C in  FIG. 8 ), a packet combination  11  is produced when an outer surface  30  of a packet  10  may be fixedly or releasably joined to an outer surface  30  of another packet  10 . In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an individual packet  10  may contain a wipe  20  and the other packet  10  a powdered substrate  22 . An adhesive can be used to join the outer surfaces  30  of the packets  10 , for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive, hot melt adhesive, cold melt adhesive, or solvent based adhesives. The adhesive can be applied to an outer surface  30  of a packet  10  containing a wipe  20 , and/or an outer surface  30  of a packet  10  containing the powdered substrate  22  as a continuously coated area or as a pattern, for example, dots, stripes, spirals, or beads. In certain embodiments, the packets  10  of the packet combination  111  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  may be the packet  10  embodiments described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0029]    Packaging materials may be made of paper, metal foil, polymer film, metalized polymer film, and/or other materials known by one of ordinary skill in the art for packaging wipes. If more than one packaging material is used, the packaging materials may be made from the same or different materials. When the wipe is a wet wipe, any material which can be sealed to maintain the wetness of the wipe can be used for the packaging material. For example, laminates with a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), propylene vinyl alcohol (PVOH), or aluminum sandwiched between polymeric film layers, such as LDPE (low density polyethylene) can be used to maintain the wetness of the wipe. In certain embodiments, the packaging material is flushable and disintegrates. Such flushable packaging materials include silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films, or films coated with a polyvinyl alcohol, tissue coated or impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol, or other water soluble materials. 
         [0030]    In any of the embodiments, a packet may be any desired shape. For example, the packet may be a square, rectangle, oval, circle, or any other desired shape in plan view. The packet can include a means for opening the packet in order to access a wipe and/or powdered substrate contained therein. For example, the packet can have a scored or die cut line of weakness to allow the packet to be opened easily with a tab, easy peel label, or any other opening mechanism; a “Dry-edge” sticker mechanism, such as a sticker with a dry edge for grasping; releasable adhesives; releasable heat and/or pressure seals; perforations; rupture seals; tear seals; or the packet can be made of a relatively easy to tear material such as, an easy to tear film. 
         [0031]    The wipe may comprise a woven or nonwoven web of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers may include cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, cotton, and rayon. Synthetic fibers may include fibers such as, polyolefins, for example polyester and polypropylene fibers. In certain other embodiments, the wipe can comprise a paper material, for example, paper material that is made of a wet-laid material in a manner used to produce toilet tissue or facial tissue. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise silk and/or foam, such as foam disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345 issued Nov. 9, 1993 to DesMarais et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 issued Feb. 7, 1995 to Dyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,704 issued Oct. 6, 1998 to Shiveley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 issued Aug. 27, 1996 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,909 issued Oct. 27, 1998 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,642 issued Apr. 2, 2002 to Dyer et al. The wipe may be capable of being flushed in a toilet (i.e., it is “flushable”). For example, the wipe may disintegrate into pieces sufficiently small, such that when being transported in the sewer system the pieces do not plug any element of the sewer system. 
         [0032]    The wipe can be any size or shape that may be used for cleansing the skin, or providing other benefits (as described below) when using or changing a hygiene article. For example, in certain embodiments, the wipe may be rectangular or circular. In certain embodiments, the wipe may be about 4 square inches (about 25 square centimeters) in size to about 9 square inches (about 50 square centimeters) in size. In certain other embodiments, the wipe may be between about 16 square inches (about 100 square centimeters) in size to about  50  square inches (about 320 square centimeters) in size. 
         [0033]    The wipe may be textured, patterned embossed, dyed, printed with ink, clear polymer or colored polymer; or combinations thereof. For example, the wipe may be printed or dyed to give a visual signal of an active ingredient. The wipe may be patterned by hydroforming or any other method known in the art. 
         [0034]    The wipe can be a wet wipe that comprises a liquid-based solution. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise a nonwoven fabric impregnated with the liquid-based solution. The liquid-based solution can include, for example, surfactants, alcohols, fragrance compositions, antimicrobial agents, pH buffers, anti-itch agents, odor control agents, cooling agents, preservatives, combinations thereof, or any other substances known in the art for inclusion in wet wipes. The wipe can also contain substances such as silicones that can inhibit body exudates from adhering to the user&#39;s body. The liquid-based solution can also comprise a lotion, for example, an aqueous or non-aqueous lotion. In certain embodiments, the lotion can increase the cleaning capabilities of the wipe by aiding removal of soiling from the skin. The lotion can also provide skin benefits by reducing friction between the skin and the wipe, and/or by containing materials that can soothe the skin, for example, aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile. Other embodiments can include dry wipes or wipes containing non-aqueous cleaning solutions such as, e.g., mineral oils, and the emollient described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 issued Nov. 6, 1984 to Allen et al. 
         [0035]    One or more fragrance compositions can be included in the liquid-based solution in order to produce a scented wipe. Alternatively, the one or more fragrance compositions can be included in the wipe separately from any liquid-based solution, for example, by applying the fragrance composition to the wipe prior to addition of a liquid-based solution. The wipe can also include a separate component, for example, a carrier material comprising a fragrance composition. 
         [0036]    The powdered substrate  22  as shown in  FIG. 10 , may be any unitary substrate which releasably comprises a powder  23  suitable for application to the skin. In certain embodiments, for example the powdered substrate may be a fibrous sheet, film, foam, sponge, netting, puff or structure such as a brush, which has a powder applied thereon and/or therein. In certain embodiments a fibrous sheet may comprise a nonwoven material, wherein the non-woven material may be comprised of synthetic fibers and/or natural fibers. The powdered substrate may be a pocket formed from one or more materials, with powder contained in the space there between, wherein at least one of the materials is permeable to the powder. The powdered substrate may be a bag like structure containing powder. Further, the powdered substrate may be a powder dispensing brush such as model no. 1024, produced by ELUCI INTERNATIONAL, INC. East Rutherford, N.J. In certain embodiments, a unit dose of about 0.05 grams to about 10 grams of powder is on and/or in the powdered substrate. In other embodiments, a unit dose of about 0.1 grams to 5 grams is on and/or in the powdered substrate. In certain embodiments, a unit dose of about 0.01 grams to about 8 grams of powder is applied to the skin from the powdered substrate. In other embodiments, a unit dose of about 0.05 grams to about 3 grams of powder is applied to the skin from the powdered substrate. 
         [0037]    In certain embodiments, the wipe may be combined with the powdered substrate in a form other than a packet, or packet combinations, as described previously with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . In certain embodiments, a powder dispensing brush may have a compartment or carrying case designed to hold a wipe. Additionally, a wipe may be combined with a reusable puff, such that the puff comprises a compartment or carrying case designed to hold a wipe. Further, the wipe and powdered substrate can be packaged in a refillable hard plastic container, such as a two-sided compact. 
         [0038]    In certain embodiments, As shown in  FIG. 10  the powdered substrate  22  may have a powder impermeable layer  21 , such as a barrier layer made of film, or other material impermeable to powder. Such a powder impermeable layer  21  may be positioned between the powdered surface of the powdered substrate  22  and the user&#39;s hand to prevent powder  23  from transferring to the user&#39;s hand. The powdered substrate may also comprise a handle of non-woven fibers, woven fibers, yam, ribbon, or film material to make the powdered substrate easier to hold. The powder may be applied to the powdered substrate by spraying, dusting, coating, shaking, or any other manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The powder may be held on the substrate by static force, pore size of material or structure forming the powdered substrate, adhesive, or combinations thereof. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 11  the wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  may be combined to form a two-sided mitt  27  with a central compartment  29  capable of holding one or more fingers. One side of the mitt  27  may be a wipe  20 , and the other side a powdered substrate  22 . The wipe  20  and powdered substrate  22  sides of the mitt  27  may have the properties disclosed previously for wipes  20  and powdered substrates  22 . In certain embodiments, as described previously, the mitt  27  may have a powder impermeable layer  21  on the side of the mitt  27  having the powdered substrate  22 . The powder impermeable layer  21  may be composed of a film that is between the fingers and the powdered substrate  22  side of the mitt  27  to prevent powder from transferring to the fingers. 
         [0040]    As used herein, the term “powder” is defined as a substance comprised of ground, pulverized, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles. In certain embodiments, the powder may have a particle size in the longest dimension of from about 1 micron to about 100 microns. In certain other embodiments, the powder may have a particle size in the longest dimension from about 5 microns to about 40 microns. The particle shape of the powder may be spherical, ellipsoidal, or irregular. The powder may contain moisture absorbers, a carrier, skin feel components, odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-perspirants, skin protectants, emollients, skin moisturizers, anti-oxidants, binders to help the adhesion to skin, flow aids or anti-caking aids, botanicals, colorants, fragrances, or preservatives. The powder may be white, colored, or contain colored particles to give a visual signal of the active ingredients. Examples of powders include body powders, facial powders, talcum powders, clay powders, and corn-starch powders. 
         [0041]    Currently, there is no convenient method to apply powder to the body when outside the home. Users apply powder at home after they exit the shower and before they get dressed. There are travel size powder shakers, but they are not convenient. Using one in a public restroom would likely result in getting powder on the floor and on the user&#39;s clothing. A powdered substrate eliminates the mess associated with traditional powder application. Further, a disposable powdered substrate has the advantage of better hygiene and convenience in that it is thrown away after use. 
         [0042]    As used herein the term “user” refers to a person who uses a wipe and/or powdered substrate on either themselves or another. The term “wearer” as used herein refers to the wearer of a hygiene article. However, the wearer and user may be the same person or they might be different. For example, a user could be the person using a wipe and/or powdered substrate to clean an infant who would be considered the wearer of a hygiene article, in this case a diaper. Further, the wearer of a sanitary napkin would also be the user of a wipe and/or powdered substrate. 
         [0043]    A wipe may be used by a user to clean menses and/or other body exudates from the wearer&#39;s body. The cleaning of menses is particularly important because when menses leaves the wearer&#39;s body, it tends to smear over the pudendal region of the wearer&#39;s body and be retained on the skin and pubic hair. Furthermore, the menses often dries on the skin and in the pubic hair, which makes later cleansing difficult. 
         [0044]    A wipe provides for physical cleansing, which provides increased physical comfort, as well as psychological comfort. The wipe may also be used to reduce soiling of the user&#39;s undergarment. One mechanism that causes undergarment soiling is the transfer of menses, or urine, from soiled body surfaces to the user&#39;s undergarment. In addition, the use of the wipe may also provide a reduction in the odor associated with menstruation and incontinence. 
         [0045]    A powdered substrate may be utilized by the user to apply powder to a desired area of the body, undergarment, or hygiene article. For example, the powdered substrate can be used to apply powder directly to the pudendal region of a user before a sanitary napkin is used. Alternatively, the powdered substrate can be used to apply powder to a sanitary napkin. Upon use, the sanitary napkin will provide the powder to the pudendal region of the user. The powder may, in certain embodiments, provide to the user a comfort effect such as moisture or wetness reduction (feeling of dryness); provide fragrance immediately, or over time; a reduction in malodor; reduction in perspiration; reduction in itching; moisturizing the skin; a reduction in chafing; prevention from over drying; a cooling/soothing effect as provided, for example, by camphor; improved skin health/medicinal effect, such as the reduction in microbial growth. The powdered substrate may be used before, or after, the wipe. 
         [0046]    One advantage of the wipe and powdered substrate is that combinations can be provided, wherein the wipe and powdered substrate confer to the user a greater benefit when used in combination, as compared to using a wipe or powdered substrate alone. For example, in certain embodiments the wipe provides an initial clean feeling to the wearer through the removal of irritants. The powder provides an on-going clean and dry feeling by continuing to absorb moisture. In addition, the powder can provide other beneficial effects to the skin by containing anti-microbial agents, emollients and/or moisturizers to maintain and restore skin health. The powder can also be used to reduce, or prevent, chafing caused by friction between the skin and hygiene article or clothing. In other embodiments, the wipe can remove perspiration, and the powder can contain an anti-perspirant. The wipe can remove irritants, and the powder may contain anti-itch ingredients. The wipe can remove odor causing components, and the powder can release fragrance and/or odor control agents after application. In certain embodiments, the wipe may be used to moisten the skin and/or hair of a user. A powder is then applied to a user&#39;s skin and/or hair using a powdered substrate, which releases a fragrance upon contact with the moisture left by the wipe. Since the wipe will wet the skin and/or hair of the user, the powder will likely better adhere to the skin and/or hair, leaving less powder mess than powder being applied alone. 
         [0047]    The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
         [0048]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. 
         [0049]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 
         [0050]    It will be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein is/are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired result.