Abstract:
An improved closure system for athletic footwear, comprises a plurality of lace supports attached to the medial and lateral quarter panels of a boot. Each lace support has a holding unit at a first end and an attachment portion at a second end. The holding unit comprises a tube for holding a shoe lace. The attachment portion preferably comprises two legs which are fastened to a panel of the boot. The legs are fastened to the panels by at least one row of stitching extending traversely across the legs. The lace supports preferably are manufactured of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, which creates a low-friction surface to pass the lace over. When embodiments of the lace supports are incorporated into athletic footwear, they result in boots that are easy to lace and that provide a secure fit to the user&#39;s foot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to footwear, and more specifically to closure systems for athletic footwear.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Footwear generally comprises three parts: the sole, the upper, and the closure system. All three features play a role in the comfort, protection and performance of footwear. Athletic footwear generally includes shoes, boots and skates. Generally, the sole is used for cushioning and protecting the heel and toe portions of the wearer. In skates, such as hockey skates, the sole attaches the foot to a bladeholder or a wheeled chassis.  
         [0005]     The upper protects the foot from the environment and holds the footwear securely to the wearer&#39;s foot. Preferably the upper is made of a lightweight material such that it does not require the user to expend extra energy in lifting the foot. In some applications, however, a sturdier and heavier material is preferred in order to protect the foot from damage. Boots and hockey skates are typical examples of such footwear.  
         [0006]     The closure system holds the upper and the sole securely to the user&#39;s foot. In athletic footwear, the closure system is operable between an open position in which the footwear is configured so that the user can insert or remove the foot from the footwear, and a closed position in which the footwear is secured about the foot.  
         [0007]     A typical shoe closure system employs eyelets placed along edges of the quarter panels of the shoes to provide holes through which laces may be drawn. The eyelets accommodate relatively high tension as the laces are pulled to tighten the upper about the user&#39;s foot. More specifically, the laces pull on the eyelets to correspondingly pull the upper edges of the shoe panels toward one another and around the wearer&#39;s foot. When a boot upper is constructed of relatively heavy materials, eyelets often fail to distribute sufficient tension through the quarter panels to provide a snug fit about the foot.  
         [0008]     Consequently, an improved footwear closure system is desired.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In accordance with one embodiment, a sports shoe is provided. The shoe comprises an inner foot panel having an upper edge and an outer foot panel having an upper edge. The inner and outer panels are disposed on generally opposite sides of the shoe, and a space is defined between the upper edges. A lacing system of the shoe comprises a plurality of lace supports. Each lace support comprises a generally rigid hollow holding portion configured to accommodate a shoelace slidably fit therethrough, and at least two elongate leg portions extending from the holding portion. The leg portions of each lace support are attached to one of the inner and outer panels by at least one row of stitching extending transversely across the leg portions.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another embodiment, the holding portion comprises a low-friction inner surface. In still a further embodiment, each holding portion is generally elongate and has a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis is generally parallel to a tangent line generally to the corresponding panel edge adjacent the holding portion.  
         [0011]     In accordance with a further embodiment, a method of making a sports shoe is provided. In accordance with the method, a shell is provided having an inner upper edge and an outer upper edge, the upper edges being spaced apart from one another. A plurality of lace supports are also provided. Each lace support comprises a generally rigid hollow barrel portion configured to slidably accommodate a shoelace fit therethrough, and an elongate attachment portion extending from the barrel portion. The elongate attachment portions are arranged on the shell so that the respective barrel portions are disposed in a space between the upper edges. Stitches are disposed transversely across the attachment portions.  
         [0012]     In accordance with yet another embodiment, a sports shoe is provided, comprising an inner foot panel having an upper edge and an outer foot panel having an upper edge. The inner and outer panels are disposed on generally opposite sides of the shoe, and a space is defined between the upper edges. A lacing system comprises a plurality of lace supports. Each lace support comprises a generally rigid hollow holding portion having a tube portion configured to accommodate a shoelace fit therethrough. A surface of the tube portion has relatively low friction, and the tube has a longitudinal axis. Each lace support further comprises at least two elongate leg portions extending from the holding portion. Preferably, the lace support is unitarily formed. The leg portions of each lace support are attached to one of the inner and outer panels at at least two spaced apart locations so that the tube portion is suspended in the space between the upper edges. The longitudinal axis of each tube portion is generally parallel to a tangent of the respective edge adjacent the lace portion. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lace support having two elongated leg portions.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment having a plurality of lace supports disposed on an ice hockey skate.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a close-up of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  taken along lines  3 - 3 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment having lace supports disposed on an inline roller skate. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0017]     There is a need for a footwear closure system that can effectively close a stiff footwear member such as a skate boot, but which is easy for a wearer to lace up and provides a secure, well distributed closure.  
         [0018]     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a lace support  20  is presented. The lace support  20  comprises a holding portion  22 , a central portion  24  and an attachment portion  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the holding portion  22  extends from the central portion  24  in a first direction, and terminates at a first end  30  of the support  20 . The attachment portion  26  is elongate and extends from the central portion  24  in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, terminating at a second end  32  of the support  20 .  
         [0019]     In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion  26  comprises two leg portions  34 ,  36 . The leg portions  34 ,  36  both extend from the central portion and are generally spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the leg portions  34 ,  36  are disposed at an angle α relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg portions  34 ,  36  are the same length. Further, the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the respective leg portions  34 ,  36  generally align with one another and have a generally flat shape. As such, a line  38  extending between the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the legs  34 ,  36  is generally aligned with both second ends across each end. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, the legs can be different lengths. Also, the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the legs  34 ,  36  may have different shapes and configurations, and may or may not generally align with one another.  
         [0020]     The holding portion  22  preferably comprises an elongate barrel  40  having a hollow tube  42  formed therein. The barrel  40  preferably is elongate and is configured so that a center line  44  of the tube  42  is generally transverse to a line between the first and second ends  30 ,  32  of the lace support  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tube  42  of the barrel  40  is generally cylindrical and straight. It is to be understood that, in another embodiment, the tube portion  42  of the barrel  40  may include a gentle or acute curve. Preferably, the barrel tube  42  has a low-friction, smooth tube surface  46  configured so that a shoelace  100  may slide readily through the tube  42 .  
         [0021]     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the leg portions  34 ,  36  preferably are substantially thin and flat. Similarly, the center portion  24  preferably is substantially thin and flat. The holding portion  26 , however, includes the generally cylindrical barrel  40 . Preferably, a transition  50  is disposed between the holding portion  22  and the central portion  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the transition  50  comprises fillets  52  that create a smooth transition between a top surface  54  of the flat central portion  24  and the cylindrical holding portion  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom surface of the barrel  40  is generally aligned with a bottom surface  56  of the central portion  24 .  
         [0022]     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the illustrated lace support  20  preferably comprises a generally rigid material, such as plastic. For example, the lace support  20  may be formed of a single piece of polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC) or any other material. Preferably, the lace support is formed by injection molding, and thus has unitary structure. It is to be understood, however, that other means can be used to manufacture the lace support and, in other embodiments, portions of the lace support may be formed separately from one another.  
         [0023]     With reference next to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of lace supports  20  are shown disposed on an ice hockey skate  60 . Ice hockey skates typically include a skate boot  62  and a blade holder  64 . The boot  62  comprises a sole  66  and an upper or shell  70 . The blade holder  64  is attached to the sole  66  of the boot  62  and accommodates an ice blade  72 . The upper  70  comprises medial and lateral quarter panels  74 ,  76 . The medial or inner quarter panel  74  is configured to be disposed on a medial side of the wearer&#39;s foot, and the lateral or outer quarter panel is configured to be disposed on the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot. The quarter panels  74 ,  76  may be formed as two or more pieces sewn together or may be unitarily formed. Also, it is to be understood that the quarter panels may include several layers, including stiffener layers.  
         [0024]     Each of the quarter panels  74 ,  76  comprises an upper edge  80  and a front edge  82 . A toe cap  84  is disposed at a forward end of the boot  62  immediately adjacent the front edges  82  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76 .  
         [0025]     The quarter panels  74 ,  76  preferably are attached to the sole along a bottom portion  86  of the panels  74 ,  76 . The upper edges  80 , however, preferably are unattached. In the illustrated embodiment, a space  90  is defined between the upper edges  80  of the medial and lateral quarter panels  74 ,  76 . As such, the panels may be moved relative to one another in order to allow a user to insert or remove a foot from within the boot upper  20 . Preferably a tongue  92  is disposed generally between the quarter panels  74 ,  76  near their upper edges  80 .  
         [0026]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a closure system  94  is arranged on and between the quarter panels  74 ,  76  so as to selectively pull the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76  closer together. This enables a user to tighten the quarter panels securely about the user&#39;s foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system  94  comprises a plurality of the lace holders  20  of  FIG. 1  arranged so that the holding portions  22  extend beyond the upper edges  80  of the panels  74 ,  76  and are suspended in the space  90  between the upper edges  80 . A lace  100  is arranged through the tubes  42  of the holding portions  22 .  
         [0027]     With particular reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the illustrated skate  60  comprises several lace supports  20  arranged on the medial and lateral quarter panels  74 ,  76 . The holding portions  22  are arranged so that the longitudinal center line  44  of each of the barrel tubes  42  is generally parallel to a line that is tangent to the edge  80  of the respective quarter panel  74 ,  76  at the location of the lace support  20 . In this arrangement, the barrel tube  42  of each lace support  20  slidably accommodates the shoelace  100 . Due to the lacing pattern, as the shoelace  100  is tightened, forces in the lace  100  are transferred to the barrel tube  42  and further to the lace support  20 .  
         [0028]     The central portion  24  and attachment portions  26  of the lace supports  20  are attached to the quarter panels  74 ,  76 , preferably at more than one spaced-apart location. In the illustrated embodiment, two lines of stitching  110 ,  112  extend transversely over and across the legs  34 ,  36  of each lace support  20 . Preferably, each line  110 ,  112  of stitching is spaced apart from, but generally follows the contour of, the upper edge  80  of the quarter panel  74 ,  76 . The illustrated embodiment employs two spaced apart, generally parallel lines  110 ,  112  of stitching. However, it is to be understood that more or less lines of stitching can be employed. In a still further embodiment, each attachment portion  26  can individually be sewn to the quarter panel by, for example, stitching that extends generally around the perimeter of at least the legs  34 ,  36  of the lace support.  
         [0029]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , skate quarter panels  74 ,  76  typically assume a complex curvature in order to fit securely about the wearer&#39;s curving foot. For example, each quarter panel typically curves over the dorsal side of the wearer&#39;s foot, which involves curvature about a nearly horizontal axis of curvature. Further, the quarter panel also curves about the wearer&#39;s lower leg/ankle area, which involves curvature about a axis of curvature that is more vertical than the axis of curvature of the dorsal foot section. Also, there are further intricacies of the wearer&#39;s foot, such as the ankle area and arch, that contribute to the complex curvature of the quarter panels.  
         [0030]     In order to accommodate the complex curvature of each quarter panel, the attachment portion  26  of the lace supports  20  preferably is versatile. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion  26  comprises the two illustrated legs  34 ,  36 . This is preferable in the illustrated embodiment, as the legs  34 ,  36  are bendable relative to one another and can readily conform to the complex curvature of the quarter panel  74 ,  76 . Further, since the legs  34 ,  36  are disposed at an angle α to one another, the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the legs are spaced significantly apart from one another. The lace supports  20  are secured to the quarter panel at or near the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  at securement points  116 . A space  118  is disposed between the securement points  116 . Thus, the securement points  116  securely hold the lace support  20  in place on the quarter panel  74  so that the lace support  20  does not rotate relative to the quarter panel.  
         [0031]     Since the elongate legs  34 ,  36  extend generally away from the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76 , forces exerted by the tightened laces  100  upon the lace support  20  are transferred by the lace support  20  to the points  116  at which the legs  34 ,  36  are attached to the quarter panel  74 ,  76 . Thus, tightening forces are distributed through the quarter panel  74 ,  76  rather than being concentrated at the upper edges  80  of the quarter panel, as is typical in traditional eyelet-type skate boots.  
         [0032]     Since the barrel tubes  42  have a substantially low friction interior surface  44  and since the tubes  42  are generally parallel to the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76 , friction resisting tightening or loosening of the shoelaces  100  is minimized. Further, In the illustrated embodiment, the barrels  40  are suspended in the space  90  between the upper edges  80 . Thus, the shoelace  100  is also suspended in the space  40 , and frictional contact between the shoelace  100  and other portions of the skate boot  62 , such as the tongue  52 , is minimized. As such, a wearer can put on the skates  62  and quickly pull on the laces  100  to immediately and quickly tighten the laces  100 . This is in contrast to more traditional eyelet or loop lacing systems in which a wearer will have to tighten the laces several times and at several locations along the lace line, usually starting near the toe cap  84  and successively tightening the laces  100  further up the boot  62  until finally tightening the laces near an upper portion  119  of the boot and finally tying off the laces.  
         [0033]     The illustrated low-friction arrangement also enables better distribution of forces throughout the skate  62  than traditional closure systems. More particularly, as a wearer tightens the laces  100 , lace forces will be distributed throughout the skate so that the force on the lace  100  is generally equalized throughout the tightened lace  100 . As such, localized inconsistencies in lace tightening are avoided.  
         [0034]     In another embodiment, one or more tightening clips are provided. In one embodiment, the tightening clips are configured to fit about the laces in a clamshell manner in order to secure the laces to one another. Thus, the tightening clips effectively create distinct zones within the closure system. A user may thus tighten different zones of the skate boot with different tightening forces as desired. For example, in one embodiment a user pulls the laces very tight in a lower portion of the boot near the toe cap. These high forces are distributed through the lower portion. The user may then apply a lace clip which engages the laces and securely binds them relative to each other. The laces in the toe portion adjacent the lace clip will retain the desired tightness. The user may then tighten the laces throughout the rest of the boot to a different tightness, such as a lesser tightness, to enhance comfort throughout the boot while maximizing support in the more-tightly-laced area of the boot. The lace clips preferably comprise a clamshell-type clip having a locking member configured to securely hold the lace clip closed even when under tension. In one embodiment, an internal surface of the lace clip comprises a roughened surface and/or a plurality of jaws configured to engage and partially penetrate the laces about the lace clip so as to facilitate a secure hold on the laces.  
         [0035]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , to manufacture an embodiment of a skate boot  62 , an array of lace supports  20  preferably are first placed upon the quarter panel  74 ,  78  and a stitch  110  is sewn transversely across the entire array of lace supports  20 . More particular, a stitch  110  that is spaced apart from the upper edge  80  of the quarter panel  74 ,  76 , yet generally follows the contour of the upper edge  80 , is employed. In the illustrated embodiments, a second stitch  112  is also employed extending transversely across the legs  34 ,  36 . In still further embodiments, further stitches can be employed to securely tack the second ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the legs  34 ,  36  in place on the quarter panel  74 ,  76 . In another embodiment, the lace supports are arranged so that the second ends are generally aligned, and a second stitch  112  transversely across the lace supports at or near the second ends securely tacks each of the second ends in place.  
         [0036]     In the illustrated embodiment, the lace supports  20  are attached to the quarter panels  74 ,  76  in two separate groups. A first group  120  of lace supports  20  is disposed on a portion of the quarter panel  74  generally adjacent the wearer&#39;s foot. A second group  122  of lace supports  20  is disposed on the quarter panel  74  generally adjacent the wearer&#39;s ankle and lower leg. Preferably, a transition point  126  is defined between the groups  120 ,  122 . For purposes of this specification, the transition point  126  is a point on the quarter  74  where the quarter panel transitions from enclosing the foot to enclosing the lower leg and ankle of the wearer. One method of locating the transition point is to draw a generally vertical line from the front of the wearer&#39;s shin and along the front of the skate, and defining a point at which the line intersects the quarter panel  74  as the transition point  126 .  
         [0037]     With reference next to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of a roller skate  130  is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the skate boot  62  is attached to a wheeled chassis  132 , and is an inline roller skate  130 . The illustrated skate boot  62  comprises a closure system  134  employing lace supports  20  having at least some similarities with the embodiments discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 .  
         [0038]     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , a plurality of lace supports  20  are employed in the closure system  134 . As illustrated, more than one size of lace supports are employed. More specifically, a plurality of first lace supports  140  have a first leg length, and a plurality of second lace supports  142  have a second leg length that is longer than the leg length of the first lace supports  140 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lace supports  140 ,  142  have generally the same shape; however, it is to be understood that lace supports having different shapes of legs, attachment portions, and such may be employed. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, two spaced apart lines of stitching  110 ,  112  attach all of the lace supports  140 ,  142  to the quarter panel  76 . However, a third line  144  of stitching that is spaced from the first two lines is applied to the longer legs of the second lace supports  142 .  
         [0039]     In the illustrated embodiment, one of the longer lace supports  142  is disposed adjacent the transition point  126 , so as to more thoroughly distribute lace forces to the quarter panel  76  in the area adjacent the transition point  126 . More specifically, a long leg of a lace support  142  attaches to the quarter panel  76  generally below and adjacent a malleolus area  150  of the quarter panel  76  so as to enhance the fit of the boot  62  in this area. This is an especially important and difficult area of the boot  62  to fit to the wearer&#39;s foot, and the increased force distribution is desirable in the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0040]     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , a pair of eyelets  160  are employed adjacent the edges of each quarter panel  74 ,  76  above the transition point  126 . The eyelets  160  accommodate laces  100  in a more traditional fashion. As discussed above, the lace supports  20 ,  140 ,  142  exert much less friction than eyelets  160 . In this embodiment, the eyelets  160  are intended to engage the laces  100  with more friction. When a wearer tightens the lace  100 , lace forces are easily and quickly distributed through the lace supports  20  and to the quarter panel. The wearer then tightens the laces  100  through the eyelets  160  above the transition point  126 . The eyelets  160  preferably generate sufficient friction to help the user maintain the tightened condition of the laces throughout the closure system  134  while the user ties off the laces. Thus, there is a safeguard in place to prevent loosening of the laces  100  while the user ties the laces.  
         [0041]     In the illustrated lace holder embodiments, the holding portion  22  comprises a cylindrical tube  42 . The illustrated cylindrical tube  42  is fully enclosed about its diameter. The fully enclosed tube provides enhanced rigidity for the holding portion  22  and enhanced strength for the lace holder  20 . Further, by having the tube  42  fully enclosed, the lace holder  20  can provide high strength, but use relatively little material, thus reducing the overall weight of the lace holder  20  and associated skate.  
         [0042]     In another embodiment, the barrel tube  42  does not extend a full 360° about the longitudinal axis  44 , resulting in an elongate opening through which the lace may selectively be inserted into and removed from the tube. Preferably, the opening is disposed through a side of the tube generally opposite the first end  30  of the lace support. Further, the opening preferably is quite small, such as less than about 30° of the 360° diameter of the tube. As such, the tube is configured so that the laces, even when loose, will not disengage from the tube unless specifically urged as such by the user.  
         [0043]     The illustrated embodiments show lace holders  20  having a pair of legs  34 ,  36 . It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, one, three or more legs may be provided, and different lace supports disposed on the same boot may have different numbers of legs. In one embodiment wherein a lace support comprises only a single elongate leg, the leg tapers to become wider towards the second end of the lace support. The width of the leg toward the second end allows stitching to be significantly spaced apart along the edges of the leg, thus contributing to a stable and secure mounting configuration of the lace support on the skate boot.  
         [0044]     In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , each of the lace supports  20  is arranged so that the holding portion  22  is generally disposed in the space  90  between the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76 . It is to be understood that, in further embodiments, the holding portions  22  may be arranged below the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels  74 ,  76 . Further, in another embodiment, the holding portions  22  of some of the lace supports  20  are disposed in the space  90 , while the holding portions  22  of others of the lace supports  20  are disposed below the upper edges  80 .  
         [0045]     In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , lace supports  20  are attached to an outer surface of the skate quarter panel  74 ,  76 . It is to be understood that, in another embodiment, at least one of the lace supports  20  is positioned on an inner surface of the quarter panel. In a still further embodiment, the boot upper comprises more than one layer. More specifically, the quarter panel comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. Stiffeners, padding and the like may be disposed between the inner and outer layers. In one embodiment, the leg portions  34 ,  36  of at least one of the lace supports  20  are disposed between the inner and outer layers of the quarter panel. Preferably the holding portion  22  extends into the space  90  between the upper edges  80  of the quarter panels. Thus the only part of the lace support that is visible from the outside of the boot is the holding portion and, perhaps, part of the central portion.  
         [0046]     In the illustrated embodiment, the holding portions  22  comprise a low friction surface  46  disposed in the tube  42  to enable the shoelace  100  to slide quickly and easily through the holding unit  22 . In another embodiment, a high-friction surface is preferred in order to maintain the laces in a generally static position when the shoelaces are tied. Such a higher friction surface could include a fabric material such as a fabric lining within the tube. In one embodiment, only one or a few lace holders toward the top of the boot, such as above the transition point  126 , employ high-friction surfaces, while the rest of the lace holders employ low friction surfaces  46 . In a still further embodiment, lace supports arranged nearest the toe, and front edge of the quarter panel, employ relatively high-friction surfaces so that the center of the lace remains generally adjacent the toe cap.  
         [0047]     In a still further embodiment, a lace support may be constructed having two or more holding portions. Preferably the holding portions are spaced from one another. In one embodiment, both holding portions extend from a single central portion. In another embodiment, a lace support having multiple holding portions has multiple central portions as well, one central portion corresponding to each of the holding portions, and the central portions are connected via legs which extend therebetween. In another embodiment, two or more legs are attached to one another at or near the second end of the lace support.  
         [0048]     In the illustrated embodiments, stitching  110 ,  112 ,  144  is used to hold lace supports  20  in place. It is to be understood that other physical fasteners such as rivets, screws, or the like may be used. Similarly, chemical fasteners such as adhesives, epoxies or the like may also be employed. Further, a combination of different types of fasteners may be used to secure lace supports in place. Further, the lace supports may all be connected to one another so that forces are communicated between lace supports.  
         [0049]     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.