Abstract:
A system, apparatus, and method for portable computing systems that simply and efficiently addresses poor ergonomics, heat buildup, and/or electromagnetic radiation, most preferably in one integrated solution. The apparatus includes a unitary blank of a substantially planar rigid sheet material including a plurality of panel portions interdivided by one or more bending line portions, wherein the unitary blank folds along the one or more bending line portions to produce a three-dimensional structure that supports a portable electronic device on at least one the panel portion over a surface at an angle inclined relative to the surface; and a fastening subsystem, coupled to the unitary blank, having a holding mode for maintaining the unitary blank folded in the three-dimensional structure and a release mode for transitioning the three-dimensional structure to a planar structure, the fastening subsystem providing for repeatable transitions between the holding mode and the release mode.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a Non-Prov of Prov (35 USC 119(e)) application 60/690,927 filed on Jun. 16, 2005. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates generally to notebook computer accessories, and more specifically to ergonomic structures and methods complementary to portable computing systems. 
     Laptop, or notebook computers are growing in popularity. Because of their portability, they are commonly used in the office, in the home, on airplanes, and in many other places. While notebook computers bring many advantages over traditional desktop computers or PCs, they also bring many challenges, including: 
     1) Poor ergonomics—In a traditional PC workstation environment, the keyboard and display are separate. This allows them to be positioned at the height and distance most appropriate for the user. In a workstation environment centered around a notebook computer, the ergonomics of the notebook are restricted because the display and the keyboard are typically attached to each other. This may lead to poor ergonomics and back and neck strain. Some typical solutions to this challenge include: a) plugging a separate display into the notebook and continue using the keyboard of the notebook (The display can be positioned at the ideal height); b) plugging both a separate display and a separate keyboard into the notebook and position theme both independently at the desired height; c) raising the notebook onto a stand so that the notebook&#39;s display is at the ideal height and use a separate keyboard; and d) raising the notebook at an angle using a support (e.g., a wedge-shaped stand) so that the display is closer to eye-level while the keyboard is still usable, though it is angled toward the user. Since many notebook users do not use their notebook exclusively, they often do not go through the extra effort to create an ergonomically improved notebook computer work environment. Often, notebook users have their backs arched and their neck tilted forward in an uncomfortable way. Also, because notebook computers are used in a variety of places, mobile users cannot typically carry, or choose to carry, ergonomic devices with them because they are usually too bulky. 
     2) Heat buildup in a notebook computer—With ever-increasing processor speeds, notebook computers run very hot. Devices to help dissipate heat and even actively cool notebook computers are more and more common. Some examples are pads with integrated cooling fans that are placed under notebook computers and hard plastic stands that improve cooling by lifting the notebook computer off of the desktop surface. There is also evidence to suggest that the heat buildup on a person&#39;s lap while using a notebook computer on their lap can cause physical damage to the user including harm to the reproductive system. Also, notebook computers are commonly used in places where heat buildup is even more of a problem, such as in bed, on couches, while watching TV, and the like. Soft surfaces such as pillows, blankets, and the like tend to block the notebook computer&#39;s cooling channels and heat dissipation channels and cause them to run hotter. 
     3) Electromagnetic radiation—Electromagnetic frequencies or EMFs are receiving more and more awareness as being potentially harmful to humans. While the actual effects of EMFs on humans is being actively debated, there is no question that many appliances and machines in use in people&#39;s home give off easily measurable amounts of EMF. Notebook computers are no exception. Many notebook computers give off measurable amounts of EMF from their bottom-exactly the surface that comes in contact with the user-often for prolonged periods of time. While it is unknown whether EMFs from notebook computers are in fact harmful, a product that protects users from EMFs may be a valued and commercially successful item. 
     Portable computer users generally have a special purpose carrying case for use with the system. Capacity and construction generally do not lend themselves to significant carrying capacity both because of portability and because of weight. 
     What is needed are systems and methods for portable computing systems to simply and efficiently address poor ergonomics, heat buildup, and electromagnetic radiation, most preferably in one integrated solution. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed is a system, apparatus, and method for portable computing systems that simply and efficiently addresses poor ergonomics, heat buildup, and/or electromagnetic radiation, most preferably in one integrated solution. The apparatus includes a unitary blank of a substantially planar rigid sheet material including a plurality of panel portions interdivided by one or more bending line portions, wherein the unitary blank folds along the one or more bending line portions to produce a three-dimensional structure that supports a portable electronic device on at least one the panel portion over a surface at an angle inclined relative to the surface; and a fastening subsystem, coupled to the unitary blank, having a holding mode for maintaining the unitary blank folded in the three-dimensional structure and a release mode for transitioning the three-dimensional structure to a planar structure, the fastening subsystem providing for repeatable transitions between the holding mode and the release mode. 
     The method includes: a) folding a unitary blank of a substantially planar sheet material including a plurality of panel portions interdivided by one or more bending line portions along the one or more bending line portions to produce a three-dimensional structure that supports a portable electronic device on at least one the panel portion over a surface at an angle inclined relative to the surface; and b) transitioning the three-dimensional structure into a holding mode wherein the plurality of panel portions folded along the one or more bending line portions resist unfolding. 
     The disclosed embodiments simply and efficiently address poor ergonomics, heat buildup, and electromagnetic radiation, most preferably in one integrated solution. A unitary blank is foldable into a support structure, and this structure may adapted for addressing various environmental conditions, including for example heat and electromagnetic frequencies. Some of the goals of the embodiments of the present invention include: a) to provide a more ergonomic environment for notebook computer users; b) to provide a cooler environment for notebook computers; c) to provide protection for the user against heat-buildup near the body; d) to provide protection against electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs); and e) to provide the above goals in a portable, space-efficient, appealing, and fun way. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an unfolded support including a unitary blank sheet subdivided into fold/crease/bending portions that permit the sheet to bend and fold into a three-dimensional support structure; 
         FIG. 2  is a right-hand plan side view of a folded unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 1  transitioned to a holding mode; 
         FIG. 3  is a back plan view of the folded unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the folded unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a folded unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 1  transitioned to an optional holding mode; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a first set of layers for the unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a second set of layers for the unitary blank sheet shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10  are perspective views illustrating results of a sequence of steps of producing a three-dimensional support structure from the support shown in the previous figures, for example  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the support including the unitary blank sheet as described above except including a pair of bands (or straps-optionally elastomeric) as the retaining system to hold an electronic device onto the FACE when the sheet is transitioned to the folded support mode; 
         FIG. 9  is the perspective view of the support shown in  FIG. 8  partially folded; 
         FIG. 10  is the perspective view of the support shown in  FIG. 9  completely folded; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a carrying case stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like), the case having a unitary sheet as all or part of a first exterior wall that cooperates with a second exterior wall that produces the case; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the carrying case shown in  FIG. 11  transitioned to a folded support mode in which the sheet is folded as described herein to rigidly support the device; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like), the case having a unitary sheet as all or part of a first exterior wall that cooperates with a second exterior wall to produce the case; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like), the case having a unitary sheet as all or part of a first exterior wall of a double-walled shell that cooperates with a second exterior wall to produce the case; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the carrying case shown in  FIG. 14  transitioned to a folded support mode in which the sheet is partially detached from the first exterior wall to reveal an interior wall of the double-walled shell of the case; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like), the case having a unitary sheet as all or part of a first wall that cooperates with a second exterior wall to produce the case; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the carrying case of  FIG. 16  mid-transition between a case mode ( FIG. 16 ) and a support mode ( FIG. 18  below); and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the carrying case of  FIG. 16  transitioned to the support mode in which the sheet is flipped under and folded to generally juxtapose exterior surfaces of the exterior walls. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include a mostly flat surface with pre-creased areas that allow these areas to fold up creating a three-dimensional shape that acts as a stand to raise a notebook computer to a more comfortable and more ergonomic position. Embodiments of the invention may be made of materials that dissipate heat from the notebook computer and/or insulate the user from heat generated by the computer. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may also contain materials such as metal or fabric shielding that improve protection to the user from electromagnetic frequencies or other environmental hazards. Some embodiments may include two or three modes—an unfolded position, a folded stand position, and an optional folded storage position. 
     Unfolded Position: 
     In an unfolded position, some embodiments of the invention may be placed on a lap of the user. In this position, these embodiments provide a firmer surface than the lap and therefore permit the notebook computer to run cooler than it would on the soft lap of the user, particularly when the user has a cushion or other barrier on the lap interposed between the lap and the notebook computer. In addition, in this position, some embodiments of the invention provide EMF protection for the user. A raised area (for example) at a front edge acts as a barrier to prevent the notebook computer from sliding off, and this feature may be satisfied in several other different ways as described below. 
     Folded Stand Position: 
     Embodiments of the invention are folded along crease/bend lines and most preferably fastened (e.g., snapped with snaps) or otherwise locked into position to create a stand that lifts the notebook computer to a more comfortable and more ergonomic position. In this folded stand position, some embodiments may be used on a desktop surface, on the lap, or in other applications such as in bed, on an airplane tray table, on the couch, on the floor, and the like. A raised area at the front edge acts as a barrier to prevent the notebook computer from sliding off. Some embodiments the invention may have raised surfaces integrated into a top surface. The raised surfaces are one example of environmental adaptation and would allow air to flow under the notebook computer for cooler operation. The raised surfaces may also be made out of a rubber or otherwise grippy/high coefficient of friction material to help keep the notebook computer from sliding off of the stand in addition to or in lieu of the raised front edge. Still other solutions may include bands/straps at comers of the top/front support surface to hold the notebook in place (these bands may be elastomeric). 
     Folded storage position: 
     Some embodiments of the invention may also be optionally folded in half into a predominately flat configuration for storage in a notebook computer bag, backpack, closet, car, and the like. Preferably in this position, these embodiments will fit within a footprint size of a notebook computer and thus be easily ported and deployed. 
     Embodiments of the invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials. One preferred embodiment includes using fabric-over-foam molding. This technique is commonly used for sunglass cases and backpacks. In this way, the crease/bend-lines may be easily molded in to the shape to allow the product to fold correctly. In an embodiment like this, soft neoprene padding and electromagnetic shielding material may be sandwiched in between layers of fabric. The parts are sandwiched and adhered, then are compression-molded to achieve the proper crease lines, logos, and/or other required features. 
     In other embodiments, a structure may be made using more typical cut and sew soft goods techniques where the crease/bend lines are achieved by incorporating internal pads or plates along with any electromagnetic shielding or environmental protective material spaced away from each other and sewing or attaching fabric over the plates. The product would hinge in the areas of unsupported fabric between the individual plates. 
     In still other embodiments, a structure may be made using harder materials including but not limited to: plastic, hard foam, wood, fiberglass, and the like along with flexible fabric hinge areas or mechanical hinges to allow the product to fold. In either of these construction methods, any raised area may be achieved by folding part of the pad over itself and attaching it to itself, thereby forming a lip to keep the notebook computer from sliding past it. Another way to prevent the notebook computer from sliding off of the stand is to integrate a hard stop made of metal, plastic, and the like to block the notebook from sliding past the front edge. Another way to prevent the notebook computer from sliding off of the stand is to use one or more soft straps (or elastomeric bands) to attach the notebook to the top surface of the structure. Another way to prevent the notebook computer from sliding off of the stand is to use rubber or other soft grippy/high coefficient of friction materials integrated onto the top surface. 
     Embodiments of the invention can also be made from a number of layers of various materials sewn, glued, or otherwise attached to each other in a combination that achieves desired properties including but not limited to: heat dissipation, heat insulation, padding for comfort, EMF shielding, other environmental protection/enhancement, structural stiffness, fashion, and the like. Some of the materials that may be integrated into the product include but are not limited to: Cordura, leather, various fabrics, decorative fabrics, shielding fabric, shielding metal, fiberglass sheets, plastic sheets, hard foam sheets, soft foam pads, molded foam pads, non-slip fabrics, non-slip plastic molded, printed, or silk-screened over fabric, netting, and the like. Additional features may also be integrated into some embodiments such as open pockets or zippered pockets for pens, computer input devices, music players and other accessories. The materials used in the construction of Embodiments of the invention are most preferably lightweight and space efficient, for example in order to make it easy and convenient for travel. 
     Certain embodiments include a fastening system or other structural element, configuration, or relationship to provide a holding mode in the folded stand position, permitting these embodiments to be locked or otherwise maintained in that position using a variety of techniques including but not limited to: snaps, hook and loop fasteners, straps, elastic bands, mechanical locks, hooks, over-center hinging, magnets, zippers, or even the weight of the notebook computer for example. Some of these same techniques may also be used to hold the structure into the optional folded storage position. 
     In addition, various functions of one or more of the embodiments described above may be integrated separately into other products. For example, some embodiments may have the folding features and ergonomic stand features mentioned above, but without the EMF shielding features and/or cooling/heat insulation features. Other embodiments may not have the folding and ergonomic stand functionality mentioned above but will only have the EMF shielding and/or cooling/heat insulation features. Still other embodiments of the invention may include a notebook computer carrying case that transforms into an ergonomic notebook computer stand. Further embodiments of the invention may include a notebook computer carrying case that is adapted to provide support/environmental feature structures as a separate unit inside it. 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an unfolded support  100  including a unitary blank sheet  105  subdivided into fold/crease/bending portions that permit sheet  105  to bend and fold into a three-dimensional support structure. An optional bending portion  110  permits sheet  105  to be folded into a smaller footprint size for storage. A back bending portion  115 , a right-hand bending portion  120 , a left-hand bending portion  125 , a first corner bending portion  130 , and a second corner bending portion  135  all provide for sheet  105  to fold into a three-dimensional support mode as further explained below.  FIG. 1  defines some major panel portions, including a FACE, a BACK, a right-hand panel (RHP), and a left-hand panel (LHP). When sheet  105  is folded along crease/bend lines into the three-dimensional holding mode, the major panel portions are all that are visible. 
     Support  100  includes a fastening system including two pairs of snap fasteners, a first female snap  140  and a first male snap  145  (pair  1 ), and a second female snap  150  and a second male snap  155  (pair  2 ). In the optional folding mode for storage, the snaps of pair  1  engage the complementary snaps of pair  2  when sheet  105  is folded about bend portion  110 . In the holding mode, the complementary snaps of pair  1  engage one another and the complementary snaps of pair  2  engage one another. (In the support mode, sheet  105  folds about bend portion  115 , bend portion  120 , bend portion  125 , bend portion  130 , and bend portion  135  so that the pairs of snaps may engage as described.) The fastening system may be implemented in numerous ways including zippers, repetitive latching systems (e.g., zippers and hook/loop systems), and even by careful construction and material selection and configuration permitting sheet material  105  to remain folded and resist unfolding without positive interlocking elements, particularly when the FACE panel is loaded. 
     Support  100  includes a retaining subsystem (shown in  FIG. 1  as a lip  160 ) for inhibiting an object placed on a FACE panel when support is in the folded three-dimensional support mode from sliding off of the face. Other structures may be used for the retaining subsystem, including bands/straps at a downward edge of the FACE 
       FIG. 2  is a right-hand plan side view of support  100  shown in  FIG. 1  transitioned to a holding mode and  FIG. 3  is a back plan view of support  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the folded support  100  shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . When folded, the FACE panel is rigidly supported at an angle (preferably about at ten to forty-five degrees, and most preferably about twenty-seven degree (plus/minus about five degrees) angle) to the horizontal and to an underlying surface (not shown) by the BACK panel, the RHP, and the LHP. A notebook computer is supported on the FACE panel, either in the unfolded or folded support modes. 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of support  100  in  FIG. 1  transitioned to an optional holding mode. As shown, sheet  105  folds about bending portion  110 , with the fastening subsystem optionally engaged to maintain sheet  105  in the folded, storage position. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a first set of layers for unitary blank sheet  105  shown in  FIG. 1 . Sheet  105  of  FIG. 6  includes a compression molded fabric-over-foam embodiment. In this embodiment, a soft neoprene padding layer  605  and an environmental shielding material layer  610  (e.g., electromagnetic or temperature (heat) layer) is sandwiched in between a first layer  615  and a second layer  620  of fabric. The layers are sandwiched and adhered, then are compression-molded to achieve the proper crease lines, logos, and/or other required features. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a second set of layers for unitary blank sheet  105  shown in  FIG. 1 . Sheet  105  of  FIG. 6  is made using more typical cut and sew soft goods techniques where crease bend lines are achieved by incorporating a first set of structural internal pads or plates  705  along with an optional second set of environmental internal pads or plates (e.g., electromagnetic shielding material or temperature controlling material)  710  spaced away from each other (though some embodiments including the second set may integrate the functions into one set of plates). A first fabric layer  715  and a second fabric layer  720  is sewn or attached over the set(s) of pads or plates. Sheet  105  hinges in the areas of unsupported fabric layers between the individual pads/plates. 
       FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10  are perspective views illustrating results of a sequence of steps of producing a three-dimensional folded support structure from support  100  shown generally above, for example, in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of support  100  including sheet  105  as described above except including a pair of bands (or straps—optionally elastomeric)  805  as the retaining system to hold an electronic device onto the FACE when sheet  105  is transitioned to the folded support mode.  FIG. 9  is the perspective view of support  100  shown in  FIG. 8  partially folded and  FIG. 10  is the perspective view of support  100  shown in  FIG. 9  completely folded. Sheet  105  transitions from the unfolded to the folded support mode by simultaneously bending along bend line  115 , bend line  120 , bend line  125 , bend line  130 , and bend line  135 . When completely folded, the fastening subsystem (shown here as two pairs of complementary snaps) engages to resist unfolding. Other fastening systems may be used as described above. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a carrying case  1100  stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like)  1105 , case  1100  having a unitary sheet  1110  as all or part of a first exterior wall  1115  that cooperates with a second exterior wall  1120  to produce case  1100 . A fastening system  1125  opens and closes case  1100  by permitting total or partial separation of the walls. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of carrying case  1100  transitioned to a folded support mode in which sheet  1110  is folded as described herein to rigidly support device  1105 . An interior surface of second exterior wall  1120  may be adapted to support other devices such as for example peripheral devices (e.g., mouse or pointing device) used with device  1105 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case  1300  stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like)  1305 , case  1300  having a unitary sheet  1310  as all or part of a first exterior wall  1315  that cooperates with a second exterior wall  1320  to produce case  1300 . A fastening system  1125  opens and closes case  1100  by permitting total or partial separation of the walls.  FIG. 13  illustrates carrying case  1300  transitioned to a folded support mode in which sheet  1310  is simply folded about a single bend line  1330  to rigidly support device  1105 . An interior surface of second exterior wall  1320  may be adapted, configured, arranged, or otherwise provide for implementing or supporting a retaining system to maintain this particular bending schema. For example, the interior surface may have a lip, ledge, or latch to resist unfolding until desired by the user. Carrying case  1300  may be implemented as a rectilinear case in this embodiment as sheet  105  may include a rectangular arrangement. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case  1400  stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like), case  1400  having a unitary sheet  1410  as all or part of a first exterior wall  1415  of a double-walled shell that cooperates with a second exterior wall  1420  to produce case  1400 . A fastening system  1425  wholly or partially detaches and attaches sheet  1410  from first exterior wall  1415 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of carrying case  1400  transitioned to a folded support mode in which sheet  1410  is partially detached from first exterior wall  1415  to reveal an interior wall  1505  of the double-walled shell of case  1400 . Sheet  1410  is folded into the folded support mode as described herein to rigidly support a device  1510 . Sheet  1410  may be configured for many different folding schemas, including those shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 13 . Advantages of carrying case  1400  is that whole or partial detachment of sheet  1410  retains carrying case  1400  carrying/porting functionality and capacity because of the double-walled shell of at least one wall, and sheet  1410  may be virtually any desired shape while permitting case  1400  to have an independent shape/arrangement. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative carrying case  1600  stowing and porting a portable electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or the like)  1605 , case  1600  having a unitary sheet  1610  as all or part of a first wall  1615  that cooperates with a second exterior wall  1620  to produce case  1600 . A fastening system  1625  wholly or partially detaches and attaches first exterior wall  1615  to second exterior wall  1620 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of carrying case  1600  mid-transition between a case mode ( FIG. 16 ) and a support mode ( FIG. 18  below). Sheet  1610  is divided into a back panel  1705  and a face panel  1710  by a bending portion  1715 , with the back panel hingedly attached to second exterior wall  1620 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of carrying case  1800  transitioned to the support mode in which sheet  1610  is flipped under and folded to generally juxtapose exterior surfaces of the exterior walls. Sheet  1610  is folded into the folded support mode as described herein to rigidly support device  1605 . Advantages of carrying case  1600  is that device  1605  does not have to be removed from the case, sheet  1610  may be rectangular, and the retaining subsystem is simply part of the interior of second exterior wall  1620  and no additional straps or edges need be provided. 
     In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear. 
     As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.