Abstract:
A clothing system includes a clothing component having a first coupling portion and a second, coupling portion. The first coupling portion includes a first clothing coupling element and the second coupling portion includes a second clothing coupling element. A linking element includes first and second linking coupling elements at opposite ends. Each of the first clothing coupling element, the second clothing coupling element the first linking coupling element, and the second linking coupling element is selected from the group consisting of: (A) a clasp, comprising a loop receiving projection extending from a first longitudinally-extending edge, and a primary securing clip that is closed along a second, longitudinally-extending edge; and (B) a loop adapted for sliding over said loop receiving projection. The first and second clothing coupling elements are adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second linking coupling elements, respectively.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In image-related competitions, such as body-building competitions or beauty pageants, contestants are required to wear articles of clothing revealing of and complimentary to their physical appearance. In these instances, the clothing article itself is part of the presentation, of the competitor. Current clothing articles have feed elements providing only a single ornamental design. Contestants are constrained by the predetermined designs and fit of the clothing article. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In various embodiments, a clothing system is disclosed. The clothing system includes a clothing component and a linking element. The clothing component has a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion. The first coupling portion includes a first clothing coupling element and the second coupling portion includes a second clothing coupling element. The linking element includes first and second linking coupling elements at opposite ends of the linking element. Each of the first clothing coupling element, the second clothing coupling element, the first linking coupling element, and the second linking coupling element is selected from the group consisting of: (A) a clasp, comprising a loop receiving protection extending from a first longitudinally-extending edge of the clasp, and a primary securing clip that is closed along a second longitudinally-extending edge of the clasp opposite said first longitudinally-extending edge; and (B) a loop adapted for sliding over said loop receiving projection. The first and second clothing coupling elements are adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second linking coupling elements, respectively. When the clothing component and the linking component are coupled together, they comprise at least a portion of an article of clothing that can be worn by a wearer. 
         [0003]    In various embodiments, a clothing system, is disclosed. The clothing system includes a clothing component having a first portion and a linking element. The first portion includes a first clothing coupling element. The linking element includes a first linking coupling element. The first clothing coupling element includes a clasp having a loop receiving projection extending from a first longitudinally-extending edge of the clasp and a primary securing clip that is closed along a second longitudinally-extending edge of the clasp opposite the first longitudinally-extending edge. The first linking coupling element comprises a loop adapted for sliding over the loop receiving projection. The first clothing coupling element is adapted to be removably coupled to the first linking coupling element. When the clothing component and the linking element are coupled together, they comprise at least a portion of an article of clothing that can be worn by a wearer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0004]    The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a clothing component having a linking element coupled to first and second coupling elements, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element of a linking element and a coupling element of a clothing component, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the linking coupling element and the coupling element of  FIG. 2  coupled together. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 4A-4F  illustrate various embodiments of linking coupling elements and coupling elements, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate the various embodiments of linking coupling elements and coupling elements of  FIGS. 4A-4F  coupled together, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrates various alternative embodiments of linking elements, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate embodiments of linking elements having various ornamental designs, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a clothing article having a linking coupling element and a clothing coupling element coupled directly thereto. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element coupled to a plurality of wires. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise, and includes terms such as “directly” coupled, secured, etc. The term “operatively coupled” is such, an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
         [0015]    In various embodiments, a linking element is disclosed for a clothing article. The linking element is sized and configured to couple a first fabric portion of a clothing article to a second portion of the clothing article. For example, in some embodiments, the linking element couples a first portion of a bikini top to a second portion of the bikini top. In another embodiment, the linking element couples a first portion of a fabric section to a second portion of the same fabric section of the clothing article. Although various embodiments are discussed herein with respect to bathing suit pieces, it will be appreciated that the linking element may be configured for any suitable clothing item. 
         [0016]    In various embodiments, an article of clothing having one or more linking elements is disclosed. The linking elements are sized and configured to link a first portion of the article of clothing to a second portion of the article of clothing such that when the article of clothing and the linking element are coupled together, the article of clothing may be worn by a wearer. In some embodiments, the article of clothing includes a plurality of coupling elements configured to link to linking coupling elements formed on the one or more linking elements. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate one embodiment of a clothing article  2  having one or more linking elements  4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d ,  4   e  (collectively “linking elements  4 ”) coupled thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the clothing article  2  comprises a two-piece bathing suit (e.g., a bikini) having a top piece  50  and a bottom piece  52 , although it will be appreciated that the clothing article  2  can comprise any suitable garment, such as, for example, a single-piece bathing suit, undergarments (including bras, panties, briefs, etc.), dresses, blouses, shirts, two-piece bathing suits, figure suits, physique suits, bodybuilding suits, posing suits and/or any other suitable garment configured for male and/or female wearers. The top piece  50  includes a cup section  6 , a chest strap  8 , and neck, straps  10 . The bottom piece  52  includes a front section  54  and a back section  56 . In some embodiments, the linking elements  4  are coupled to coupling portions of the clothing article  2  located on separate fabric portions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the neck straps  10   a ,  10   b  of the top piece  50  are coupled to the cups  6   a ,  6   b  by respective first linking element  4   a  and second linking element  4   b . A third linking element  4   c  extends between the coupling elements on the cups  6   a ,  6   b . In some embodiments, the linking elements  4  are coupled to coupling elements at different positions on a single component of the clothing, article  2  to define an opening for a body part, such as a torso, leg, neck, or arm opening. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a fourth linking element  4   d  and a fifth linking element  4   e  couple the front portion  54  of the bottom piece  52  to the back portion  56 . It will be appreciated that the clothing article  2  may contain additional coupling portions for receiving additional linking elements  4 . For example, in some embodiments, a linking element  4  may be coupled between the first lateral strap  8   a  and the second lateral snap  8   b  of the top piece  50 . In other embodiments, one or more of the Illustrated linking elements  4  may be omitted, such as, for example, the linking element  4   c  located between the cups  6   a ,  6   b.    
         [0018]    In various embodiments, each of the linking elements  4  extends substantially longitudinally between a first linking coupling element  12   a  at a first end and a second linking coupling elements  12   b  at a second end, opposite the first end. The linking coupling elements  12   a ,  12   b  are configured to couple the linking elements  4  to one or more clothing coupling elements  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) located on the clothing article  2 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, coupling elements  14  are located at the apex  16  of the each of the cups  6   a ,  6   b , at a first end  18  of each of the neck straps  10   a ,  10   b , at an inside edge of each of the cups  6   a ,  6   b , and at outside corners of each of the front section  54  and the back section  56  of the bottom portion  52 . It will be appreciated that where one more of the linking elements  4  is omitted (for example, between the cups  6   a ,  6   b ), the clothing coupling elements  14  may also be omitted (for example, on the inside corners of the cups  6   a ,  6   b ) and/or replaced with a fabric connector. 
         [0019]    The linking coupling elements  4  can comprise any suitable device for coupling the linking elements  4  to the clothing coupling elements  14 . In various embodiments, the linking coupling elements  4  and/or the clothing coupling elements  14  are releasable to allow the linking elements  4  and the clothing article  2  to be selectively separated. Although the embodiments herein are illustrated having the linking coupling elements  12   a ,  12   b  coupled to the linking elements  4  and the clothing coupling elements  14  formed on the clothing article  2 , it will be appreciated that the linking coupling elements  12  and the clothing coupling elements  14  may be reversed (e.g., the linking coupling elements  12  coupled to the clothing article and the clothing coupling elements  14  coupled to the linking elements  12 ). 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the linking coupling elements  4  each include a clasp  12  having a first longitudinally-extending edge  20  and a second longitudinally-extending edge  22 . A loop receiving projection  24  extends from the first longitudinally-extending edge  20 . The loop receiving projection  24  is spaced apart from a lateral edge  26  of the clasp  12  to define a loop receiving cavity  28  therebetween. A primary securing clip  30  is coupled to and closed along the second longitudinally-extending edge  22 . In some embodiments, a secondary securing clip  32  is coupled to and closed along the first longitudinally-extending edge  20  of the clasp  12 . The primary securing clip  30  and/or the secondary securing clip  32  can extend from (e.g., at angle to) the loop receiving projection  24  and/or can extend parallel to the loop receiving projection  24 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the primary securing clip  30  extends from a distal end of the loop receiving projection  24  and the secondary securing clip  32  extends from a proximal end of the loop receiving projection  24 . 
         [0021]    The coupling portion  14  is sized and configured to couple to the linking coupling elements  12 . In some embodiments, the coupling elements  14  each comprise a loop  36 , such as a fabric loop, adapted to be slidingly received over the loop receiving projection  24  of the linking coupling element  12 . In some embodiments, the loop  36  has a circumference sufficient to slide over the loop receiving projection  24 , the primary securing clip  30 , and the secondary securing clip  32 . In other embodiments, the loop  36  has a circumference such that the loop  36  can slide over the loop receiving projection  24  but not the loop receiving projection  24 , the primary securing clip  30 , and the secondary securing clip  32  simultaneously. In some embodiments, the loop  36  can fee adjustable. When attached, the primary securing clip  30  and the secondary securing clip  32 , if present, are positioned to allow the loop and/or the strap  10  that slides over the loop receiving portion  24  to pass through a clip access opening  34  defined by the primary securing clip  30  and/or the secondary securing clip  32 . The loop  36  is retained on the loop receiving projection  24  by the primary securing clip  30  and the secondary securing clip  32  (if present). In some embodiments, the loop  36  and/or the strap  10  has a maximum lateral width that is wider than the clip access opening  34 . In other embodiments, the loop  36  and/or the strap has a maximum lateral width less than or equal to the width of the clip access opening  34 . In some embodiments, the loop  36  and/or the strap  10  is formed of a flexible material such that a wearer can slide it through the clip access opening  34 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the linking coupling element  12  coupled to the coupling portion  14 . In operation, the loop  36  is slideably coupled to the loop receiving protection  24 . A portion of the loop  36  and/or the clothing article  2  (for example, strap  10 ) is threaded through the clip access opening  34 . The primary securing clip  30  and the secondary securing clip  32  (if present) are positioned to maintain the position of the clothing article  2  with respect to the linking coupling element  12 , preventing the loop  36  from sliding off of the loop receiving projection  24 . In some embodiments, the portion of the clothing article  2  that passes through the clip access opening  34 , such as the loop  36  and/or a strap  10 , has a lateral width greater than the width of the clip access opening  34 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the greater lateral width can cause the primary securing clip  30  and the secondary securing clip  32  to compress portion of the clothing article  2  that passes through the clip access opening  34 , providing greater retention of the clothing article  2 . In some embodiments, the portion of the clothing article  2  that passes through the clip access opening  34  has a maximum lateral width less than or equal to the width of the clip access opening  34 . 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the linking element  4  comprises an ornamental linking element. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the linking element  4  can comprise a plurality of ornamental elements  40  coupled to a plurality of wires  42 . In some embodiments, each of the ornamental elements  40  can be linked to laterally or longitudinally adjacent ornamental elements  40 , where the strand of linked ornamental elements  40  serves as the wire  42 .  FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  12  coupled to the plurality of wires  42 . The linking coupling element  12  can be coupled to the plurality of wires  42  by any suitable method, such as a plurality of welds  44 . In some embodiments, the ornamental elements  40  are cut from a spool (not shown) at a predetermined length. The predetermined length can depend on the intended position of the linking element  4  with respect to a user. For example, in some embodiments, a linking element  4  configured to be coupled to a bottom  52  and extend about a user&#39;s hip may have a predetermined length of 165 mm. As another example, a linking element  4  configured to be coupled to a top  50  and extend over a user&#39;s shoulder can have a predetermined length of 105 mm. As yet another example, a linking element  4  configured to extend between a first cup  6   a  and a second cup  6   b  can have a predetermined length of less than 50 mm. Although specific example lengths are provided herein, it will be appreciated that the plurality of ornamental elements  40  may have any suitable length based on a user&#39;s measurements, an article clothing, and/or my other additional considerations. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of ornamental elements  40  can have a greater or lesser length (see, for example,  FIG. 7E ). 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, a first end of each of the plurality of wires  42  (or, linked ornamental elements  40 ) is welded  44  to a first linking coupling element  12 . In some embodiments, a second end of each of the plurality of wires  42  (or, linked ornamental elements  40 ) is welded  44  to a second linking coupling element  12 . The linking coupling elements  12  may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, tor example, a non-polished metal material, a polished metal material, a plastic material, and/or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, after being welded  44  together, a reflective finish, such as a chrome finish, is applied to the linking coupling elements  12  and the plurality of wires  42  (or, linked ornamental elements  40 ). A plurality of ornamental elements  40  are coupled to each of the plurality of wires  42  (or, linked ornamental elements  40 ) between the linking coupling elements  12 . The plurality of ornamental elements  40  can be coupled to the plurality of wires  42  by any suitable method, such as, for example, welding, crimping, threading, and/or any other suitable method. 
         [0025]    The ornamental dements  40  can comprise any suitable element, such as, for example, gem stones, rhinestones, beads, sequins, paillettes, and/or any other ornamental element. In some embodiments, the linking element  4  comprises a continuous ornamental element, such as, for example, an ornamental fabric strip, an ornamental metal strip, a chain and/or any other continuous ornamental element. In some embodiments, the linking element  4  can include two or more ornamental elements  40 , such as, for example, different sized ornamental elements, a continuous ornamental element having a plurality of individual ornamental elements coupled thereto, and/or any other suitable combination of ornamental elements. The ornamental elements  40  may be arranged in any suitable pattern. For example,  FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate various embodiments of linking elements  304   a - 304   e  having various example patterns of linked ornamental elements  40  with linking coupling elements  4  at each end. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the linking elements  4  are interchangeable such that any of the linking elements  4  may be replaced by an alternate linking element. The alternate linking elements may include first and second alternate linking coupling elements (see  FIGS. 7A-7E ). The alternate linking elements  4  and can comprise different lengths and/or ornamental appearances allowing a wearer to easily and quickly adjust the fit and/or ornamental appearance of a clothing article  2 . 
         [0027]    The linking coupling elements  12  and/or the clothing coupling elements  14  may be coupled to respective linking elements  4  and clothing articles  2  by any suitable means. For example, in some embodiments, the linking coupling elements  12  are coupled to the linking elements  4  by welding, gluing, sewing, and/or otherwise permanently attaching the linking coupling elements to the ornamental elements  40  of the linking elements  4 . In some embodiments, the linking coupling elements  12  are coupled to the intermediate portion of the linking elements  4  by a loop  27  extending from a lateral edge  26  of the linking coupling element  12 . The loop  2  is sized and configured to be slideably received over the lateral edge  26  of the linking coupling element  12  to releasably couple the linking coupling element  12  to the linking element  4 . 
         [0028]    Similarly, clothing coupling elements  14  can be permanently and/or releasably coupled to the clothing article  2 . In the illustrated embodiments, the clothing coupling elements  14  are coupled to or continuous with the clothing article  2 . In other embodiments, the clothing coupling elements  14  can be sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the clothing article  2 . In some embodiments, the clothing coupling elements  14  are releasably coupled, to the clothing article  2 , for example, by a fabric loop formed on the clothing article  2 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4A-4F  illustrate various embodiments of linking coupling elements  112   a - 112   f  configured to be coupled to a linking element  4 .  FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate the various embodiments of linking coupling elements  112   a - 112   f  coupled to a clothing coupling element  14 , As will be understood, the structures of the linking coupling elements  4  and the clothing coupling elements  14  can be switched so long as each releasably coupling location includes one of each structure. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4A  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  112   a  having a loop receiving projection  124  spaced apart from a securing clip  129 . The securing clip  129  includes a primary securing clip  130  extending from a distal end and a secondary securing clip  132  extending from a proximal end.  FIG. 5A  illustrates one embodiment of the linking coupling element  112   a  coupled to a clothing coupling portion  14 . The coupling portion  14  is slideably coupled to the loop receiving portion  124  and threaded through a clip access opening  134  defined between the primary securing clip  130  and the secondary securing clip  132 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 4B-4D  illustrate embodiments of a linking coupling element  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  having a loop receiving projection  124  and a securing projection  125  extending from a first longitudinally-extending edge  20  of the linking coupling element  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d . In the embodiments illustrates in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the primary securing clip  130  is located between the loop receiving projection  124  and the securing projection  125 . A clip access opening  134  is defined between the primary securing clip  130  and the securing projection  125  along a second edge  22  of the linking coupling element  112   b . Linking coupling element  112   c  includes a secondary securing clip  132  extending foam the securing projection  125  towards the loop receiving projection  124 . A clip access opening  134  is defined between the primary securing clip  130  and the secondary securing clip  132 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4D , the primary securing clip  130  extends from the securing projection  125  towards the loop receiving protections  124 .  FIGS. 5B-5D  illustrate the linking elements  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , having a loop extending over the loop receiving projection  124  a portion of the clothing article  2  threaded through the clip access opening  134 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4E  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  112   e  having a loop receiving projection  124  and a securing post  125 . A primary securing clip  130  extends from a distal end of the securing post  125 . At least a portion of the primary securing clip  130  extends parallel to the securing post  125  for more than half the length of the securing post  125 . A clip access opening  134  is defined along the first longitudinally-extending edge  20  of the linking coupling element  112   e .  FIG. 5E  illustrates the linking coupling element  112   e  coupled to a coupling portion  14 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4F  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  112   f  having a primary securing clip  130  extending from a distal end of a loop receiving projection  124 . The primary securing clip  130  extends more than half the length of the loop receiving projection  124  and defines a clip access opening  134  along a first longitudinally-extending edge  20  of the linking coupling element  112   f .  FIG. 5F  illustrates one embodiment of the linking coupling element  112   f  coupled to a coupling portion  14 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate alternative linking elements  204   a - 204   e  having alternative linking coupling elements  212   a - 212   e . Linking element  204   a  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  212   a  without a loop receiving projection. The coupling portion  14  of the clothing strap  10  is coupled directly to a primary securing clip  226  extending from the linking element  204   a .  FIG. 6B  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  212   b  having a hinged gate  260 . The hinged gate  260  is pivotably moveable at a first end  262  to allow the fabric loop  36  to be received within the linking coupling element  204   b .  FIG. 6C  illustrates one embodiment of a linking coupling element  204   c  having a closed linking coupling element  212   c . The coupling element  214  comprises a selectively closeable loop  270 . The selectively closeable loop  270  includes a fastener  272 , such as a snap or button. In the illustrated embodiment, the selectively closeable loop  270  includes a first section  272   a  and a second section  276 . In operation, the first snap section  274  is threaded through the closed linking element  212   c . The coupling element  214  is folded over a loop retaining post  224  and the first portion  274  is coupled to the second portion  276  to couple the coupling element  214  to the linking coupling element  212   c.    
         [0035]      FIG. 6D  illustrates one embodiment of an alternative linking element  204   d . The linking element  204   d  includes an alternative linking coupling element  212   d . The linking coupling element  212   d  includes a link bar  280  coupled to a chain  282 . The link bar  280  is sized and configured to be received within a link  284  coupled to the clothing article  2 . The link bar  280  is sized and configured such that the link bar  280  passes through the link in a first, longitudinal direction. After being inserted through the link  284 , the link bar  280  is rotated 90 degrees and is retained by the link  284 .  FIG. 6E  illustrates one embodiment of an alternative linking element  204   e . The linking element  204   e  includes an alternative linking coupling element  212   e . The linking coupling element  212   e  includes a hook  290  located at a first end of the linking element  204   e . An eyelet  292  is formed on the clothing article  2  and is sized and configured to receive the hook  290  therein. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate embodiments of linking dements  304   a - 304   e  having various ornamental designs, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 7A-7E , the linking elements  304   a - 304   e  may have any suitable ornamental design that extends generally longitudinal between a first end and a second end of the linking element  304   a - 304   e . Although various example ornamental designs are illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that additional ornamental designs are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a clothing article  402  having a linking coupling element  4  and a clothing coupling element  14  coupled directly thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the clothing article  402  comprises a strapless bikini top. The linking coupling element  4  is coupled to a first end of a chest strap  8  and the clothing coupling element  14  is coupled to a second end of the chest strap  8 . The linking coupling element  4  and the clothing coupling element  14  are configured to maintain the clothing article  2  in place on a wearer when coupled together. The linking coupling element  4  and/or the clothing coupling element  14  may be coupled to the clothing article  2  by any suitable means, such as, for example, permanently coupled, for example by sewing, welding, gluing, etc. and/or releasably coupled, for example, by a loop of fabric formed at an end of the chest strap  8 . The linking coupling element  4  and the clothing coupling element  14  replace a traditional connector, such as, for example, a snap or clip. Although a strapless bikini top is illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that the linking coupling element  4  and the clothing element  14  may replace any traditional clothing connection element, such as, for example, buttons, snaps, zippers, ties, and/or any other traditional clothing connecting element on a clothing article. In addition, although the clip  12  shown is consistent with  FIG. 2 , it will be understood that any of the clips shown herein (e.g.,  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4A-4F  can also be used in its place. 
         [0038]    Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.