Patent Publication Number: US-11650000-B2

Title: Air flow mechanism for compartment

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,995 entitled “AIR FLOW MECHANISM FOR COMPARTMENT,” filed Aug. 1, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,823,480, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present device generally relates to a compartment assembly for a refrigerator. In particular, the compartment assembly includes a mechanism for adjustably dividing air flow between separate compartments included therein. 
     Various mechanisms exist for the specified control of chilled air flow to specific areas or compartments of a refrigerator. In many applications, such mechanisms use an electronic control or a direct mechanical control to open or close a vent or baffle within a duct that provides the specific air flow. Additional improvements, however, may be desired, in particular to control relative air flows between adjacent compartments. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one aspect, a compartment assembly for a refrigerator includes a housing subassembly defining a generally enclosed area, an air outlet in fluid communication with the enclosed area, and a divider unit separating the enclosed area into first and second compartments. The divider unit includes a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments. A flap is disposed within the air outlet and is rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect to the central wall and with a body of the flap extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet. A control element is mounted external to the enclosed area and is operably coupled with the flap to drive rotation thereof. 
     In at least another aspect, a refrigerator includes an interior including a first enclosed area within a portion of the interior, a chilled air source providing a flow of chilled air to the interior, and an air outlet in fluid communication with the air source and with the enclosed area. A divider unit separates the first enclosed area into first and second compartments and includes a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments. A flap is disposed within the air outlet and is rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect the central wall and with a body of the flap extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet. A control element is mounted external to the enclosed area and is operably coupled with the flap to drive rotation thereof. 
     In at least another aspect, a divider assembly for a refrigerator compartment having an air source and an air outlet in communication with the air source includes a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments. The assembly further includes a flap disposed within the air outlet and rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect to the central wall and with a body of the flap extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet. A control element is mounted external to the enclosed area and is operably coupled with the flap to drive rotation of the flap within the air outlet into a central position. In the central position, the body of the flap is parallel with the central wall and an endpoint of the body opposite the articulation point separates the air outlet into first and second portions that are equal in area. The control element further drives rotation of the flap from the central position such that the endpoint of the body moves within the air outlet such that the first and second portions have different respective areas. 
     In at least another aspect, a compartment assembly for a refrigerator defining a refrigerator interior includes a conduit extending into the interior compartment within the enclosed area and defining a single rectangular air outlet in direct fluid communication with the enclosed area and a housing subassembly defining a generally enclosed area within and smaller than the refrigerator interior, the outlet in fluid communication with the enclosed area. The housing assembly includes a divider unit separating the enclosed area into first and second compartments. The divider unit has a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments and a flap with a body extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet and rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect to the central wall. The housing assembly further includes an upper shelf positionable within the refrigerator interior to define an upper side of the generally enclosed area, an upper portion of the central wall being adjacent an inside surface of the upper shelf, and first and second lower shelves mounted on and partially supported by respective sides of the divider unit to define respective portions of a lower side of the generally enclosed area. 
     In at least another aspect, a refrigerator includes a liner defining an interior cavity, a chilled air source providing a flow of chilled air to the interior cavity, an air column including a conduit extending into the interior cavity and defining a single rectangular air outlet in direct fluid communication with the air source, and a housing subassembly defining a generally enclosed area within and smaller than the interior cavity, the outlet being in fluid communication with the enclosed area. The housing assembly includes a divider unit separating the enclosed area into first and second compartments. The divider unit has a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments and a flap with a body extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet and rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect to the central wall. The housing assembly further includes an upper shelf positionable within the interior cavity to define an upper side of the generally enclosed area, an upper portion of the central wall being adjacent an inside surface of the upper shelf, and first and second lower shelves mounted on and partially supported by respective sides of the divider unit to define respective portions of a lower side of the generally enclosed area. 
     In at least another aspect, a compartment housing assembly for a refrigerator defining a refrigerator compartment including an air column including a conduit extending into the refrigerator compartment and defining a single rectangular air outlet in direct fluid communication with the air column includes a divider unit having a central wall aligned with the air outlet and exposing respective portions of the air outlet to the first and second compartments and a flap with a body extending in an upstream direction within the air outlet and rotatable about an articulation point aligned with respect to the central wall. The flap is moveable within the air outlet into a central position wherein the body of the flap is parallel with the central wall and an endpoint of the body opposite the articulation point separates the air outlet into first and second portions that are equal in area and from the central position such that the endpoint of the body moves within the air outlet such that the first and second portions have different respective areas. The compartment housing assembly further includes an upper shelf adjacent an upper portion of the central wall and first and second lower shelves mounted on and partially supported by respective sides of the divider unit. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a compartment assembly positioned within a refrigerator interior; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a refrigerator showing the interior thereof with the compartment assembly of  FIG.  1    therein; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective, cross-section view of a divider unit of the compartment assembly; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of internal components of the divider unit of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a perspective detail view of internal components of the divider unit of  FIG.  4   ; and 
         FIGS.  5 B and  5 C  are top cross-section views of the divider unit in various positions thereof for diverting a flow of air into compartments of the compartment assembly to varying respective amounts. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5 C , reference numeral  10  generally designates a compartment assembly for a refrigerator  12 . Compartment assembly  10  includes a housing subassembly  14  defining a generally enclosed area  16 . An air outlet  18  is in fluid communication with the enclosed area  16 . The housing subassembly  14  includes a divider unit  20  separating the enclosed area  16  into first and second compartments  22  and  24 . The divider unit  20  includes a central wall  26  aligned with the air outlet  18  and exposing respective portions  28  and  30  of the air outlet  18  to the first and second compartments  22 , 24 . The divider unit  20  further includes a flap  32  disposed within the air outlet  18  and rotatable about an articulation point  34  aligned with respect the central wall  26  and with a body  36  of the flap  32  extending in an upstream direction  38  within the air outlet  18 . A control element  40  is mounted external to the enclosed area  16  and is operably coupled with the flap  32  to drive rotation thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the compartment assembly  10  is useable within a suitably-configured refrigerator  12 , an example of which is depicted. In general, refrigerator  12  includes an interior  42  within which compartment assembly  10  is positioned and/or assembled such that the enclosed area  16  defined by the compartment assembly  10  is within a portion of the larger interior  42 . In various instances, compartment assembly  10  can be removeably or permanently affixed within interior  42  such as by coupling with various known configurations of moveable shelving assemblies, including by incorporating mating components or features therewith. In other examples, various portions of compartment assembly  10  may be separately assembled, both moveably and fixedly, within interior  42 , including by incorporation of mating features within refrigerator  12  interior  42 , as discussed further below. To that end, compartment assembly  10  may be generally similar to known compartment and or bin assemblies found within refrigerators, freezers, and the like. 
     In general, refrigerator  12  includes a chilled air source  46  for providing a chilled air to the interior  42 . The chilled air source  46  will typically consist of an evaporator  48  and a fan  50  for drawing air over the evaporator  48  and forcing the resulting chilled air into the refrigerator interior  42 . The chilled air flow  102  provided by fan  50  is typically introduced into the refrigerator interior  42  using various forms of ductwork adapted for the particular configuration of refrigerator  12 , which can include ducts individually associated with specific areas of interior  42 , including crisper drawers, in-door beverage chillers or the like. Typically, refrigerator  12  will also include an air column  52  disposed toward a rearward portion of interior  42  and extending generally along a height of the interior  42 . Air column  52  is arranged in communication with the chilled air source  46  to receive at least a portion of the air flow  102  from fan  50  and includes a plurality of vents  54  therealong to divide and distribute the air flow throughout interior  42 . In various implementations, refrigerator  12  can include a single evaporator  48  with ductwork for routing of the chilled air to the interior  42  of the refrigerator  12  and to an associated freezer compartment  56  with fan  50  controlling the flow of air to interior  42  and an additional fan (not show) controlling a separate flow of air to freezer  56 . In other arrangements, a single fan  50  may be provided with adjustable baffles or the like being used to separate and appropriately direct chilled air, as needed based on the differing cooling requirements of the interior  42  of refrigerator  12  and the freezer compartment  56 . In still further examples, chilled air source  46  can be associated with interior  42  of refrigerator  12  alone, with a separate source (including, a dedicated evaporator, for example) being associated with freezer compartment  56 . 
     Any of the above-described arrangements can be used in the present refrigerator  12  to provide chilled air to compartment assembly  10  by way of outlet  18 . In the illustrated example, outlet  18  is a conduit open to and extending from air column  52 . In other examples, however, outlet  18  can be an open end of a dedicated duct extending from chilled air source  46  to the location of compartment assembly  10  within interior  42 . In this manner, compartment assembly  10  is generally configured such that outlet  18  is in communication with the enclosed area  16  defined by compartment assembly  10 . This communication can be accomplished by various configurations of compartment assembly  10 , including by the configuration of housing subassembly  14  and the manner in which enclosed area  16  is defined within interior  42 . In the present example, housing subassembly  14  can only partially define the enclosed area  16 , with adjacent portions of the liner  58  that defines the interior  42  serving to bound enclosed area  16 . In this manner, housing subassembly  14  can simply separate the enclosed area  16  as a portion of the larger interior  42  and portions of the liner  58  thusly separated by or otherwise surrounded by housing subassembly  14  forming corresponding portions of compartment assembly  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , housing subassembly  14  can include a plurality of horizontal members to separate the desired enclosed area  16  within interior  42  ( FIG.  2   ). In the illustrated example, the horizontal members  60  are in the form of shelves, and are appropriately structured to support articles thereon for storage within interior  42 . In particular, horizontal members  60  may consist of an upper fixed shelf  62  and two lower shelves  64  and  66  that can be associated with the first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 , respectively. As shown, the lower shelves  64  and  66  can be partially supported by divider unit  20  on opposite sides thereof. In this manner, divider unit  20  can act as a structural element within housing subassembly  14 , such as by being affixable (by way of screws, snap-fit arrangements or the like) with fixed shelf  62 , which in turn may be supported by rails, ledges, or other features of liner  58  ( FIG.  2   ). In other arrangements, fixed shelf  62  may be permanently affixed within liner  58 , including by screws or other mechanical fasteners. 
     As illustrated, lower shelves  64  and  66  can be configured for sliding with respect to divider unit  20  and with respect to adjacent portions of liner  58 . Various arrangements can be used to implement such sliding movement of lower shelves  64  and  66 , including the inclusion of rails  68  ( FIG.  3   ) along the lateral edges of divider unit  20 , which can slidably support lower shelves  64  and  66  by way of channels  70  included thereon. Rails  68  and channels  70  can also include interengaging features to limit movement of lower shelves  64  and  66  in the outward direction so that lower shelves  64  and  66  do not become inadvertently dislodged from their supported position. Outward ledges  72  formed in or otherwise attached with liner  58  can support the outer portions of lower shelves  64  and  66  and can be structured to permit or facilitate the sliding motion. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , front covers  74  and  76  can be included within housing subassembly  14  to further define enclosed area  16  closing over the front portions of the respective first and second compartments  22  and  24 . Covers  74  and  76  can be moveable into a closed position, as shown with respect to cover  74  in  FIG.  1   , wherein cover  74  is shown as contacting the front edge  78  of the corresponding lower shelf  64  and extending upwardly generally perpendicular to lower shelf  64  and toward fixed shelf  62 . Covers  74  and  76  are moveable out of the closed position and into an open position, as shown with respect to cover  76  in  FIG.  1   , wherein cover  76  is spaced apart from and generally parallel with the associated lower shelf  66  and with fixed shelf  62  such that the position between fixed shelf  62  and lower shelf  66  is accessible by a user. As further shown in  FIG.  1   , covers  74  and  76  and lower shelves  64  and  66  can include respective inter-operable cam surfaces  80   a  and  80   b  with the cam surfaces  80   a  associated with lower shelves  64  and  66  being positioned and shaped to engage with the cam surfaces  80   b  associated with covers  74  and  76  when lower shelves  64  and  66  are slid forward. Correspondingly, the cam surfaces  80   a  on covers  74  and  76  can be configured to cause rotation of covers  74  and  76  about hinge points  82  in the upward direction (i.e. from closed to open) when lower shelves  64  and  66  are slid forward by force of cam surface  80   b  as they move with shelves  64  and  66  in the forward direction. Conversely, when shelves  64  and  66  are pushed backwards, the inter-operable cam surfaces  80   a  and  80   b  allow covers  74  and  76  to close under the force of gravity. 
     The above-described configuration of housing subassembly  14  thusly defines the enclosed area  16  within interior  42 , along with the portions of liner  58  between lower shelves  64  and  66  and fixed shelf  62 , that is chilled by way of the air provided through outlet  18 , which is disposed in communication with the enclosed area  16 . It is noted that housing subassembly  14  and related additional aspects or features of compartment assembly  10  are not necessarily structured to seal enclosed area  16  or to otherwise make enclosed area  16  air-tight when covers  74  and  76  are in the closed position or otherwise. Rather, the term “enclosed” within the scope of the present disclosure means that enclosed area  16  is structured to maintain a temperature differential between each respective compartment  22 , 24  and between compartments  22 , 24  and the remainder of interior  42  achieved by the flow of chilled air through outlet  18 . In this manner, portions of the housing subassembly  14  and the compartment assembly  10  overall will be open (such as around portions of shelves  62 ,  64 ,  66 ) to interior  42  to allow air flow  102  within the enclosed area  16  to enter interior  42  for recirculation to source of such air back to the chilled air source  46  through known structures within interior  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the housing subassembly  14  is positionable about outlet  18  such that outlet  18  and the related structure thereof is effectively a part of the compartment assembly  10 , as described above. In so positioning housing subassembly  14 , divider unit  20  is positioned and configured to align with outlet  18  for distribution of the chilled air provided by outlet  18  among first compartment  22  and second compartment  24  and to maintain the respective air flowing into and within first compartment  22  and second compartment  24  generally isolated from each other so as to maintain the above-mentioned temperature differential between compartments  22  and  24 . This is at least partially achieved by the positioning of central wall  26  of divider unit  20  in a generally centrally-aligned position with respect to outlet  18 . Additionally, divider unit  20  is positioned and configured with the above-mentioned flap  32  disposed within outlet  18  and extending in upstream direction  38  ( FIG.  1   ) therein. This positioning, along with the moveable coupling of flap  32  with central wall  26  so as to be rotatable about articulation point  34 , further allows divider unit  20  to create and maintain the temperature differential between first compartment  22  and second compartment  24  by altering the proportions by which the chilled air provided by outlet  18  is distributed between first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 . The operative coupling between flap  32  and control element  40  allows a user to adjust the proportions by which the chilled air provided by outlet  18  is distributed between first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 , thereby allowing adjustment of the resulting temperature differential (or maintaining first compartment  22  and second compartment  24  at approximately the same temperature). 
     The operative coupling between control element  40  and flap  32  is shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5 A . In particular, flap  32  is mounted on divider unit  20  by way of post  84 , which is rigidly coupled with flap  32  and is rotatably retained within the interior  86  of divider, such as by appropriate mounting elements within the internal structure of the cover  88  of divider unit  20  that encloses interior  86 . In one aspect, post  84  can be configured to mount and/or support flap  32  at a position to align with outlet  18  for extension thereinto. As also shown, post  84  can extend downwardly into the interior  86  of divider unit  20  to align with the general positioning of control element  40 . In the embodiment show, control element  40  is in the form of a knob rotatable by a user about a central axis  90  thereof. In this manner, control element  40  is mounted on a control rod  92  that is rotatably mounted within interior  86  in a similar manner to post  84  with control rod  92  extending along axis  90  toward post  84 . Control rod  92  can operably couple with post  84  by the mechanism illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5 A , which includes a post link arm  94  coupled with and extending generally perpendicularly from post  84  and a control link arm  96  coupled with and extending generally perpendicularly from control rod  92 . As shown, control link arm  96  is an elongate member including a slot  98  therein, the slot  98  being positioned to align with and receive post link arm  94 , which can include a cylindrical member with optional additional support as needed to transmit torque from control link arm  96  to post  84 . Slot  98  is elongated within control link arm  96  to allow post link arm  94  to move with respect thereto such that rotation of control rod  92  about axis  90  is permitted while retaining post link arm  94  therein such that the rotation of control rod  92  further rotates control link arm  96  about axis  90 , such rotation being transferred via slot  98  to rotation of post link arm  94  about an axis  90  extended from articulation point  34  ( FIG.  3   ). The rotation of post link arm  94  generally perpendicular to axis  90  by rotation of control element  40  is thusly translated to rotation of post  84  and corresponding rotation of flap  32  about articulation point  34 . It is noted that control element  40  can vary from the depicted knob configuration and can be replaced with a crank arm, slider or the like. 
     According to the above-described mechanism, flap  32  is rotatable within outlet  18  into a central position, as shown in  FIGS.  4    and in  5 B, wherein the body  36  ( FIG.  3   ) of the flap  32  is parallel with or otherwise generally aligned with the central wall  26 . In such a position, the endpoint  100  of the body  36 , which is positioned opposite the articulation point  34  and in the upstream direction  38  ( FIG.  1   ) therefrom, separates the outlet  18  into first and second portions  28  and  30  that are equal in area. Because divider unit  20  is generally centrally aligned with outlet  18 , the centered position of flap  32  thusly evenly divides the outlet  18  and respectively associates the portions  28  and  30  thereof with the first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 , respectively. As further shown in  FIG.  5 B , the division of outlet  18  into the respective first and second portions  28  and  30  causes the airflow  102  passing through outlet  18  to be divided by flap  32  into portions  102   a  and  102   b  that flow against upstream direction  38  (i.e. in a downstream direction) past flap  32  and respectively through the portions  28 , 30  of outlet  18  leading separately into first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 C , rotation of control element  40  ( FIG.  4   ) in either the clockwise direction  104  or counter-clockwise direction  106  from the centered position, causes the above-described rotation of flap  32  within outlet  18 . In this manner, endpoint  100  of flap  32  is moved laterally within outlet  18  in the direction opposite the rotation of control element  40 . As shown in  FIG.  5 C  this lateral movement of endpoint  100  changes the relative sizes of the portions  28 , 30  of outlet  18 . In this manner, rotation of the control element  40  in the counter-clockwise direction  106  rotates flap  32  in the clockwise direction  104 , thereby moving endpoint  100  away from first compartment  22 . As shown, the movement of endpoint  100  away from first compartment  22  increases the size of the first portion  28  of outlet  18  associated with first compartment  22  relative to the second portion  30  associated with second compartment  24 . In this manner, the amount of the air flow  102  within the portion  102   a  thereof directed by flap  32  into first compartment  22  is greater than the portion  102   b  left flowing into second compartment  24 . This uneven chilled air of flow portion  102   a  results in first compartment  22  being cooled to a greater extent than second compartment  24  proportionately to the amount by which control element  40  is turned. In a similar manner, rotation of control element  40  in the clockwise direction  104  results in a greater air flow portion  102   b  to second compartment  24  and greater cooling thereof. 
     As can be appreciated, both the sizing of flap  32 , in particular the distance between articulation point  34  and endpoint  100 , as well as the rotation thereof permitted by the particular configuration of post link arm  94  and control link arm  96  can be varied relative to the size of outlet  18  to provide a desired range and resolution for the adjustment of relative air flow portions  102   a  and  102   b  for first compartment  22  and second compartment  24 . In particular, with a given rotational range of flap  32  from the centered position in either direction, which in an example may be between about 20 degrees and about 45 degrees, the endpoint  100  of flap  32  can be adjusted relative to the articulation point  34  to move endpoint  100  closer to or farther from contact with the adjacent portion of outlet  18  at the maximum rotated position. In an embodiment where endpoint  100  of flap  32  contacts the side of outlet  18  in a maximum rotated position, the corresponding compartment  22  or  24  would be generally cut off from air flow  102 , which may not be desired. Accordingly, flap  32  can be sized thusly to allow some portion of air flow  102   a  or  102   b  to flow into both compartments  22  and  24  throughout the entire range of motion for flap  32  achievable through rotation of control element  40 . In this manner, the relative split of air flow  102  between air flow portions  102   a  and  102   b  can be made to vary between 50/50 (i.e. a 1:1 ratio) to, for example, 60/40, 80/20, or the like according to the principles described herein. 
     It is further noted that the above configuration of housing subassembly  14 , including sliding shelves  64  and  66 , as well as covers  74  and  76  can be substituted for other structures adapted to engage with (and optionally be supported by) divider unit  20  for distribution of air flow portions  102   a  and  102   b  by the mechanism described herein. In one example, sliding bins can be substituted for shelves  64  and  66  and the associated covers  74  and  76 . In another example, shelves  64  and  66  may be fixedly mounted with divider unit  20  with covers  74  and  76  being independently moveable to allow access to the associated compartments  22  and  24 . 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.