Patent Publication Number: US-2016221750-A1

Title: Feminine hygiene waste disposal container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/109,770, filed on Jan. 30, 2015, titled “Feminine Hygiene Waste Disposal Container”, by sole inventor Christian Chanel Cavaletti, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference, and to which priority is claimed 
    
    
     FIELD OF USE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to waste containers, and more particularly, to waste containers for discretely storing of and disposing of used feminine hygiene products. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Proper waste disposal of used feminine hygiene products such as used tampons and pads is preferably discarded by women with discretion. Currently available waste containers that are used to dispose of used feminine hygiene products typically include traditional trash bins and trash cans. 
     Unfortunately, many trash bins and trash cans lack covers and lids. Thus, the contents therein are generally observable by the public. As a result, the public is unnecessarily exposed to these waste containers, which are messy, noticeable, and usually fail to conceal unpleasant odors. While many trash bins are configured to utilize liners, these trash containers frequently do not come furnished with liners and liners are not generally required for most trash containers. Additionally, these liners may not be adapted to be affixed to trash containers, making installation of these liners difficult and time consuming. Improperly installed liners may fall to the bottom of the trash containers making an even bigger mess. 
     Regarding waste bins that do have lids, these waste bins are similar to general household trash bins situated in bathrooms and kitchens found in a home and are frequently unsuitable for hygiene product waste. Thus, these waste containers fail to store used hygiene products without interaction with general waste. As such, these waste bins generally do not allow women to discard and store their used hygiene products discretely from family members or household guests. 
     Importantly, most waste bins do not generally include custom disposable bags that are used to effectively seal and replace used feminine hygiene products. These bags also generally do not fully mask and conceal the odor of those products. Rather, a user typically must remove the disposable bag and manually tie a knot to seal the open end of the bag. 
     On the other hand, regarding those waste bins that utilize custom disposable bags, these bags still generally do not allow a user to easily seal an open end of the bag. For example, Playtex®&#39;s Diaper Genie® utilizes a custom refill disposable bag system that allows a user to easily remove and replace additional bags. The Diaper Genie® refill bag system preferably utilizes a ring container that contains plurality of disposable bags inside. The Diaper Genie® refill bag system is installed to the Playtex® disposal waste bin, and users can quickly remove and replace bags by pulling a new full bag from the ring container when disposing the full bag. Unfortunately, these disposable bags do not have an effective mechanism to quickly and easily seal a bag, and usually still require that the user to manually seal and tie the open end of the bag. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a waste device for the disposal of feminine hygiene products that is discreet, simple, and minimizes human contact and observation with the waste. Preferably, the new device may: (1) store used sanitary pads; (2) allow a discrete means for disposal; (3) provide a simpler way to deal with remnants of used female hygiene materials at home; and (4) provide the option of utilizing custom disposable bags for easy replacement and sealing. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present disclosure, the present specification discloses a new and improved feminine hygiene waste disposal container. 
     One embodiment may be a feminine hygiene waste disposal container, comprising: a body, a lid, a front panel, one or more guide rails, and one or more first fasteners; wherein the body comprises a top open end and a front open end; wherein the top open end and the front open end provides access to an inner cavity of the body; wherein the lid is removeably mounted on the top open end of the body and is adapted to substantially cover the top open end; wherein the front panel is connected to a proximal ends of the one or more guide rails; wherein a distal ends of the one or more guide rails are connected to the inner cavity of the body through the front open end and are adapted to be pushed onto a rear receiving fitting on the inner cavity of the body in a guiding direction, such that the front panel can be engaged with the front open end of the body; and wherein the one or more first fasteners are positioned approximately near a proximal end portion of the guide rails and are adapted to securely hold and secure at least one disposable bag, such that, when the front panel is engaged with the front open end of the body and when the lid is in the closed position, the at least one disposable bag is substantially concealed. The one or more guide rails may be telescopic guide rails. The lid may be pivotally mounted on the top open end of the body via a hinge, such that the lid is configured to be selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The at least one disposable bag may comprise a ring and one or more second fasteners; wherein the ring may be attached to a rim of the at least one disposable bag, such that an inner opening of the ring may provide sole access to the inner cavity of the at least one disposable bag; and wherein the one or more second fasteners may be located on the ring and may be adapted to matingly engage with the one or more first fasteners, such that the at least one disposable bag may removeably connect to the proximal end portion of the one or more telescopic guide rails and may be held steady by the one or more telescopic guide rails. The inner cavity of the at least one disposable bag may be accessible when the front panel is away from the body and when the one or more telescopic guide rails are substantially extended. The ring may comprise one or more hinges to fold a first ring portion towards a second ring portion, such that the at least one disposable bag may be adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. The one or more second fasteners of the at least one disposable bag may be two fasteners, a male second fastener and a female second fastener; and wherein the male second fastener and the female second fastener may be adapted to mate and engage with each another, such that the first ring portion may be fastened to the second ring portion to securely close the at least one disposable bag. The front panel may further comprise a handle; wherein the handle may be adapted to allow a user to pull the front panel away from the body and may extend the one or more telescopic guide rails. The feminine hygiene waste disposal container may further comprise an opening mechanism; wherein the opening mechanism may be adapted to pivotally open the lid to the open position. The opening mechanism may be selected from the group of opening mechanisms consisting of: a button and a switch. The feminine hygiene waste disposal container may further comprise: a gasket; wherein the gasket may be located at an inner portion of the lid and may be adapted to seal the top open end of the body when the lid is in the close position to prevent an odor from emanating from the feminine hygiene waste disposal container. 
     Another embodiment may be a feminine hygiene waste disposal container, comprising: a body, a lid, a front panel, at least two telescopic guide rails, at least two first fasteners, and at least one disposable bag; wherein the body comprises a top open end and a front open end; wherein the top open end and the front open end provides access to an inner cavity of the body; wherein the lid is pivotally mounted on the top open end of the body via a hinge and is adapted to substantially cover the top open end; wherein the lid is configured to be selectively movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the front panel is connected to a proximal ends of the at least two telescopic guide rails; wherein a distal ends of the at least two telescopic guide rails are connected to the inner cavity of the body through the front open end and are adapted to be pushed onto a rear receiving fitting on the inner cavity of the body in a guiding direction, such that the front panel can be engaged with the front open end of the body; and wherein the at least two first fasteners are positioned approximately near a proximal end portion of the telescopic guide rails and are adapted to securely hold and secure the at least one disposable bag, such that, when the front panel is engaged with the front open end of the body and when the lid is in the closed position, the at least one disposable bag is substantially concealed. The at least one disposable bag may comprise a ring and at least two second fasteners; wherein the ring may be attached to a rim of the at least one disposable bag, such that an inner opening of the ring may provide sole access to the inner cavity of the at least one disposable bag; and wherein the at least two second fasteners may be located on the ring and may be adapted to matingly engage with the at least two first fasteners, such that the at least one disposable bag may removeably connect to the proximal end portion of the at least two telescopic guide rails and may be held steady by the at least two telescopic guide rails. The inner cavity of the at least one disposable bag may be accessible when the front panel is away from the body and when the at least two telescopic guide rails are substantially extended. The ring may comprise at least two hinges to fold a first ring portion towards a second ring portion, such that the at least one disposable bag is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. The at least two second fasteners of the at least one disposable bag may be two fasteners, a male second fastener and a female second fastener; and wherein the male second fastener and the female second fastener may be adapted to mate and engage with each another, such that the first ring portion may be fastened to the second ring portion to securely close the at least one disposable bag. The front panel may further comprises a handle; wherein the handle may be adapted to allow a user to pull the front panel away from the body and extend the at least two telescopic guide rails. The feminine hygiene waste disposal container may further comprise an opening mechanism; wherein the opening mechanism may be adapted to pivotally open the lid to the open position. The feminine hygiene waste disposal container may further comprise: a gasket; wherein the gasket may be located at an inner portion of the lid and may be adapted to seal the top open end of the body when the lid is in the close position to prevent an odor from emanating from the feminine hygiene waste disposal container. 
     Another embodiment may be a feminine hygiene waste disposal container, comprising: a body, a lid, a front panel, two telescopic guide rails, two first fasteners, a disposable bag, an opening mechanism, and a gasket; wherein the body comprises a top open end and a front open end; wherein the top open end and the front open end provides access to an inner cavity of the body; wherein the lid is pivotally mounted on the top open end of the body via a hinge and is adapted to substantially cover the top open end; wherein the lid is configured to be selectively movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the front panel is connected to a proximal ends of the two telescopic guide rails; wherein a distal ends of the two telescopic guide rails are connected to the inner cavity of the body through the front open end and are adapted to be pushed onto a rear receiving fitting on the inner cavity of the body in a guiding direction, such that the front panel can be engaged with the front open end of the body; wherein each of the two first fasteners are positioned approximately near a proximal end portion of each of the telescopic guide rails and are adapted to securely hold and secure the disposable bag, such that, when the front panel is engaged with the front open end of the body and when the lid is in the closed position, the disposable bag is substantially concealed; wherein the disposable bag comprises a ring and two second fasteners; wherein the ring is attached to a rim of the disposable bag, such that an inner opening of the ring provides sole access to the inner cavity of the disposable bag; wherein the two second fasteners are located on the ring and are adapted to matingly engage with the two first fasteners, such that the disposable bag may removeably connect to the proximal end portion of the two telescopic guide rails and may be held steady by the two telescopic guide rails; wherein the inner cavity of the disposable bag is accessible the front panel is away from the body and when the two telescopic guide rails are substantially extended; wherein the ring is foldable to a substantially semicircular shape, such that the inner cavity of the disposable bag may be closed; wherein the ring comprises two hinges to fold a first ring portion towards a second ring portion, such that the disposable bag is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position; wherein the two second fasteners of the at least one disposable bag are a male second fastener and a female second fastener; wherein the male second fastener and the female second fastener are adapted to mate and engage with each another, such that the first ring portion may be fastened to the second ring portion to securely close the at least one disposable bag; wherein the front panel further comprises a handle; wherein the handle is adapted to allow a user to pull the front panel away from the body and extend the two telescopic guide rails; wherein the opening mechanism is adapted to pivotally open the lid to the open position; and wherein the gasket is located at an inner portion of the lid and is adapted to seal the top open end of the body when the lid is in the close position to prevent an odor from emanating from the feminine hygiene waste disposal container. 
     The present specification discloses a feminine hygiene waste disposal container. The container may comprise two openings (i.e., a top open end and a front open end). One or more guide rails, which may be telescopic, may be connected in-between the inner cavity of the container and a front panel, such that the front panel may open horizontally, similar to a drawer. The front panel may also comprise a handle for allowing the user to pull the front panel outwards and away from the body of the container. When extended, the telescopic guide rails may allow the user to access the inner cavity of the container and allow the user to attach one or more disposable bags on the telescopic guide rails. The top portion of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container may also comprise a lid for access to the inner cavity of the container. The feminine hygiene waste disposal container may also comprise a gasket located at the top open end of the container to prevent odors from seeping out. The lid may also open upon activation of an opening mechanism such as a button or switch. 
     In one embodiment, the feminine hygiene waste disposal container may be approximately between 7.5 to 15 inches tall and approximately between 8 to 13 inches in diameter. In this embodiment, the lid may be approximately between 6 to 9 inches in diameter. The lid may be connected to the body of the container by a hinged mechanism. The lid may open approximately between 100 to 145 degrees upon activation of an opening mechanism. The container may comprise a gasket constructed of thin rubber and may be located either the top open end of the container or within the inner portion of the lid, such that when the lid is closed, the gasket may create a seal to prevent odors from seeping out. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the feminine hygiene waste disposal container may be approximately 10 inches tall and approximately 10 inches in diameter. In this embodiment, the lid may be approximately 8 inches in diameter. The lid may be connected to the body of the container by a hinged mechanism. The lid may open approximately 120 degrees when upon activation of an opening mechanism. The lid may comprise a gasket constructed of thin rubber and may be located on the inner portion of the lid, such that when the lid is closed, the gasket may create a seal to prevent odors from seeping out. 
     It is an object to provide a feminine hygiene waste disposal container that is discreet, easy to use, and minimizes human contact, observation, and exposure with the waste. 
     It is an object to: (1) provide storage for used sanitary pads; (2) allow a discrete means for disposal; and (3) provide a simpler or easier to use way to deal with remnants of used female hygiene materials at home. 
     It is an object to provide a feminine hygiene waste disposal container that utilizes disposable bags. The front portion of the container may function as a door to hold and store the disposable bags. The top portion of the container may comprise a lid that may open and close to provide access to a top opening where remnants of used hygiene products are placed and stored for disposal. Preferably, the disposable bags may seal and shut to minimize spills, odors, and/or content. 
     It is an object to provide a feminine hygiene waste disposal container that is not messy and preferably conceals unpleasant odors. This container may then be used to provide a way for women to dispose their used pads discretely. 
     It is an object to provide one or more disposable bags, wherein the disposable bags may comprise at least two fasteners—a male fastener and a female fastener. The male fastener and female fastener are preferably adapted to close and seal any contents within the disposable bags. The male fastener and female fastener of the disposable bags may also be adapted to mate and engage with the fasteners on the telescopic guide rails. 
     It is an object to provide a new and improved device that facilitates the disposal of feminine hygiene products in a discreet and simple manner. 
     It is also an object to provide a new and improved device that allows for the disposal of feminine hygiene products in a manner that minimizes human contact and observation with the waste. 
     It is an object to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, of the accompanying drawings, and of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of another perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container and shows the feminine hygiene waste disposal container with the lid in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of another perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container and shows the front panel away from the body with the telescopic guide rails extended. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the disposable bag. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the disposable bag and shows the disposable bag in a closed position. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine waste disposal container without the disposable bag. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container. As shown in  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  may comprise: a body  101 , lid  103 , opening mechanism  105 , front panel  107 , and handle  109 . The body  101  is preferably the main housing or structure that holds the inner workings or components of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  and may comprise a top open end  203  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and front open end  350  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In a preferred embodiment, the top open end  203  and front open end  350  provide access to the inner cavity of the body  101 . The lid  103  is generally a top cover for the top open end  203  of the body  101  and is preferably connected to the body  101  via a hinge. The opening mechanism  105  is preferably configured to actuate the opening of the lid  103  to provide access to the top open end  203  of the body  101  and may be embodied as a button or switch. The front panel  107  is preferably the front portion of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  and is preferably removeably attached to the front open end  350  of the body  101 . In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the front panel  107  is preferably contoured to the shape of the body  101 , such that when the front panel  107  is attached to the front open end  350  of the body  101 , the shape of the body  101  is substantially uniform all around. The handle  109  may be a structure or mount configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, so that, the front panel  107  may be pulled away from the body  101 . Although the handle  109  may projection from the front panel  107 , it may be, as preferred, flush and integral to the front panel  107 . 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of another perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container and shows the feminine hygiene waste disposal container with the lid in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  may comprise: a body  101 , lid  103 , opening mechanism  105 , front panel  107 , handle  109 , gasket  201 , and disposable bag  205 . The body  101  may comprise a top open end  203 , which may be covered by the hinged lid  103 . The disposable bag  205  may comprise a ring  207  and a second fastener  209 . Importantly,  FIG. 2  shows that the lid  103  may be in an open position and may be configured to open via the opening mechanism  105 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , when the opening mechanism  105  is activated by pressing or pushing the button, the hinged lid  103  may move upwards, uncovering the top open end  203  and exposing the inner cavity of the body  101 .  FIG. 2  also shows that the lid  103  may comprise a gasket  201 , which is preferably adapted to minimize the odor emanating from the body  101  when the lid  103  is in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Inside the body  101 , the disposable bag  205  may comprise a ring  207  with a second fastener  209 . The ring  207  may be removeably attached to the rim of the disposable bag  205 , and the second fastener  209  may be used to fasten the disposable bag  205  to the body  101  or the telescopic guide rails  301  of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Although  FIG. 2  shows that the lid  103  may be opened by an opening mechanism such as a button, the lid may be opened by other forms of opening mechanisms such as a switch. Although  FIG. 2  shows that the lid  103  may be hinged, the lid may also be non-hinged, removable, threaded, and/or friction fitted. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of another perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container and shows the front panel away from the body with the telescopic guide rails extended. As shown in  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  may comprise: a body  101 , lid  103 , opening mechanism  105 , front panel  107 , handle  109 , disposable bag  205 , ring  207 , second fasteners  209 , and telescopic guide rails  301 .  FIG. 3  also shows that the body may comprise a front open end  350  when the front panel  107  is pulled away from the body  101 . The telescopic guide rails  301  are generally tracks or rails designed to control and enable movement of the front panel and may be configured to connect the front panel  107  to the body  101  or extend the front panel  107  away from the body  101 . Specifically, the proximal ends or front ends of the telescopic guide rails  301  may connect to the rear side of the front panel  107  while the distal ends or rear ends of the telescopic guide rails  301  may be connected to a rear receiving fitting on said inner cavity of the body  101 . The rear receiving fitting may be a rail frame or structure configured to hold, receive, and secure the telescopic guide rails  301  when the telescopic guide rails  301  are retracted or collapsed into the inner cavity of the body  101 . In one embodiment, each of the telescopic guide rails may comprise: (1) a body rail that may be fixed to the inner cavity of the body  101 ; (2) a front panel rail that may be fixed to the rear side of the front panel  107 ; and (3) one or more middle rails placed in-between the body rails and front panel rails. In an alternative embodiment, the telescopic guide rails may lack middle rails, such that each telescopic guide rail may include: only a body rail and a front panel rail. In this embodiment, the distal end of the body rail may be attached to the inner cavity of the body  101 ; the proximal end of the body rail may be moveably connected to the distal end of the front panel rail; and the proximal end of the front panel rail may be affixed to the rear side of the front panel  107 . The handle  109  may be a structure or mount configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, such that, when pulled, the front panel  107  may be moved away from the body  101  and the telescopic guide rails may be extended. The ring  207  may be affixed to the rim of the disposable bag  205 . The proximal end portion of the telescopic guide rails  301  may be configured to engage, hold, and/or secure the ring  207  and disposable bag  205 . The ring  207  may also have one or more second fasteners  209  to assist in holding and securing the disposable bag  205  to the telescopic guide rails  301 . Although the waste disposal container  100  is shown as round, generally cylindrical or conical, in other embodiments, other shapes may be used, such as organic, square, rectangular, and cubed. Additionally, although  FIG. 3  shows telescopic guide rails, other various forms of guide rails may be used. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the disposable bag.  FIG. 4  is also shows the disposable bag in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the disposable bag  400  may comprise: a ring  207  and a bag  407 . The ring  207  may be affixed to the rim of the bag  407  and may be adapted to provide easy access to the inner cavity of the bag  407 .  FIG. 4  also shows that the ring  207  may comprise: a female second fastener  401 , male second fastener  403 , hinges  405 , first ring portion  410 , and second ring portion  411 . The hinges  405  may be configured to allow the ring  207  to fold the first ring portion  410  towards the second ring portion  411 , such that the hinge  405  facilitates the closing of the disposable bag  400 . Once closed, the ring  207  may be substantially semi-circular shape and may allow the disposable bag  400  to close and secure its contents therewith. The female second fastener  401  and male second fastener  403  may be configured to mate and engage with one another, such that, when the ring  207  is folded or closed, the disposable bag  400  is sealed. Although the disposable bag  400  and ring  207  as shown as round, generally cylindrical or conical, in other embodiments, other shapes may be used, such as organic, square, rectangular, polygonal, and cubed. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the disposable bag and shows the disposable bag in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 5 , one embodiment of the disposable bag  400  may comprise; a ring  207  and a bag  407 . The ring  207  may further comprise: a female second fastener  401 , male second fastener  403 , hinge  405 , first ring portion  410 , and second ring portion  411 . The female second fastener and male second fastener may be configured to matingly engage with one other, such that said disposable bag  400  closes when the female second fastener and male second fastener matingly engage. The hinge may be configured to allow the ring  207  to fold, such that the crease facilitates the flush closing of the disposable bag  400 .  FIG. 5  also shows that the ring  207  may be substantially semicircular in shape when the disposable bag  400  is in a closed position. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the feminine waste disposal container without the disposable bag. As shown in  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of the feminine hygiene waste disposal container  100  may comprise: a body  101 , lid  103 , opening mechanism  105 , front panel  107 , handle  109 , first fasteners  601 , and telescopic guide rails  301 . The telescopic guide rails  301  may be configured to connect the front panel  107  to the main body  101 . Specifically, the proximal end of the telescopic guide rails  301  may connect to the rear side of the front panel  107  while the distal end of the telescopic guide rails may be connected to an inner cavity of the main body  101 . The handle  109  may be configured such that, when pulled, the front panel  107  moves away from the main body  101  and the telescopic guide rails may extend, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The telescopic guide rails  301  may also be configured to engage and hold the ring and disposable bag. 
       FIG. 6  also shows that the telescopic guide rails  301  may further comprise first fasteners  601 . In one embodiment, the first fasteners  601  may comprise a female first fastener and a male first fastener. The female first fastener may be configured to engage the male second fastener, and the male first fastener may be configured to engage the female second fastener, such that the female first fastener and male first fastener may hold and/or secure the disposable bag  400 . 
     Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto. 
     Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.