Patent Publication Number: US-2016235234-A1

Title: Laminated mat with endcap

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally related to laminated mats, and more specifically to systems and methods for providing endcaps for laminated mats. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Laminated mats are in broad use in many industries. However, presently available laminated mats have several deficiencies that affect their performance and reduce their useful life. For example, many laminated mats are constructed from layers of wood, such as an untreated wood. During use, wooden laminated mats come in contact with the ground and moisture, which may cause the wooden laminated mats to begin deteriorating or rotting. Typically, the deterioration or rotting of wooden laminated mats begins at the edge, where the layers of the wooden laminated mat are directly exposed to the moisture. As the edges rot, the layers of the laminated mat may begin to separate, which may increase the rate at which the wooden laminated mat rots. Further, the separation of the layers may cause the wooden laminated mats to warp, creating an uneven surface, which may introduce tripping hazards to persons working in areas where such wooden laminated mats are present. Additionally, the rotting of the wooden laminated mat may significantly decrease their useful lifespan. For example, the useful life of wooden laminated mats is often less than 1 year, and may be significantly shorter (e.g., 6 months) due to the deficiencies described above. Thus, replacing the wooden laminated mats once or twice a year imposes significant costs to industries (e.g., the oil and gas industry) where such laminated mats may be deployed. 
     In addition to deficiencies (e.g., rotting) caused by weather elements (e.g., moisture, extreme heat, etc.), wear from continued use and/or damage from heavy equipment used in the field can cause individual pieces of wood used to construct the wooden laminated mats to disintegrate and fall from the mats over time. This disintegration causes loss of compression and torque of the bolts and/or nails holding the mat together, which may cause the wooden laminated mat to be no longer useable or to lose its structural integrity. Additionally, the wear from continued use and/or damage from heavy equipment may increase the likelihood that rot occurs, and may increase the rate at which the layers of the wooden laminated mat separate. This may also cause the useable life of the wooden laminated mat to decrease. 
     Another type of mat may be referred to as a synthetic mat. While synthetic mats generally do not have the same rotting problems as wood mats, synthetic mats are not in wide use due to various disadvantages. For example, in the event that there is rain at a location where the synthetic mats are deployed, water tends to stay on top of the laminated synthetic mats, thereby causing slippery conditions. Synthetic mats also tend to be more labor intensive to deploy. Moreover, synthetic mats generally have continuous top surface and a hollow core. Because of this, if the mat is ever pierced, water fills into the core and causes the synthetic mat to be much heavier, which creates difficulties in transporting and deploying the mats. Further, if the synthetic mats are utilized in a cold environment, water expansion in the presences of freezing conditions further damages the mats. Another disadvantage of synthetic mats is that because they generally comprise one large piece of surface material, they generally are not repairable in a cost-effective manner in the event that the mat is damaged. 
     Another type of mat is a laminated synthetic mat. While laminated synthetic mats are not as susceptible to rot as wooden laminated mats, laminated synthetic mats remain susceptible to separation of the layers under normal wear and tear. Such a separation reduces the useful life of the laminated synthetic mats. For example, forklifts are often used to transport the mats (e.g., both laminated synthetic mats and wooden laminated mats) to a location where the mats are to be deployed or stored. If the forklift operator inadvertently catches the edge of the mats with the forks of the forklift, the forks may slide between the layers of the laminated mats, damaging the areas immediately surround the impact zone and separating the layers of the laminated mat. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Systems, apparatuses and methods which provide for an improved laminated mat comprised of synthetic material, wood, or other materials are provided for herein. Such mats may include a plurality of inventive features. For example, in some embodiments the laminated mat may include one or more end caps configured to reduce the likelihood that layers of the laminated mat are separated during movement, use, and transport, and may reduce the wear and tear of the laminated mate, and may increase the useful life of the laminated mat. 
     In an additional or alternative embodiment, the laminated mat may comprise a cover plate that may reduce a likelihood that persons working in areas where the laminated mat may be deployed are injured. For example the laminated mat may include attachment means that may be recessed with respect to the top surface of the mat. Such attachments means may present a potential hazard that persons working in the area of the laminated may trip on. The cover plate may overlie the attachment means and substantially fill the recessed area where the attachment means is located, and may be seated flush with the top surface of the laminated mat, thereby eliminating the potential tripping hazard. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the embodiments will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is an expanded perspective view of a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of an end cap for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an end cap for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a cover plate for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of a cover plate for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a profile view of a cover plate for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a top view of a cover plate for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method for creating or using a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a perspective view and an expanded view of a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is shown as a laminated mat  100 . In an embodiment, the laminated mat  100  may be constructed from wood. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the laminated mat  100  may be constructed from a synthetic material, such as rubber. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, the laminated mat  100  may be formed of both wood and synthetic materials. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the laminated mat  100  includes a plurality of layers. For example, in an embodiment, the plurality of layers may include a first layer  120 , a second layer  130 , and a third layer  140 . In additional or alternative embodiments, the laminated mat  100  may include more than three layers or less than three layers. In an embodiment, the third layer  140  may be a bottom layer of the laminated mat  100  and the first layer  120  may be a top layer of the laminated mat  100 . During deployment of the laminated mat  100 , the third layer  140  may be in contact with the ground, and the layer  120  may be facing towards the sky (or a ceiling if deployed in a covered environment), and the second layer  130  may be an intermediate layer that is disposed between the first layer  120  and the third layer  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the laminated mat  100  includes one or more attachment means  150  that may be used to lift the laminated mat  100 , such as during placement, storage, loading for transport, etc. In an embodiment, the attachment means  150  may be a D-ring, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the attachment means  150  may be secured to the second layer  130  at a region  162 , and may reside within an opening  160  of the first layer  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In an embodiment, the attachment means  150  may reside within the opening  160  and be recessed from the top surface of the first layer  120 . By recessing the attachment means  150  from the top surface of the first layer  120 , cover plates may be secured over the attachment means  150 , as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
     In an embodiment, the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  of the laminated mat  100  may be constructed from a plurality of individual boards, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Further, the individual boards of each of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  may be in a cross-hatched orientation with respect to an immediately adjacent layer. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the boards of the first layer  120  and the third layer  140  are oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis  102  of the laminated mat  100 , while the boards of the second layer  130  oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  102 . Configuring the boards of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  in a cross-hatched orientation may increase the durability and strength of the laminated mat  100 . In an embodiment, the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  may be held together by bolts, as described with reference to  FIG. 3 . The bolts may be countersunk into the laminated mat  100 , such that bolts are flush with, or slightly recessed from top surface of the first layer  120 . 
     In an additional or alternative embodiment, the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  may each be formed as single continuous sheet, rather than as a plurality of individual boards. For example, the first layer  120  may be formed from a first continuous sheet of material, the second layer  130  may be formed from a second continuous sheet of material, and the third layer  140  may be formed from a third continuous sheet of material. The sheets may then be attached (e.g., bolted, nailed, glued, etc.) to form the laminated mat  100 . 
     It is noted that constructing the laminated mat  100  from individual boards, rather than layers of sheets, may provide advantages. For example, the individual boards may be spaced apart to allow water to drain through the laminated mat  100 , whereas the continuous sheets may not allow water to drain through the laminated mat  100 . Thus, when single continuous sheets are used to form the laminated mat  100 , additional work may need to be completed prior to deployment of the laminated mat  100 , such as to create slight gradient in the area where the laminated mats are to be deployed so that the water will run off the top surface of the layer  120 . Further, by forming the laminated mat  100  from individual boards, rather than continuous sheets, individual boards of a particular layer of the laminated mat  100  may be replaced without requiring replacement of the entire particular layer. 
     In an embodiment, the third layer  140  may include metal channels  142 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The metal channels  142  may be used to add strength to the laminated mat  100 , and to prevent the laminated mat  100  from warping. The metal channels  142  may be configured such that the height of the legs of the metal channels  142  are flush with a lower surface of the third layer  140 . In some cases, the height of the legs may be slightly smaller such that the metal channels  142  do not contact the ground. In an embodiment, the metal channels  142  may extend along the length of the laminated mat  100  where attachment means  150  are located. Such a placement may provide for additional strength to hold the weight of the laminated mat  100  and any other load when the mat is being lifted using the attachment means  150 . While not shown, it is appreciated that the metal channels  142  may be bolted with one or more of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the laminated mat  100  includes end caps  110 . The end caps  110  include a channel configured to receive one or more of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  of the laminated mat  100 . In an embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the end caps  110  may be positioned along the longitudinal edges (e.g., the edges parallel to the longitudinal axis  102 ) of the laminated mat  100 . In an additional or alternative embodiment, end caps  110  may be placed on all edges of the laminated mat  100 . It is noted, however, that the longitudinal edges of the laminated mat  100  are high impact edges due to the way the laminated mat  100  is oriented during use. For example, during deployment and use, a plurality of laminated mats  100  may be placed adjacent to one another along their respective longitudinal edges to form a road upon which equipment (e.g., tractors, trucks, etc.) may travel in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  102 . Because direction of travel is perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the laminated mats, the longitudinal edges of the laminate mat  100  experience more wear and more frequent high impact from the heavy equipment that traverses the laminated mats. This additional wear creates more strain between the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  along the longitudinal edges than in other areas, such as the edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  102 . Thus, the longitudinal edges of the laminated mat  100  are more likely to break down or become damaged than the edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  102 . The end caps  110  may reduce the wear and tear of the laminated mat  100  along the longitudinal edges. 
     For example, and referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , various views of the laminated mat  100  and end caps  110  are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. In  FIG. 3A , a cross-sectional view of the laminated mat  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is shown. As explained above, the end caps  110  may be configured to receive one or more of the layers of the laminated mat  100 . For example, in  FIG. 3A , the second layer  130  is shown extending into the channel of the end caps  110 . Further, the top surface of the first layer  120  and the top surface of the end caps  110  may be substantially flush, and the bottom surface of the third layer  130  and the bottom surface of the end caps  110  may be substantially flush, as shown in  FIG. 3A . In an embodiment, the top surface of the first layer  120  and the top surface of the end caps  110  may be textured to provide improved grip for equipment and workers crossing the laminated mat  100 , which may be beneficial in some operational conditions, such as when it is raining. 
     In additional or alternative embodiment, the channel of the end caps  110  may receive more than 1 layer of the laminated mat  100 . For example, if the laminated mat  100  included 4 layers, the channel may be configured to receive the second and third layers (e.g., the middle layers). As another example, if the laminated mat  100  included 5 layers, the channel may be configured to receive the second and third layers (e.g., the middle layers). Further, the channel may receive less than all of the middle layers in some embodiments. For example, if the laminated mat included 4 layers, the channel may only receive the second layer, or the third layer, but not both, or may receive portions of the second and third layers. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, the channel of the end caps  110  may receive only a portion of one or more layers of the laminated mat  100 . For example, if the laminated mat  100  included two layers, the channel may receive a portion of the two layers, such as by milling the two layers along the longitudinal edges to form rabbets that are adjacent on each of the layers (e.g., form a tongue) that may be inserted into the channel while maintaining the top and bottom surfaces flush with the top and bottom surfaces of the end cap  110 . The end caps  110  may reduce penetration of moisture between the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140 . For example, because an outermost edge of the laminated mat  100  may correspond to the outer edge  310  of the end caps  110 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3A , the longitudinal edges of the laminated mat  100  may be the end caps  110 . By forming the longitudinal edges of the laminated mat  100  using the end caps  110 , an outer edge of the laminated mat  110  may not expose the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  of the laminated mat  100 . For example, and referring to  FIG. 3B , a perspective view of the end cap  110  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the end cap  110  includes a channel  300 , an outer edge  310 , an upper portion  320 , a lower portion  330 , and an outer region  340 . During placement, the longitudinal edges of the laminated mats  100  may be placed such that outer edges  310  of the laminated mats  100  are placed adjacent to one another. As can be seen in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the outer edge  310  of the end cap  110  is formed as a single piece, meaning that the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  are not exposed. Thus, the likelihood that equipment traversing the laminated mat  100  catches one or more of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140  and causes the one or more layers to separate may be reduced. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , the channel  300  may have a thickness  302  and a depth  304 . The thickness  302  may be sized to receive the second layer  130  (or the boards that form the second layer  130 ). For example, in an embodiment, the thickness  302  may be the same as a thickness of the second layer  130 . However, when the thickness  302  is the same as the thickness of the second layer  130 , it may be difficult to insert the second layer  130  into the channel  300  of the end cap  110 . Thus, in an additional or alternative embodiment, the thickness  302  may be sized to be slightly larger than the thickness of the second layer  130 , which may make it easier to assemble the laminated mat  100 . Furthermore, in embodiments of laminated mats comprising more than three layers, the thickness  302  may be sized to received one or more of the layers, and, in embodiments comprising two layers, the thickness  302  may be sized to receive the milled edges of the two layers, as described above. The depth  304  of the channel  300  may vary depending a particular configuration of the laminated mat  100 . For example, a larger depth  302  may provide additional strength to the laminated mat  100 . In an embodiment, the depth  304  may be determined based on a desired number of anchor points for securing the end cap  110  to the other layer(s) of the laminated mat  100 . For example, a larger depth  302  may provide additional points at which the end cap  110  may be secured to the laminated mat  100 . 
     As additionally shown in  FIG. 3C , the upper portion  320  may have a thickness  322 , and the lower portion  330  may have a thickness  332 . In an embodiment, the thickness  322  may be the same as, or substantially equal to a thickness of the first layer  120 , and the thickness  332  may be the same as, or substantially equal to a thickness of the third layer  140 . Further, the end cap  110  may have an overall thickness  342 . The overall thickness  342  of the end cap  110  may be equal to, or substantially the same as the sum of the thickness of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140 . Thus, when assembled, the end cap  110  may be substantially flush with the upper surface of the first layer  120  and the lower surface of the third layer  140 . Because the longitudinal edges of the laminated mat  100  are constructed as the end caps  110 , the longitudinal edges are a single homogeneous piece, which may be more resistant to wear and tear, and may more easily withstand impact in high traffic/impact areas, as is common to the longitudinal edges of the laminate mat  100 . 
     Furthermore, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the outer region  340  of the end cap  110  may have a width  344 . The width  344  of the outer region  340  may be configured to reduce or minimize impact from forks of a forklift. For example, the end cap  110  may be formed of rubber, and the width  344  of the outer region  340  may be sufficient to withstand impact from forks of a forklift without allowing the forks to penetrate to the layer(s) within the channel  300  or the remaining portions of the laminated mat  100 . For example, as the forks penetrate the outer region  340 , the forks may penetrate into the outer region, but due to the softness (or elasticity) of the outer region  340 , the forks may eventually begin to push the laminated mat  100 , rather than continue to penetrate through the laminated mat  100  and separate one or more of the layers  120 ,  130 ,  140 . In an embodiment, the outer region  340  of the end cap  110  may include a strip of metal extending from the lower surface of the end cap  110  toward the upper surface of the end cap  110 , where the strip of metal may engage the forks if they penetrate the end cap  110  to a threshold depth, and may prevent the forks from penetrating further into the end cap  110 , so as to protect the portion of the second layer  130  inserted into the channel, and the remaining layers of the laminated mat  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , various views of a cover plate for a laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present application are shown as a cover plate  400 .  FIG. 4A  illustrates the cover plate  400  as installed on the laminated mat  100  of  FIGS. 1-3C . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the cover plate  400  includes a first opening  410  and a second opening  420 . The first opening  410  may be dimensioned to allow a retention member of the attachment means  150  to protrude through the first opening  410 . It is noted that the attachment means  150 , and the retaining member in particular, may be flush with the top surface of the first layer  120  when installed. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the cover plate  400  may be secured to the laminated mat  100  using a screw  422  that is inserted through the second opening  420 . The screw  422  may be recessed from, or may be flush with the top surface of the first layer  120   
     By using the cover plate  400  in conjunction with the laminated mat  100 , work place injuries caused by workers tripping while walking through a work site where the laminated mat  100  is deployed. For example, as explained above, the attachment means  150  may be recessed within the first layer  120  of the laminated mat  100  by securing the attachment means  150  to the second layer  130  (e.g., at a region  162  of  FIG. 2 ) such that the attachment means  150  resides substantially within an opening (e.g., the opening  160  of  FIG. 2 ) of the first layer  120  of the laminated mat  100 . When the cover plate  400  is not used, the attachment means  150  and the opening in which the attachment means  150  resides may pose a hazard, whereby workers may step into the opening or on the attachment means  150  and trip or twist their ankle. Thus, the cover plate  400  may reduce the likelihood that workers trip or are injured while walking across the laminated mat  100 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of the cover plate  400  of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the cover plate  400  may include a member  402 . In an embodiment, the member  402  may be perpendicular to the cover plate  400 , and may project downward from the cover plate  400  towards the attachment means  150 . In such an embodiment, the member  402  may be configured to maintain the top surface of the cover plate  400  in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the first layer  120  of the laminated mat  100  so as to prevent the cover plate  400  from resting at an angle when secured to the laminated mat  100 . This may prevent the cover plate  400  from being lower on the edge of the cover plate  400  opposite the first opening  420 , which would pose a risk of workplace injury by workers tripping on the edge of the first layer  120  proximate the lowered edge of the cover plate  400 . In an additional or alternative embodiment, the member  402  may be a latch configured to be inserted into an opening (not shown) in the attachment means  150  or the laminated mat  100 . For example, instead of being substantially planar, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the member  402  may include a curved or angled portion that may be inserted into an opening in the laminated mat  100  or the attachment means  150 , where the opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the member  402  and to prevent the edge of cover plate  400  proximate the member  402  from lifting up. Thus, when the cover plate  400  is secured to the mat  100 , the member  402  may need to be inserted into the opening of the laminated mat  100  or the attachment means  150  prior to securing the screw  422  to the laminated mat  100 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a profile view of the cover plate  400 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the attachment means  150  may reside below the cover plate  400  when secured to the laminated mat  100 .  FIG. 4D  illustrates a top view of the cover plate  400 . In addition to reducing the likelihood of work place injuries, the cover plate  400  may also protect the attachment means  150  from damage caused by machinery (e.g., trucks, tractor treads, etc.) that may traverse the laminated mat  100 . Thus, using cover plates, such as the cover plate  400 , may improve the laminated mat  100  by reducing the likelihood of injury and by reducing wear and tear on the attachment means  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for creating or using a laminated mat is shown as a method  500 . At  510 , the method  500  includes providing a first plurality of boards (e.g., the plurality of boards comprising the first layer  120  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and, at  520 , the method  500  includes disposing the first plurality of boards adjacent to one another along a first axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis  102  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). At  530 , the method  500  includes providing a second plurality of boards (e.g., the plurality of boards comprising the second layer  130  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and, at  540 , the method  500  includes disposing the second plurality of boards adjacent to one another along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis (e.g., an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  102  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). At  550 , the method  500  includes providing a third plurality of boards (e.g., the plurality of boards comprising the third layer  140  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and, at  560 , the method  500  includes disposing the third plurality of boards adjacent to one another along the first axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis  102  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). At  570 , the method  500  includes providing end caps (e.g., the end caps  110  of  FIGS. 1-3C ) along longitudinal edges of the laminated mat, and, at  580 , attaching the first plurality of boards, the second plurality of boards, the third plurality of boards, and the end caps to form the laminated mat. The end caps may include a channel (e.g., the channel  300  of  FIG. 3 . 
     In an embodiment, the method  500  may include additional steps (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). For example, the method  500  may include disposing one or more of the second plurality of boards within the channel, as described above. As another example, the method  500  may include disposing one or more metal channels (e.g., the metal channels  142  of  FIG. 2 ) between select ones of the third plurality of boards. As yet another example, the method  500  may include providing one or more attachment means, securing the one or more attachment means to at least one board selected from among the first plurality of boards, the second plurality of boards, and the third plurality of boards, providing a cover plate for each of the one or more attachment means, and securing each cover plate in an orientation that overlies one of the one or more attachment means and is flush with a top surface of the laminated mat. 
     Laminated mats constructed according to the method  500  may provide improved laminated mats. For example, because the laminated mats include end caps along the longitudinal edges (e.g., high impact, high traffic areas), the laminated mats may be more resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, by providing cover plates in some embodiments, a likelihood of injury to workers that are working in areas where the laminated mats are deployed may be reduced or eliminated. 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein. without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.