Patent Publication Number: US-2021180299-A1

Title: Personal hydration system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/948,518, filed on Dec. 16, 2019, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to personal hydration systems and, more specifically, to a personal hydration system that includes a drinking hose (straw) with a textured (irregular) inner surface configuration that facilitates exfoliation and cleaning of the drinking hose to improve cleanliness. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The importance of personal hydration is well known. To keep hydrated, many individuals use plastic bottles, cups, glasses, and the like in various locations in their homes, offices, etc. These articles can accumulate in number, however, and are often unsanitary in that they can foster bacterial growth and/or collect pet hair, dander, dust, etc. 
     To address these issues, the present disclosure provides a personal hydration system that can be mounted, supported, and/or carried and utilized in an individual&#39;s home (e.g., at a bedside), in an office (e.g., on a desk), in a hospital, a hospice, or an assisted living environment, in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, an airplane, a boat, etc.), or any other such suitable setting. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a personal hydration system is disclosed that includes a reservoir and a drinking hose. The drinking hose is in fluid communication with the reservoir and includes a textured inner surface configuration to facilitate cleaning of the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, to reduce fluctuation in the temperature of the fluid retained within the reservoir, it is envisioned that the reservoir may be insulated. For example, it is envisioned that the reservoir may include a double-walled construction. 
     In certain embodiments, the drinking hose may include an antimicrobial agent. 
     In certain embodiments, the drinking hose may define a longitudinal channel to allow for fluid communication through the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, the drinking hose may include projections that extend radially inward into the longitudinal channel. 
     In certain embodiments, each projection may define an arcuate configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, the projections may be arranged into rows that extend in generally parallel relation to each other. 
     In certain embodiments, the rows may extend in generally parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, the rows may be spaced circumferentially from each other such that the projections in adjacent rows are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, each projection may define a peak. 
     In certain embodiments, the drinking hose may be configured such that adjacent projections are spaced from each other so as to define a space there between. 
     In certain embodiments, the drinking hose may be configured such that the peaks of the projections in a first row are generally aligned with the spaces defined between the adjacent projections in a second row. 
     In certain embodiments, the projections may be substantially identical in configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, each projection may define a width and the drinking hose may be configured such that the adjacent projections are spaced from each other by a distance that is approximately equal to one-half of the width of each projection. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a personal hydration system is disclosed that includes a reservoir and a drinking hose that is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The drinking hose includes internal projections that are arranged in a staggered pattern to facilitate abrasion of the drinking hose via an external force applied during cleaning. 
     In certain embodiments, adjacent projections may be spaced from each other so as to define a space there between that is configured to receive a corresponding projection upon application of the external force. 
     In certain embodiments, the projections may be substantially identical in configuration. 
     In certain embodiments, each projection may define a width and the drinking hose may be configured such that the projections are spaced from each other by a distance approximately equal to one-half of the width of each projection. 
     In certain embodiments, the projections may be arranged into rows that extend in generally parallel relation to each other. 
     In certain embodiments, the rows may extend in generally parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, the personal hydration system may further include a mount that is connectable to a surface. 
     In certain embodiments, the reservoir may be configured for releasable engagement with the mount such that the personal hydration system is supportable in a manner facilitating gravity-assisted dispensation of fluid from the reservoir through the drinking hose. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of cleaning a personal hydration system including a drinking hose is disclosed. The method includes applying an external force to the drinking hose such that internal projections arranged along an inner surface of the drinking hose are brought into engagement with each other to facilitate abrasion and removal of contaminants from the drinking hose. 
     In certain embodiments, applying the external force to the drinking hose may include positioning a first series of projections between a second series of projections. 
     In certain embodiments, positioning the first series of projections between the second series of projections may include positioning projections arranged a first row between adjacent projections arranged in a second row. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       According to common practice, the various features of the drawings may not be to scale, and may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. 
         FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view of a personal hydration system includes a reservoir and a drinking hose (straw) in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side, perspective view of a pedestal (stand) for use with the personal hydration system seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side, perspective view of a hitch (hanger) for use with the personal hydration system seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal (e.g., vertical, axial) cross-sectional view taken through line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1  illustrating an interior configuration of the drinking hose. 
         FIG. 5  is a transverse (e.g., horizontal) cross-sectional view taken through line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1  illustrating the interior configuration of the drinking hose. 
         FIG. 6  is a transverse (e.g., horizontal) cross-sectional view taken through line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 1  illustrating the interior configuration of the drinking hose upon the application of an external, compressive force to the drinking hose (e.g., during cleaning). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes a personal hydration system that includes a reservoir and a drinking hose that is in fluid communication with the reservoir such that a user can draw fluid from the reservoir through the drinking hose. The drinking hose includes a textured (irregular) inner surface configuration that facilitates cleaning of the drinking hose. More specifically, as described in further detail below, the drinking hose includes an inner surface with a series of projections that are arranged in a staggered (e.g., offset) pattern such that the projections are brought into engagement with each other upon the (manual) application of an external force to the drinking hose. By manipulating (e.g., massaging) the drinking hose, the projections are caused to abrade each other, as well as the spaces there between, to remove contaminants (e.g., pet hair, dander, dust, bacteria, etc.) and thereby clean (scour) the drinking hose. 
     To increase utility, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system may be configured for mounting to a surface (e.g., a wall, a door, the headboard of a bed, a chair, a desk, a vehicle dashboard, etc.) and/or that the personal hydration system may be configured for support by a pedestal (or other such stand, platform, etc.), a hitch (hanger), or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system may be configured for transport by a user. For example, the personal hydration system may include, may be connectable to, or may be configured as a wearable article. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the personal hydration system, which is identified by the reference character  100 . As discussed in detail below, the personal hydration system  100  includes a reservoir  102  with a lid  104  and a drinking hose (straw)  106  that is in fluid communication with the reservoir  102  to allow a user to draw fluid therefrom. Although generally described herein below in the context of home use (e.g., at a user&#39;s bedside), it should be appreciated that the personal hydration system  100  may be utilized in any suitable environment. For example, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may find utility in an office setting, in a hospital, hospice, or assisted living environment, in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, an airplane, a boat, or the like), etc. The personal hydration system  100  stores a drinkable fluid (e.g., water) in a closed system so as to inhibit (if not entirely eliminate) contamination via pet hair, dander, dust, bacteria, etc., and reduces (if not entirely eliminates) the need for cups, glasses, bottles, and the like, thereby reducing the accumulation of such articles. Additionally, as described herein below, the personal hydration system  100  may be mounted, supported, or worn, which inhibits (if not entirely eliminates) spillage that may otherwise occur with cups, glasses, bottles, and the like. 
     The reservoir  102  (including the lid  104 ) may include any suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., commercial or medical-grade plastic(s), polymer(s), rubber(s), metallic material(s), etc.) and may be formed through any suitable method of manufacture (e.g., injection molding, 3-D printing, machining, etc.). To enhance usability, cleanliness, and convenience, it is envisioned that the material(s) used in construction of the reservoir  102  may be dishwasher safe. 
     The reservoir  102  may be configured to retain any suitable volume of fluid. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir  102  includes a body  108  that is configured to retain an amount of fluid that lies substantially within the range of approximately 32 fl. oz. to approximately 128 fl. oz. It should be appreciated, however, that volumes outside of the disclosed range are also contemplated herein and would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. To reduce fluctuation in the temperature of the fluid retained by the reservoir  102 , in certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the body  108  of the reservoir  102  may include an insulated, double-walled construction. 
     To further improve the user experience, in certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may include a temperature control system  110  to allow for heating and/or cooling of the fluid retained within the reservoir  102 . In such embodiments, it is envisioned that the temperature control system  100  may be powered in any suitable manner, such as, for example, via an integrated power source  112  (e.g., a battery) or via connection to an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet). 
     In certain embodiments, the reservoir  102  may be configured for engagement with (connection to) a mount  114  (e.g., a bracket  116 ), which may be provided as an additional component of the personal hydration system  100 , to allow for mounting of the reservoir  102  to a surface S (e.g., a wall, a door, the headboard of a bed, a chair, a desk, a vehicle dashboard, etc.). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the mount  114  is configured as a bracket  116  that defines a lip  118 . As elaborated on below, mounting (or otherwise supporting) the personal hydration system  100  in the manner described herein facilitates the gravity-fed dispensation of fluid from the reservoir  102  to further enhance usability of the personal hydration system  100 . 
     The reservoir  102  may be configured for connection to (support by) the mount  114  in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir  102  includes a mounting plate  120  that is secured (connected) to a rear surface  122  of the body  108  so as to define a receiving space  124  for the mount  114  (e.g., the lip  118 ) such that mount  114  removably supports the reservoir  102  on the surface S, which allows for refilling, cleaning, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the mount  114  and the mounting plate  120  may be configured such that the body  108  of the reservoir  102  is movable in relation to the mount  114 . For example, the mount  114  and/or the mounting plate  120  may include a hinge (or other such member or mechanism) to allow the reservoir  102  to pivot in relation to the mount  114 . For example, in the context of an office chair or a gaming chair, such a configuration may allow the personal hydration system  100  to accommodate movement (e.g., swiveling or tilt-angle adjustment) of the chair, thereby reducing (if not entirely preventing) spillage that may otherwise occur. 
     In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the mount  114  and/or the reservoir  102  (e.g., the mounting plate  120 ) may include one or more location features  126  (e.g., ribs  128 , slots, flanges, detents, recesses, etc.) that not only facilitate proper relative orientation of the reservoir  102  and the mount  114 , but inhibit (if not entirely prevent) undesirable movement of the reservoir  102  relative to the mount  114  (e.g., lateral (horizontal) movement or sliding of the reservoir  102 ). 
     Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may be configured for support by a pedestal (stand)  200  ( FIG. 2 ) or a hitch (hanger)  300  ( FIG. 3 ). To facilitate support of the personal hydration system  100 , the pedestal  200  and the hitch  300  define lips  202 ,  302 , respectively, that are configured for insertion into (reception by) the receiving space  124  ( FIG. 1 ) in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the mount  114 . In certain alternate embodiments, is also envisioned the personal hydration system  100  may be incorporated into the construction of an article, such as, for example, a gaming chair, a desk chair, the headboard of a bed, a hospital bed, etc., which also allows for the gravity-fed dispensation of fluid from the reservoir  102 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the lid  104  is configured for engagement with (connection to) an upper (top) end  130  of the body  108  of the reservoir  102  to inhibit (if not entirely prevent) contamination of the fluid retained therein. It is envisioned that the lid  104  may be either fixedly or removably engageable with (connectable to) the body  108  and that the lid  104  may include a movable or removable access panel (e.g., to facilitate filling, drainage, cleaning, etc. of the reservoir  102 ). So as not to interfere with (or unduly hamper) fluid dispensation from the reservoir  102 , it is envisioned that the lid  104  may include one or more vents  132 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4-6  as well, the drinking hose  106  will be discussed. The drinking hose  106  extends from a lower (bottom) end  134  of the body  108 , which facilitates the gravity-fed dispensation of fluid from the reservoir  102 . In alternate embodiments of the personal hydration system  100 , it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may be either fixedly connected to the reservoir  102  or removably connected to the reservoir  102  (e.g., to facilitate cleaning of the drinking hose  106 ). To improve the quality of the fluid dispensed through the drinking hose  106 , it is envisioned that the reservoir  102  and/or the drinking hose  106  may include one or more filtering elements (not shown), such as a charcoal filter, a gill-style filter, a UV (ultraviolet) filter, a HEPA filter, etc., which may be positioned in any suitable location or incorporated in any suitable manner. For example, it is envisioned that one or more filtering elements may be included (provided) at the interface (connector) between the reservoir  102  and the drinking hose  106 . 
     The drinking hose  106  may include any suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., commercial or medical-grade plastic(s), polymer(s), rubber(s), metallic material(s), etc.) and may be formed through any suitable method of manufacture (e.g., injection molding, 3-D printing, machining, etc.). In the particular embodiment of the disclosure seen in the figures, for example, the drinking hose  106  includes (e.g., is formed partially or entirely from) a resilient material, such as silicone. To inhibit (if not entirely prevent) bacterial (viral) growth, it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may include antimicrobial properties. For example, it is envisioned that an antimicrobial agent  136  ( FIG. 4 ) may be incorporated into construction of the drinking hose  106  or that the antimicrobial agent  136  may be applied to the drinking hose  106  as a coating. 
     The drinking hose  106  defines an (overall) length L ( FIG. 1 ) that allows the user to comfortably draw fluid from the reservoir  102 , which may be varied as necessary or desired (e.g., depending upon the particular implementation of the personal hydration system  100 ). In certain embodiments of the personal hydration system  100 , such as that shown throughout the figures, for example, it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may be configured to allow a user to draw fluid from the reservoir  102  without having to alter the position of the user&#39;s head (e.g., in the context of bedside use in a user&#39;s home or in a hospital, hospice, or assisted living environment). For example, it is envisioned that the length L of the drinking hose  106  may lie substantially within the range of approximately 25 cm to approximately 150 cm. Dimensions outside this range, however, would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In certain embodiments, rather than defining a fixed length L, it is envisioned that the length L of the drinking hose  106  may be variable (e.g., depending upon the particular material(s) of construction utilized). For example, it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may include one or more flexible (resilient) materials to permit elongation (e.g., stretching) of the drinking hose  106  during use of the personal hydration system  100 . 
     To further improve the user experience, it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may be movably (e.g., rotatably or pivotably) connected to the reservoir  102  such that the drinking hose  106  is movable relative to the reservoir  102  through a range of motion. For example, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may employ a swivel-style connector  138  ( FIG. 1 ) the provides an interface between the reservoir  102  and the drinking hose  106  and allows for movement of the drinking hose  106  relative to the reservoir  102  through a range of motion that lies substantially within the range of approximately 180° to approximately 540°. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the connector  138  may be configured to allow for continuous, unrestricted movement of the drinking hose  106  relative to the reservoir  102 . Stated another way, the range of motion of the drinking hose  106  may be undefined so as to reduce (if not entirely prevent) entanglement of (kinking in) the drinking hose  106 . 
     To inhibit (if not entirely prevent) leakage, in certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may include one or more sealing members (e.g., gaskets, O-rings, etc.) in any suitable location(s) (e.g., within the connector  138 ). 
     The drinking hose  106  includes a channel  140  defining an inner transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a diameter) D ( FIG. 5 ) that extends in generally orthogonal relation to the length L ( FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the drinking hose  106  is configured such that the inner transverse cross-sectional dimension D lies substantially within the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm. It should be appreciated, however, that values for the dimension D outside of the disclosed range are also contemplated herein and that the drinking hose  106  may be configured to define any dimension D that does not interfere with (frustrate) fluid consumption or cleaning of the drinking hose  106  in the manner described herein. 
     The drinking hose  106  includes a series of projections  142  (e.g., protrusions, detents, protuberances, or other such surface irregularities) that extend inwardly into the channel  140  from an inner wall  144  thereof. As discussed in further detail below, the projections  142  are configured and arranged to facilitate cleaning of the drinking hose  106  (e.g., via abrasion) upon the application of an external force F ( FIG. 6 ) to the drinking hose  106 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections  142  includes a convex profile (e.g., annular, elliptical, etc.) that defines an arcuate outer surface  146 , which imparts a generally dome-shaped configuration to the projections  142 . It should be appreciated, however, that the particular configuration of the projections  142  may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments in which the projections  142  include a (generally) polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) configuration are also contemplated herein, as are embodiments in which the projections  142  are (generally) linear (e.g., rib-like) in configuration. Additionally, while the projections  142  are illustrated as being (generally) identical in configuration throughout the figures, embodiments of the disclosure in which the drinking hose  106  includes projections  142  that vary in configuration are also contemplated herein. For example, it is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  may include one or more projections  142  that are non-linear in configuration (e.g., dome-shaped) (as seen in  FIGS. 4-6 ) and one or more projections  142  that are (generally) linear in configuration (e.g., rib-like). 
     The projections  142  are arranged on the inner wall  144  in a series of rows R. In the illustrated embodiment, the rows R extend in (generally) parallel relation to a longitudinal axis Y of the drinking hose  106  and in (generally) parallel relation to each other. Embodiments of the disclosure are also envisioned, however, in which the rows R may extend in (generally) non-parallel relation to the longitudinal axis Y of the drinking hose  106  (e.g., the rows R may be arranged in a helical pattern). As seen in  FIG. 4 , adjacent rows R are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis Y of the drinking hose  106  such that the projections  142  are arranged in a (generally) diamond-shaped (e.g., staggered) pattern, whereby the projections  142  in alternating rows (e.g., rows Ri, Riii) are (generally) aligned along axes X that extend in (generally) transverse (e.g., orthogonal) relation to the longitudinal axis Y. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the projections  142  in alternating rows are (generally) aligned along an inner circumference of the drinking hose  106 . 
     Each projection  142  defines a transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a diameter) Dp ( FIG. 5 ) that lies substantially within the range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 12 mm. It should be appreciated, however, that the particular dimensions of the projections  142  may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, embodiments in which the transverse cross-sectional dimension Dp lies outside of the disclosed range are also contemplated herein. 
     In the embodiment seen throughout the figures, the projections  142  are spaced axially (e.g., along the longitudinal axis Y of the drinking hose  106 ) and circumferentially from each other by a distance Yp that is (approximately) equal to one-half of the transverse cross-sectional dimension Dp, which attributes a (generally) sinusoidal profile to the inner wall  144  of the drinking hose  106  that defines peaks P and spaces T ( FIGS. 5, 6 ). Due to the spacing between the projections  142  and the offset between the adjacent rows R, upon the application of an external, compressive force F ( FIG. 6 ) to the drinking hose  106 , the spaces T defined between adjacent projections  142  included in one row R (e.g., a first series of projections  142  in row Rii) receive a corresponding (second series) of projections  142  included in another, (generally opposite) row R (e.g., row Rix). By manipulating (e.g., massaging) the drinking hose  106 , the projections  142  create an abrading effect (e.g., friction, exfoliation) that loosens and/or removes contaminants (e.g., pet hair, dander, dust, bacteria, etc.) from the drinking hose  106  (e.g., from the projections  142  and the inner wall  144 ), thereby reducing (if not entirely eliminating) any need to insert a separate tool or apparatus into the drinking hose  106  during cleaning. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments, the drinking hose  106  may include a mouthpiece  148  to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the reservoir  102  through the drinking hose  106 . It is envisioned that the mouthpiece  148  may be either fixedly connected to the drinking hose  106  or, alternatively, that the mouthpiece  148  may be detachable (removable) from the drinking hose  106  to facilitate cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. It is also envisioned that the mouthpiece  148  may be configured to facilitate use of the personal hydration system  100  with a sleep apparatus, such as a CPAP machine (or mask), for example, without requiring removal of the CPAP machine (or mask). 
     In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the personal hydration system  100  may further include a holster  150  (or other such mounting member) ( FIG. 1 ) that is configured for connection to (engagement with) the drinking hose  106  (e.g., the mouthpiece  148 ). For example, in the embodiment seen in  FIG. 1 , the holster  150  is configured for mounting to the surface S (e.g., via an adhesive, one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.) so as to reduce undesirable contact with the mouthpiece  148  and improve the cleanliness thereof. It is envisioned that the drinking hose  106  (e.g., the mouthpiece  148 ) and the holster  150  may be configured for connection (engagement) in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece  148  and the holster  150  are configured for magnetic engagement (connection). More specifically, the mouthpiece  148  includes a magnetic portion  152  (e.g., a collet  154 ) that is configured for connection to (engagement with) the holster  150 . It should be appreciated, however, that mechanical connections between the mouthpiece  148  and the holster  150  are also contemplated herein. For example, it is envisioned that the mouthpiece  148  and the holster  150  may be configured for engagement (connection) in an interference or snap-fit arrangement. 
     In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the mouthpiece  148  may include an internal valve  156  ( FIG. 1 ) to inhibit (if not entirely eliminate) leakage from the drinking hose  106 . In such embodiments, it is envisioned that the valve  156  may be manually actuable (e.g., openable and closable) to regulate fluid flow through the drinking hose  106 . For example, it is envisioned that the valve  156  may be connected to a lever (not shown) or other such suitable tactile member or that the valve  156  may be configured and positioned for opening upon the application of force by the user&#39;s mouth such that the valve  156  functions as a bite-down mechanism. 
     Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments. 
     Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element may be included or omitted, with both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Additionally, use of broader terms, such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having,” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms, such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. 
     In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s). 
     Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25% (or less), or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design. 
     Although terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various operations, elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these operations, elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by the use of these terms in that these terms are used to distinguish one operation, element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first operation, element, component, region, or section could be termed a second operation, element, component, region, or section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.