Patent Publication Number: US-2020275821-A1

Title: Shoe cleaning apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/811,901, filed Feb. 28, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Tracked dirt and debris from footwear can be can unattractive as well as harmful. This is true in homes, work places, and in medical facilities. Rubber mats or carpeting are often used at entrances to homes or buildings for users to wipe shoes; however, this merely removes a small amount of lose dirt and grime at best. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a shoe cleaning apparatus, comprising a housing assembly operably coupled to the platform, a platform having an upper surface adapted to receive footwear for cleaning, a fluid delivery system fluidly coupled to the upper surface and configured to provide a cleaning fluid thereto, and a fluid recovery system fluidly coupled to the upper surface and including a suction source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shoe cleaning apparatus according to various aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the shoe cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1  installed and in a stored position. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the shoe cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 2  in a lowered and retracted position. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the shoe cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 2  in a lowered and extended position. 
         FIG. 5  is a side schematic view of a shoe cleaning apparatus in multiple positions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a shoe cleaning apparatus for cleaning a shoe(s) of a user while wearing. The term “shoes” is used herein to describe a variety of footwear including sneakers, boots, heels, etc. and is used interchangeably with the term footwear. It is noted that the shoe cleaning apparatus may have a variety of applications including both commercial and consumer or home based. 
     One commercial industry that may find the shoe cleaning apparatus particularly useful is that of the medical industry where contaminants and bacteria on footwear can track in hazards into a patient room or other area such as a surgical unit or laboratory. Hospital acquired infections can affect five to ten percent of hospitalized patients in the U.S. per year. Approximately 1.7 million hospital acquired infections occur in U.S. hospitals each year, resulting in 99,000 deaths and an estimated $20 billion in healthcare costs. Footwear tracks in a variety of contaminants, toxins, and otherwise into an environment that is intended to provide a healing environment and promote health and well-being. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system for cleaning shoes of a user while wearing. The system includes a shoe cleaning apparatus in the form of an exemplary shoe cleaning apparatus  10  also referred to herein as a shoe cleaner. The functional systems of the exemplary shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as a device having minimal or no supply and recovery tanks but directly coupled to a household or commercial plumbing system, a portable device adapted to be hand carried by a user, or a device suitable to be located without plumbing hook-ups but intended for more stationary use such as combined with a decorative or storage unit, entry system, or built-in system. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can include a fluid delivery system  12  having at least one fluid container  13  such as a fluid supply container for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to a base  20  having a platform  22  and a recovery system  14  such as a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the platform  22  and separating or storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris. 
     The platform  22  has been illustrated as having a left side  22   a  and a right side  22   b  for accommodating left and right shoes of a user, simultaneously. It is contemplated that the platform can be of any suitable material including silicone and that nubs  24  or other agitators, grips, etc. can be provided thereon to facilitate cleaning on a wet surface. 
     A housing  16  of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  contains a pump  17  for the fluid delivery system  12  as well as a suction source  18  of the recovery system  14 . 
     The fluid delivery system  12  can include at least one fluid container  13  for storing a supply of fluid. The fluid can include one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can include a mixture of water and concentrated treating chemistry. The fluid delivery system  12  can generally include a flow control system, including the pump  17 , for controlling the flow of fluid from the at least one fluid container  13  to the fluid distributor  25  having at least one outlet located on or adjacent the platform  22 . By way of non-limiting example, the fluid distributor  25  is illustrated as an opening in the platform  22  extending along a top edge thereof. The fluid distributor  25  can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle, spray tip, spray bar, fountain, etc. The fluid distributor can be positioned to deliver fluid directly to the platform surface, or indirectly by delivering fluid onto an agitator on the base  20 . 
     In one configuration, the flow control system can include at least one pump such as the pump  17 , which pressurizes the fluid delivery system  12  and a flow control valve, which controls the delivery of fluid to the distributor(s) at the platform  22 . In one example, the pump can be coupled with the power source  38  ( FIG. 2 ). An actuator can be provided to actuate the flow control system and dispense fluid to the distributor(s) at the platform  22 . The actuator can be operably coupled to the valve such that pressing the actuator will open the valve. The valve can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch between the valve and the power source  38  ( FIG. 2 ) that is selectively closed when the actuator is pressed, thereby powering the valve to move to an open position. In one example, the valve can be a solenoid valve. Alternatively, the actuator can be operably coupled to a sensor that senses a user&#39;s presence and actuates based thereon. For example, the sensor can include a weight or mass sensor that senses a user has stepped onto the platform  22 . 
     As another option, the fluid delivery system  12  can be provided with at least one additional container for storing a cleaning fluid. For example, the first container can store water provided by the water inlet  32  and an additional container can store a cleaning agent such as detergent. Such first and second containers can, for example, be defined by a supply tank and/or a collapsible bladder. Alternatively, a single container can define multiple chambers for different fluids. In the case where multiple containers are provided, the flow control system can further be provided with a mixing system for controlling the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the platform  22 . The composition of the cleaning fluid can be determined by the ratio of cleaning fluids mixed together by the mixing system. As shown herein, the mixing system includes a mixing manifold that selectively receives fluid from one or both of the containers. A mixing valve is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the additional container, whereby when mixing valve is open, the second cleaning fluid will flow to the mixing manifold. By controlling the orifice of the mixing valve or the time that the mixing valve is open, the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the platform  22  can be selected. 
     The recovery system  14  can include at least one inlet  27  located at or adjacent the platform  22  and in fluid communication with the suction source  18  for generating a working fluid path, and a recovery container  15  for separating and collecting fluid and debris from the working airstream for later disposal. The at least one inlet  27  can be thought of as a suction nozzle(s) that can be provided on or adjacent any suitable portion of the platform  22 . A separator (not shown) can be formed in a portion of the recovery container  15  for separating fluid and entrained debris from the working airstream. The suction source  18  can be any suitable suction source, such as a motor/fan assembly, which is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container  15 . The motor/fan assembly can be electrically coupled to a power source  38  ( FIG. 2 ), such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. 
     It is contemplated that an optional diverter assembly (not shown) can selectively couple the suction nozzle(s) to the suction source  18 . 
     It will be understood that the specifics of the fluid delivery system and fluid recovery system are much like that of a portable extraction cleaner. The shoe cleaning apparatus  10 , whether portable, built-in, or installed, can include any or all of the various systems and components described herein, including at least a fluid delivery system for storing and delivering a cleaning fluid to the platform  22  and a recovery system for extracting the dispensed cleaning fluid, dirt and debris from the platform  22 . Fluid delivery systems and fluid recovery systems including pumps, valving, containers, seals, suctions sources, etc. are set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,226, filed Nov. 27, 2002, and titled “Portable Extraction Cleaner,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,589, filed Mar. 31, 2004, and titled “Unattended Spot Cleaning Apparatus,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0108244, filed Oct. 15, 2014, and titled “Apparatus for Cleaning a Surface,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such references describe portable extractors, which can generally describe a portion of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  to which the base  20  can be operably coupled with. While the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  has been illustrated as being connected with fluid and disposal plumbing infrastructure it will be understood that this need not be the case and that the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can be standalone. 
     At least one ultraviolet emitting light element, herein UV light emitting element  26 , is also located on the base  20  adjacent the platform  22 . The UV light emitting element  26  preferably comprises a conventional UV lamp. Alternately, the UV light emitting element  26  a plurality of UV emitting LEDs. The UV light emitting element  26  can be fixedly received within a mounting channel in the base  20  and can be connected to a controller (not shown) and power source  38 . The UV light emitting element  26  can be selected from a range of optional light emitting elements based on the desired effect and dictated by the wavelength properties associated with the light element. Alternatively, the light on the upper portion of the base can be an indication light. Further still, another UV light emitting element  66  can be located underneath the platform  22  (see  FIG. 5 ) and light can be allowed to reach a sole of a user&#39;s footwear therefrom. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can also include a motion sensor  28  for determining a presence of a user. Such motion sensor  28  can include, by way of non-limiting example, an infrared sensor. It will be understood that the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can include either an actuator to move from one position to the next, automatically move from one position to the next via a sensed presence, or alternatively, that the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can remain in a use position. The shoe cleaning apparatus  10  is illustrated in an installed, raised, retracted, and stored position under a sink  30 , such as in a hospital sickroom. Such a folded position can facilitate wheelchair or access to the sink as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  in a lowered and retracted position, where the base  20  has been lowered to rest on the floor but is still substantially under the sink  30 . Arrow  60  illustrates rotational or pivoting motion of the base  20  in relation to the housing  16 . As more clearly seen, the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  is fluidly coupled to plumbing infrastructure of the building. More specifically, an inlet fluid conduit  31  can fluidly couple a water tap to the shoe cleaning apparatus  10 , including the fluid delivery system  12 . An outlet conduit  34  fluidly couples the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  to a drain line  36 . A power source  38  is also illustrated as being coupled to a building mains line. The power source  38  can provide power for the shoe cleaning apparatus  10 , such as via a battery pack or wall outlet in non-limiting examples, and can provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power as desired. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  still in a lowered position resting on the floor and in an extended position where the base  20  is spaced from the housing  16  and stationary portion  21 . Arrow  62  illustrates movement of the base  20  away from the housing  16 . As can be seen a telescoping mechanism  40  is included and can operably couple the base  20  with the housing  16  and stationary portion  21 . The telescoping mechanism  40  can house any conduits, pathways, power couplings, etc. to provide functionality to the base  20 . The telescoping mechanism  40  can be any suitable flexible sheathing. The illustrative example of  FIG. 4  can be considered a use position although it will be understood that depending on the locale of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  the lowered and retracted position can also be considered a use position. 
     Regardless of the particular implementation, the system and shoe cleaning apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 1  can be used to effectively remove debris and bacteria from the footwear of a user to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. In operation, the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  is prepared for use by coupling the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  to the power source  38 , and by fluidly coupling the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  to the building plumbing. Alternatively, if the shoe cleaner is a standalone device the apparatus can be prepared by filling the container(s) with cleaning fluid. 
     An operational example will be explained, with respect to the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  being installed under the sink  30  as in  FIGS. 1-4 . During operation, the motion sensor  28  detects a presence of the user as the user approaches the sink  30 . The shoe cleaning apparatus  10  then deploys automatically. A motor or hydraulic actuator (not shown) operably coupled to the telescoping mechanism  40  operates to extend the base  20  from the retracted to the extended position. After deployment to the extended position, cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the platform  22  via the fluid delivery system  12  of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10 . By way of non-limiting example, the fluid distributor  25  can be located at a first end of the platform  22  opposite the at least one inlet  27  for the recovery system  14 . It is contemplated that the platform  22  may be slightly tilted downwards toward the at least one inlet  27  to direct cleaning fluid from the fluid distributor  25  towards the at least one inlet  27 . Simultaneously or thereafter, the recovery system  14  can be operated and the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  draws in fluid and debris-laden working air through at least one suction nozzle or the at least one inlet  27  and into the downstream recovery container  15  where the fluid debris is substantially separated from the working air. The airstream then passes through the suction source  18 , which may be in the form of a motor/fan assembly prior to being exhausted from the shoe cleaning apparatus  10 . The recovery container  15  can drain to the drain line  36  or alternatively be periodically emptied of collected fluid and debris. For example, in a standalone unit the recovery container  15  would be periodically emptied. It is contemplated that a cleaning via operation of the fluid delivery system  12  and the recovery system  14  either sequentially or simultaneously can be operated for twenty seconds during each cycle. 
     UV light emitting element  26  can be controlled to emit ultraviolet light during this time. For example, the light emitting element emits UVC light which can provide surface sanitization and disinfection properties. It is well-known that UVC light exposure has a germicidal effect and can eradicate odor-causing bacteria by destroying the DNA and RNA of microbes, thus rendering them impotent and unable to multiply. Surface sanitization and disinfection is best achieved with a light source having a UVC wavelength of about 260 nanometers. However, a range of about 280 to about 200 nanometers is also acceptable. It is contemplated that UVC light can be emitted for at least eight seconds. Alternatively, the light emitting element can be selected to enhance stain removal performance or activate certain cleaning chemical compositions. For example, it is known that illuminating certain peroxygen cleaning compounds with UVA light can improve cleaning efficacy and decrease the cleaning cycle time. 
     While the user is standing on the platform the nubs  24  can provide agitation on the footwear and can cause dirt or debris to break into smaller pieces while being liberated from the footwear. The nubs  24  are not shown with as much clarity in  FIGS. 2-4 ; however, it will be understood that they are the same as the numbs with respect to those illustrated in detail in  FIG. 1 . The nubs  24  can include an extended or depressed state. The nubs  24  can also optionally include a ribbed abrasive contact area with origami side fold structures. Openings in the nubs can also be included to allow liquid to enter an interior of the nub and expand the nub. A transparent gel substrate can be located below the nubs and a UV light emitting element can be located there below. The ultraviolet light can permeate the gel, platform, and nub structures to sanitize the footwear. Downward pressure applied to the platform can also act to move the nubs in a twisting action, which can aid in mechanically removing debris and dirt from the footwear. Further still it is contemplated that a clean water channel can be provided between nubs to provide them with hydraulic fill. A dirty fluid or extraction channel can couple alternating or other rows of nubs. 
     Liberated dirt or debris can be directed through the suction nozzle(s) or the at least one inlet  27  and to the recovery container  15  via the suction source  18 . While not illustrated it is also contemplated that a moveable agitator can be provided adjacent to the platform  22 . Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls. 
     An indicator can be located behind the faucet of the sink  30 , or otherwise located, to provide an indication that a cycle of the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  is completed. It is contemplated that the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  can be integrated in the hand washing station or sink  30  to combine the activity for users. Hospital guidelines often require caregivers to wash or sanitize hands for approximately twenty seconds. Placing the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  in such a locale allows for shoes to be cleaned while hands are being cleaned to combine activities and save time. Once a user dismounts from the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  the base  20  can return to the retracted and raised position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an illustrative system including a shoe cleaning apparatus  410  for cleaning shoe(s) of a user while wearing. The system and shoe cleaning apparatus  410  is similar to the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of applies to the shoe cleaning apparatus  410 , unless otherwise noted. Much like the early description a moveable base  420  including a platform  422  is included. One difference is the shoe cleaning apparatus  410  is lower profile and does not include containers for fluid delivery and recovery. Instead the shoe cleaning apparatus  410  can include fluid systems that directly or selectively couple with plumbing infrastructures such as a water inlet  411  and drain line  413 . It is contemplated that a treating chemistry container (not shown) can still be included within the housing  416  within the stationary portion  421  of the shoe cleaning apparatus  410 . 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus  410  is illustrated in phantom in the stored position and arrow  464  and arrow  466  illustrate the shoe cleaning apparatus  410  moving to the lowered and extended position, respectively, which can also be considered the use position. It will be understood that the shoe cleaning apparatus  410  operates much the same way as the shoe cleaning apparatus  10  and thus the description of the operation will not be repeated. 
     It will be understood that the shoe cleaning apparatus can alternatively be portable with cordless platforms or footpads. Additionally or alternatively, the shoe cleaning apparatus can include a one or more closure members configured to move to cover the platform when not in use. Further still, a dirty fluid tray that can be easily removed as well as a reflective upper panel including at least one reflective element configured to reflect UV light provided to the platform can be included. The reflective elements can be any elements having reflective properties, such as strips of foil or glass forms. Tanks accessible from the side with indented grips formed thereon can be included along with indicators or lights. 
     It is contemplated that a system including the shoe cleaning apparatus can also include one or more storage options. For example, an entry station could include an ultraviolet light located above garments such that garments can be sanitized by ultraviolet light. A tablet holder or shelving could be included. Other examples allow for wheelchair sanitization. 
     It will be understood that a variety of cleaning technologies can be utilized alternatively or in combination with the shoe cleaning apparatus to aid in cleaning footwear. By way of non-limiting example, brush pins that can rise to a profile, geometry, or topography or a bottom surface of a sole of a user&#39;s shoe(s) can be utilized. Such brush pins can incorporate UV lighting including but not limited to light pipe technology to provide for sanitization of the bottom surface of the sole from a UV light emitting element. The brush pins can include an abrasive tip that can be moveably operated to remove dirt and other foreign contaminants. It is contemplated that the brush pins can be rotated or vertically moved to create a mechanical action. Further still, a plurality of the brush pins can be moved at once of each individual brush pin can be controlled for movement. It will be understood that any suitable actuator(s) and controller can be included to control operation such that the brush pins can be configured to provide for cleaner footwear. 
     A platform with a plurality of tabs can be included and can conform to contours of an underside of the footwear. Further still, a seal, which can include a band that tightens about the sole of the footwear can be included. A moveable assembly includes a vacuum inlet, liquid distributor, and agitator in the form of a brush can also be included. The moveable assembly can slide back and forth below the shoe. Further still, a UV light emitting element can be located thereunder to allow for sanitization of the bottom surface of the sole. 
     A platform could also be optionally formed by a thin grate and a series of vacuum inlets and steam outlets located thereunder. It is contemplated that liquid distributors can also be included. During operation, steam from steam outlets can break up the dirt, a cleaning solution from liquid distributors can be used to rinse the dirt away and/or the dirt can be vacuumed away by vacuum inlets. Further still, a portion of the platform can be transparent to allow ultraviolet light to pass through from a UV light emitting element to allow for sanitization of the bottom surface of the sole. 
     A platform can also be located above a scanner or sensor(s). The sensor(s) can provide a topology or topography of an underside of a user&#39;s footwear and operate a brush assembly based thereon. The brush assembly is illustrated with a plurality of brush heads located about a liquid distributor. The brush heads are moveable via a linear actuator and a rotational actuator and are operably coupled thereto via one or more gears or pins. The brush assembly includes a carriage moveable along a set of rails although this is for illustrative purposes only. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide for a variety of benefits, including that the use of a shoe cleaning apparatus can provide for sanitation of a user&#39;s shoes to aid in preventing the spread of diseases and protect indoor spaces from harmful chemicals and dirt by cleaning a bottom portion of a user&#39;s shoes. Bacteria and viruses can be effectively eliminated with UVC radiation while dirt and other debris can be removed with a cleaning fluid or mechanical action. Further still, the apparatus as described herein includes additional benefits such as prolonging lifespan of footwear and improving aesthetics of footwear 
     This written description uses examples to describe aspects of the disclosure described herein, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: 
     A shoe cleaning apparatus, including a housing assembly operably coupled to the platform, a platform having an upper surface adapted to receive footwear for cleaning, a fluid delivery system fluidly coupled to the upper surface and configured to provide a cleaning fluid thereto, a fluid recovery system fluidly coupled to the upper surface and including a suction source. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising at least one fluid container removably mounted to the housing and adapted to contain the cleaning fluid. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising at least one recovery container removably mounted to the housing and having an air and liquid separator therein. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the fluid recovery system includes an inlet in communication with the recovery container for drawing soiled cleaning fluid recovered from the upper surface. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a working air conduit extending from the inlet to the recovery container. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein at least a portion of the working air conduit is telescopic. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the platform is pivotably coupled to the housing assembly. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the platform is moveable between a first stored position and second extended position wherein the platform is further from the housing assembly than in the stored position. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a sensor located on one of the housing assembly or the platform and configured to sense a presence of a user. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising an actuator configured to move the platform to the second extended position. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor to receive an output therefrom, with the actuator to control operation of the actuator, with a pump of the fluid delivery system, and the suction source of the fluid recovery system. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the controller is configured to operate the pump and the suction source during a twenty second cycle of operation. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a UV lighting element operably coupled to the controller, the UV lighting element located adjacent a portion of the platform and configured to emit UVC light or UVA light. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein at least one of the at least one fluid container of the at least one recovery container is fluidly couplable to a plumbing infrastructure of a building. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the platform is moveable between a first stored position and second use position wherein at least a portion of the platform is further from the housing assembly than in the stored position. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a sensor located on a lower surface of the platform and configured to sense a presence of a user when the platform is in the first stored position. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the platform is hingedly coupled to the housing assembly and further comprising an actuator configured to move the platform to the second use position. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor to receive an output therefrom, with the actuator to control operation of the actuator, with a pump of the fluid delivery system, and the suction source of the fluid recovery system. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein a set of nubs are located on the upper surface of the platform and configured to agitated a surface of footwear received thereon. 
     The shoe cleaning apparatus of any preceding clause wherein the housing assembly is portable. 
     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible with the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which, is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.