Patent Publication Number: US-2021180725-A1

Title: Support structure for supporting a cable

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/605,880, filed on May 25, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/341,335, filed on May 25, 2016. The entire disclosures of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/605,880 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/341,335 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The instant application is directed towards a support structure. For example, the instant application is directed towards a support structure for supporting a cable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Support structures can be used for supporting a cable, a wire, or the like. The cable, wire, etc. can be at least partially wound around the support structure. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In an example, a support structure for supporting a cable is provided. The support structure comprises a body portion extending circumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a first wall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall, and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an opening extending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The body portion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. A retention structure is coupled to the first wall and projects from the first wall towards the second wall. The retention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall. The retention structure is configured to retain the cable within the opening. 
     In another example, a support structure for supporting a cable is provided. The support structure comprises a body portion extending circumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a first wall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall, and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an opening extending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The body portion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. A retention structure is coupled to the first wall at a first location and projects from the first wall towards the second wall. The retention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall and is spaced a distance away from the second wall. The retention structure is configured to retain the cable within the opening. A second retention structure is coupled to the second wall at a second location and projects from the second wall towards the first wall. The second retention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall and is spaced a second distance away from the first wall. The second retention structure is configured to retain the cable within the opening. 
     In another example, a support structure for supporting a cable is provided. The support structure comprises a body portion extending circumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a first wall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall, and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an opening extending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The body portion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. A retention structure is coupled to the first wall. The retention structure is movable between a first orientation, in which the retention structure extends substantially perpendicularly to the third wall, and a second orientation, in which the retention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall. The retention structure is configured to retain the cable within the opening when the retention structure is in the second orientation. 
     The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first example support structure; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a first example support structure; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a first example support structure; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a second example support structure; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a second example support structure; and 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a second example support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. may differ from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a support structure  100  is illustrated. The support structure  100  can support a cable  102 . In an example, the cable  102  may comprise a braided cable. The cable  102  can be bent and/or looped such that the support structure  100  may support an end of the cable  102 . The support structure  100  can support and maintain the cable  102  in a partially bent configuration, in which the support structure  100  and the cable  102  extend circumferentially about an axis  104 . In the illustrated example, the cable  102  can be bent substantially 180 degrees, such that the cable can extend from a first direction, be wound by the support structure  100 , and continue to extend back in the first direction. It will be appreciated that the term “cable,” as used herein, may comprise a loop of a dead-end structure. As such, in an example, the cable  102  comprises a loop of a dead-end termination that may connect a structure (e.g., a second cable, etc.) to a pole structure. 
     The support structure  100  comprises a body portion  106 . The body portion may extend circumferentially about the axis  104 . The body portion  106  may comprise any number of materials, such as metal materials, non-metal materials, plastic materials, composite materials, etc. In some examples, the body portion  106  may be substantially rigid and/or non-flexible, such that the body portion  106  is substantially resistant to undesired flexing, torsion, bending, etc. In another example, the body portion  106  may comprise a metallic material, such that some portions of the body portion  106  can be bent and/or moved in response to an applied force. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , the body portion  106  is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the body portion  106  is illustrated without the cable  102  in  FIG. 2  for the purposes of illustration, and to more clearly illustrated portions of the body portion  106 . In operation, however, the body portion  106  can support the cable  102  in a similar manner as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The body portion  106  may comprise a first wall  200 , a second wall  202 , and a third wall  204 . The first wall  200 , the second wall  202 , and the third wall  204  can extend circumferentially about the axis  104 . In an example, the first wall  200  may define an inner radial side  210  of the body portion  106 . The second wall  202  may define an outer radial side  212  of the body portion  106 . In an example, the second wall  202  can extend substantially parallel to the first wall  200  about the axis  104 . 
     The third wall  204  can extend between the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . For example, the third wall  204  can be coupled to the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . In such an example, a first edge of the third wall  204  can be coupled to the first wall  200  while an opposing second edge of the third wall  204  can be coupled to the second wall  202 . 
     The first wall  200 , the second wall  202 , and the third wall  204  can define an opening  214 . The opening  214  can extend along a circumferential length of the body portion  106 . That is, the opening  214  can extend between a first end  216  of the body portion  106  and a second end  218  of the body portion  106 . In this example, the opening  214  can be defined between the inner radial side  210  of the body portion  106  and the outer radial side  212  of the body portion  106 . As such, the opening  214  can be bounded by the first wall  200  at the inner radial side  210  and by the second wall  202  at the outer radial side  212 . The opening  214  can be bounded on one lateral side by the third wall  204  and may be unbounded on an opposing lateral side. 
     The inner radial side  210  can have a smaller circumference than the outer radial side  212 . In this example, the inner radial side  210  may have a smaller circumferential length than the second wall  202 . In an example, the outer radial side  212  can have a larger circumferential length than the first wall  200 . 
     The body portion  106  is configured to receive the cable  102  within the opening  214 . For example, the opening  214  may be sized to accommodate the cable  102 . In such an example, the opening  214  may have a cross-sectional size that is at least as large as a cross-sectional size of the cable  102 , such that the cable  102  can be received within the opening  214 . In some examples, the opening  214  can define a relatively tight fit for the cable  102 , such that the cable  102  is substantially limited from inadvertent moving, sliding, etc. In such an example, the cable  102  may be in contact with the first wall  200 , the second wall  202 , and the third wall  204  when received within the opening  214 . 
     The body portion  106  may comprise one or more retention structures. In an example, the body portion  106  comprises a retention structure  230 , a second retention structure  232 , and a third retention structure  234 . While three retention structures are illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it will be appreciated that any number of retention structures, at a number of different positions, are envisioned. 
     The retention structure  230  may be coupled to the first wall  200 . The retention structure  230  can project from the first wall  200  towards the second wall  202 . In an example, the retention structure  230  can be integrally formed with the first wall  200  (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the retention structure  230  can be separately attached to the first wall  200 , such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the retention structure  230  can retain the cable  102  within the opening  214 . 
     The retention structure  230  can extend substantially parallel to the third wall  204  and may be spaced a distance away from the second wall  202 . As such, the retention structure  230  can define a gap  236  located between an end of the retention structure  230  and the second wall  202 . The gap  236  can have a reduced distance as compared to a distance between the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . This reduced gap distance of the gap  236  can allow for a snap-fit between the body portion  106  and the cable  102 . 
     The second retention structure  232  may be coupled to the second wall  202 . The second retention structure  232  can project from the second wall  202  towards the first wall  200 . In an example, the second retention structure  232  can be integrally formed with the second wall  202  (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the second retention structure  232  can be separately attached to the second wall  202 , such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the second retention structure  232  can assist in retaining the cable  102  within the opening  214 . 
     The second retention structure  232  can extend substantially parallel to the third wall  204  and may be spaced a distance away from the first wall  200 . As such, the second retention structure  232  can define a second gap  238  located between an end of the second retention structure  232  and the first wall  200 . The second gap  238  can have a reduced distance as compared to a distance between the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . 
     The third retention structure  234  may be coupled to the first wall  200 . The third retention structure  234  can project from the first wall  200  towards the second wall  202 . In an example, the third retention structure  234  can be integrally formed with the first wall  200  (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the third retention structure  234  can be separately attached to the first wall  200 , such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the third retention structure  234  can retain the cable  102  within the opening  214 . 
     The third retention structure  234  can extend substantially parallel to the third wall  204  and may be spaced a distance away from the second wall  202 . As such, the third retention structure  234  can define a third gap  240  located between an end of the third retention structure  234  and the second wall  202 . The third gap  240  can have a reduced distance as compared to a distance between the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . In some examples, the gap  236 , the second gap  238 , and the third gap  240  can have substantially similar dimensions. 
     In an example, the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234  can have similar or identical shapes. For example, the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234  may have a substantially cubic shape with a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. In such an example, a side of the cubic shape may be coupled to an inner surface of the first wall  200  or the second wall  202 . 
     In an example, the retention structure  230  can extend along a retention structure axis  250 . In another example, the second retention structure  232  can extend along a second retention structure axis  252 . In an example, the third retention structure  234  can extend along a third retention structure axis  254 . In the illustrated axis, the second retention structure axis  252  may be non-parallel with respect to the retention structure axis  250  and the third retention structure axis  254 . In a possible example, the retention structure axis  250  and the third retention structure axis  254  may be substantially parallel to each other and/or coaxial with respect to each other. 
     The retention structure  230 , the second retention structure  232 , and the third retention structure  234  can be positioned to assist in retaining the cable  102  within the opening  214 . For example, the retention structure  230  can be positioned adjacent to the first end  216  and/or spaced a distance apart from the first end  216 . Such a distance may be less than double the width (e.g., with the width being measured in a direction that is along a length of the body portion  106  between the first end  216  and the second end  218 ) of the retention structure  230 . 
     The third retention structure  234  can be positioned adjacent to the second end  218  and/or spaced a distance apart from the second end  218 . Such a distance may be less than double the width (e.g., with the width being measured in a direction that is along a length of the body portion  106  between the first end  216  and the second end  218 ) of the third retention structure  234 . 
     The second retention structure  232  can be positioned substantially at a midpoint of the body portion  106 . As such, the second retention structure  232  can be located at a maximum distance as measured from an axis intersecting the first end  216  and the second end  218  of the body portion  106 . In this example, a distance separating the retention structure  230  and the second retention structure  232  may substantially match a distance separating the retention structure  230  and the third retention structure  234 . In this example, the second retention structure  232  can be located a substantially same distance from the first end  216  and the second end  218  as measured along a length of the body portion  106 . In this example, the second retention structure  232  may be located a maximum distance from the first end  216  and the second end  218  as measured along a length of the body portion  106 . In this way, the cable  102  can be retained by the retention structure  230  and the third retention structure  234  at the first end  216  and the second end  218 , respectively. The cable  102  may be retained by the second retention structure  232  at a midpoint of the body portion  106 . 
     In some examples, the body portion  106  comprises one or more support openings. For example, the body portion  106  may comprise a first support opening  260 , a second support opening  262 , and a third support opening  264 . The first support opening  260  can be defined within the third wall  204  adjacent to the retention structure  230 . The second support opening  262  can be defined within the third wall  204  adjacent to the second retention structure  232 . The third support opening  264  can be defined within the third wall adjacent to the third retention structure  234 . In an example, the support openings  260 ,  262 ,  264  can allow for the body portion  106  to have a reduced weight while still having a sufficient strength to support the cable  102 . In addition or in the alternative, the support openings  260 ,  262 ,  264  can be provided as a result of the manufacturing of the body portion  106 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , an end view of the first end  216  of the body portion  106  is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the second end  218  may be substantially similar and/or identical to the first end  216 . Likewise, while the retention structure  230  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a side/end view of the second retention structure  232  and the third retention structure  234  may be substantially similar and/or identical in dimension, shape, etc. 
     The retention structure  230  can extend along the retention structure axis  250  in a direction that is substantially parallel to the third wall  204 . Likewise, the second retention structure  232  and the third retention structure  234  can extend along the second retention structure axis  252  and the third retention structure axis  254 , respectively, in directions that are substantially parallel to the third wall  204 . In an example, an upper surface of the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234  (e.g., on an opposite side from the third wall  204 ) may be substantially planar with an upper surface of the first wall  200  and the second wall  202 . 
     The first wall  200  can define a first inner surface  300 . In an example, the first inner surface  300  of the first wall  200  may be substantially planar. The second wall  202  can define a second inner surface  302 . In an example, the second inner surface  302  may be substantially planar. In some examples, the first inner surface  300  is substantially parallel to the second inner surface  302 . The third wall  204  can define a third inner surface  304 . In an example, the third inner surface  304  is non-planar and may extend at least partially circumferentially about a third axis. 
     It will be appreciated that the first inner surface  300  and the second inner surface  302  are not limited to being substantially planar. Rather, in some examples, the first inner surface  300  and the second inner surface  302  may be non-planar, and may have a bend, a curvature, etc. In some examples, the third inner surface  304  is not limited to being substantially non-planar. Rather, the third inner surface  304  may be substantially flat and planar. 
     The opening  214  can be defined at least partially between the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234 , the first wall  200 , the second wall  202 , and the third wall  204 . In this example, a bottom surface of the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234  can be spaced apart from the third wall  204  to at least partially define the opening  214 . As such, the cable  102  can be retained within the opening  214  by the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234 . The cable  102  can contact, engage, etc. the bottom surface of the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234  to limit the cable  102  from inadvertently being removed from the opening  214 . 
     In operation, the cable  102  can be inserted into the opening  214  by snapping the cable  102  into the opening  214  from above the body portion  106 . Once the cable has been inserted into the opening  214 , the cable  102  can be retained by the retention structures  230 ,  232 ,  234 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , a second example support structure  400  is illustrated. The support structure  400  can support the cable  102 . In an example, the support structure  400  comprises a body portion  402  that may extend circumferentially about the axis  104 . The support structure  400  can support and maintain the cable  102  in a partially bent configuration, in which the support structure  400  and the cable  102  extend circumferentially about the axis  104 . 
     The body portion  402  may comprise any number of materials, such as metal materials, non-metal materials, plastic materials, composite materials, etc. In the illustrated example, the body portion  402  may comprise a metal material, such that a portion of the body portion  402  can be bent and/or moved in response to an applied force. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , the body portion  402  is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the body portion  402  is illustrated without the cable  102  in  FIG. 5  for the purposes of illustration, and to more clearly illustrated portions of the body portion  402 . In operation, however, the body portion  402  can support the cable  102  in a similar manner as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     The body portion  402  may comprise a first wall  500 , a second wall  502 , and a third wall  504 . The first wall  500 , the second wall  502 , and the third wall  504  can extend circumferentially about the axis  104 . In an example, the third wall  504  may define an inner radial side  506  of the body portion  402 . The first wall  500  and the second wall  502  can define lateral sides of the body portion  402 . The first wall  500 , the second wall  502 , and the third wall  504  can define an opening  508  that borders an outer radial side  510  of the body portion  402 . 
     In an example, the second wall  502  can extend substantially parallel to the first wall  500  about the axis  104 . The third wall  504  can extend between the first wall  500  and the second wall  502 . For example, the third wall  504  can be coupled to the first wall  500  and the second wall  502 . In such an example, a first edge of the third wall  504  can be coupled to the first wall  500  while an opposing second edge of the third wall  504  can be coupled to the second wall  502 . 
     The first wall  500 , the second wall  502 , and the third wall  504  can define the opening  508 . The opening  508  can extend along a circumferential length of the body portion  402 . That is, the opening  508  can extend between a first end of the body portion  402  and a second end of the body portion  402 . In this example, the opening  508  can be defined between the inner radial side  506  of the body portion  402  and the outer radial side  510  of the body portion  402 . As such, the opening  508  can be bounded by the third wall  504  at the inner radial side  506  and may be unbordered at the outer radial side  510 . 
     The body portion  402  is configured to receive the cable  102  within the opening  508 . For example, the opening  508  may be sized to accommodate the cable  102 . In such an example, the opening  508  may have a cross-sectional size that is at least as large as a cross-sectional size of the cable  102 , such that the cable  102  can be received within the opening  508 . In some examples, the opening  508  can define a relatively tight fit for the cable  102 , such that the cable  102  is substantially limited from inadvertent moving, sliding, etc. In such an example, the cable  102  may be in contact with the first wall  500 , the second wall  502 , and the third wall  504  when received within the opening  508 . 
     The body portion  402  may comprise one or more retention structures. In an example, the body portion  402  comprises a retention structure  520  and a second retention structure  522 . While two retention structures are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , it will be appreciated that any number of retention structures, at a number of different positions, are envisioned. The retention structure  520  can be coupled to the first wall  500  while the second retention structure  522  can be coupled to the second wall  502 . 
     The retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  are illustrated in a first orientation in  FIG. 5 . In the first orientation, the retention structure  520  may project substantially parallel to the first wall  500 . The retention structure  520  can be integrally formed with the first wall  500  (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the retention structure  520  can be separately attached to the first wall  500 , such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the retention structure  520  can retain the cable  102  within the opening  508 . 
     In the first orientation, the second retention structure  522  may extend substantially parallel to the second wall  502 . The second retention structure  522  can be integrally formed with the second wall  502  (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the second retention structure  522  can be separately attached to the second wall  502 , such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.). In these examples, the second retention structure  522  can retain the cable  102  within the opening  508 . 
     In the first orientation, the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can extend substantially perpendicularly to the third wall  504 . The retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  may be spaced a distance apart from each other (e.g., the same distance that the first wall  500  and the second wall  502  are spaced apart). As such, the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  may define a gap  524  therebetween. In an example, the gap  524  may be sized to be equal to or larger than a cross-sectional size of the cable  102 . As such, the gap  524  can allow for the cable  102  to be inserted into the opening  508  and/or to be removed from the opening  508 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can be moved from the first orientation (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) to a second orientation (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). In the second orientation, the retention structure  520  can be moved to extend substantially parallel to the third wall  504  and substantially perpendicular to the first wall  500  and the second wall  502 . In the second orientation, the second retention structure  522  can be moved to extend substantially parallel to the third wall  504  and substantially perpendicular to the first wall  500  and the second wall  502 . In an example, in the second orientation, the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can extend substantially parallel to each other and co-planar with respect to each other. 
     In an example, the retention structure  520  can extend along a retention structure axis  620  when the retention structure  520  is in the second orientation. In an example, the second retention structure  522  can extend along a second retention structure axis  622  when the second retention structure  522  is in the second orientation. In some examples, the retention structure axis  620  and the second retention structure axis  622  may be substantially parallel. In the illustrated example, the retention structure axis  620  and the second retention structure axis  622  may be substantially co-axial, since the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  are located at matching and opposing locations of the first wall  500  and the second wall  502 , respectively. 
     With the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  in the second orientation, the body portion  402  can support the cable  102  within the opening  508 . For example, the cable  102  can contact a first inner surface  600  of the first wall  500 , a second inner surface  602  of the second wall  502 , and/or a third inner surface  604  of the third wall  504 . 
     In an example, the first inner surface  600  may be substantially planar. In an example, the second inner surface  602  may be substantially planar. In an example, the third inner surface  604  may be non-planar and may extend at least partially circumferentially about a third axis. The opening  508  can therefore bet defined at least partially between the retention structures ( 520 ,  522 ), the first wall  500 , the second wall  502 , and the third wall  504 . In the second orientation, the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can be spaced apart from the third wall  204  to at least partially define the opening  508 . As such, the cable  102  can be retained within the opening  508  by the retention structures ( 520 ,  522 ). 
     In the example of  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the body portion  402  may comprise a material that has at least some degree of flexibility and/or pliability in response to a force, such as a metal material (e.g., or other materials that have at least some degree of ductility). In such an example, a force can be applied to the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  to cause the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. As such, when the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  are in the first orientation, the cable  102  can be inserted into the opening  508 . With the cable  102  positioned within the opening  508 , the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can be moved to the second orientation (e.g., due to a force being applied to the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522 ). In the second orientation, the retention structure  520  and the second retention structure  522  can retain the cable  102  within the opening  508 . 
     The support structure  100 ,  400  described herein provides a number of benefits. For example, the support structure  100 ,  400  can support a cable  102 . In addition, due to the curved and/or rounded configuration of the support structure  100 ,  400 , wear and fatigue on the cable  102  is reduced (e.g., in response to movement caused by wind, etc.). Such a reduction in wear on the cable  102  (e.g., a loop of a dead-end) is beneficial due to a reduced likelihood of fatigue on the cable  102 . In an example, the support structure  100 ,  400  can meet bend radius requirements to limit fatigue and to allow for long term performance. The retention structures can avoid lost components and allow for relatively easier handling during installation with a reduced likelihood of lost parts. Materials may be selected for chemical, electrical, mechanical, or corrosion resistant properties to meet application requirements. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims. 
     Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments. 
     Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first component and a second component correspond to component A and component B or two different or two identical components or the same component. 
     Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising”. 
     Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.