Patent Publication Number: US-2016224063-A1

Title: System and method for supporting a main housing of a mobile computing device in a supported operative orientation

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to mobile computing devices, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for supporting mobile computing devices in operative orientations. 
     Mobile computing devices, such as laptop computers, electronic tablets, smart phones, and various other handheld devices, are ubiquitous. A slate-style mobile computing device includes an input interface, such as a keyboard, that slides out from a main housing. For example, a known cellular smart phone includes a main housing that includes a display and a number pad and keyboard that slides out from the main housing in a direction that is parallel to a plane in which the display resides. In contrast, a flip-type cellular phone includes a pivotal interface at which an input interface pivots between open and closed position, similar to a book. 
     A known type of mobile computing device includes a stand that unfolds from a back of a main housing. In an unfolded position, the stand allows the mobile computing device to stand upright, so that a user may view a display and interact therewith, such as through an interactive touch screen. 
     Another known type of mobile computing devices includes a keyboard that unfolds from a front of a main housing. In an unfolded position, the keyboard supports the main housing in an upright orientation. 
     As can be appreciated, however, a computing device that is supported through a support stand extending from a rear surface, or with a keyboard extending from a front surface, may be susceptible to tipping over. For example, when a stand extends from a rear surface of a main housing, a force exerted into a top rear surface of the main housing may cause the computing device to tip over, such that a display screen may impact a surface of a structure on which it is positioned. In this manner, the computing device may be damaged. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method of safely and easily supporting a mobile computing device in an operative orientation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system that may include a main housing having one or more processors and a display screen. An input interface support stand may include an input interface integrally connected to a stabilizer. The input support stand is movably secured to the main housing and movable between a retracted position in which the input interface support stand is securely retracted in relation to the main housing, and a supporting position in which the input interface support stand supports the main housing in a supported operative orientation. 
     In at least one embodiment, the input interface is positioned to a first side of a plane in which the display screen resides in the supporting position, and the stabilizer is positioned to a second side of the plane in the supporting position. The first side is opposite from the second side, such as a front side and a back side. 
     The input interface and the stabilizer may have a common central plane. For example, a common central plane may pass through both the input interface and the stabilizer. 
     In at least one embodiment, the input interface support stand is movable between the retracted position and an extended position in which the input interface outwardly extends from the main housing. A base of the input interface support is parallel to a plane in which the display screen resides in the extended position. The input interface support stand may be pivoted between the extended position and the supporting position. 
     The stabilizer includes may include a flat panel. Alternatively, the stabilizer may include one or more beams, braces, or the like. The input interface may include one or both of a keyboard and a touchscreen, for example. In at least one embodiment, the input interface is removably connected to the stabilizer. 
     The user interface support stand may include a pivot member, and the main housing may include one or more guide tracks having one or more pivot terminals. One or more portions of the pivot member are retained within the one or more guide tracks. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method that may include movably securing an input interface support stand to a main housing of a mobile computing device. The input interface support stand may include an input interface integrally connected to a stabilizer. The main housing may include one or more processors and a display screen. The method may also include moving the input interface support stand between a retracted position, in which the input interface support stand is securely retracted in relation to the main housing, and a supporting position, in which the input interface support stand supports the main housing in a supported operative orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of an input interface support stand slid out from a main housing of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective lateral view of opposed lateral brackets of a main housing of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an input interface support stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device supported in an upright orientation by an input interface support stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a lateral view of a mobile computing device having an input interface support stand in a retracted position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a lateral view of an input interface support stand in a sliding position in relation to a main housing of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a lateral view of an input interface support stand in a fully-extended slid position in relation to a main housing of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a lateral view of an input interface support stand in a pivoting position in relation to a main housing of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a lateral view of an input interface support stand supporting a main housing of a mobile computing device in an upright orientation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of a method of supporting a mobile computing device in an upright orientation on a surface, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device supported in an upright orientation by an input interface support stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device supported in an upright orientation by an input interface support stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a simplified block diagram of a mobile computing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile computing device  100  is mobile or portable in that it may be readily moved from place to place by an individual, such as by being placed within a purse, bag, pocket, worn on a belt, or the like. For example, the mobile computing device may be a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, a cellular and/or smart phone, a personal digital assistant, or other such handheld devices. 
     The mobile computing device  100  may include a main housing  102  and an input interface support stand  104  that is movably secured to the main housing  102 . The interface support stand  104  may be moved between a retracted position, in which the interface support stand  104  is securely retained within a recessed or other such area of the main housing  102 , an extended position, in which the interface support stand  104  outwardly extends in relation to the main housing  102  (for example, the input interface support stand  104  outwardly sliding in a direction that is parallel to a display screen  108  of the main housing  102 ), and a supporting position, in which the input interface support stand  104  supports the main housing  102  in an operative orientation, such as an upright orientation. 
     The main housing  102  may include an outer frame  106  that securely contains and support a display screen  108 , such as a monitor that is configured to display various types of data, such as video, text, and the like. The main housing  102  also securely contains various computing and/or processing devices (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as described with respect to  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown, the display screen  108  is positioned on a front surface  110  of the main housing  102 . In a retracted position, the input interface support stand  104  is securely connected within a retaining area, such as a recessed area, formed within or on a rear surface  112  of the main housing  102  by opposed lateral brackets  114 . 
     The input interface support stand  104  includes an input interface  116  integrally connected to a stabilizer  118 , such as a flat panel, board, brace(s), beam(s), or the like. A pivot member  120 , such as a pin, post, stud, cylinder, tube, or the like, outwardly extends from lateral surfaces of the input interface support stand  104  between the input interface  116  and the stabilizer  118 . For example, the pivot member  120  may outwardly extend from a middle portion of the input interface support stand  104 . 
     In the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the input interface support stand  104  may be securely connected to the main housing  102 , such as through a snapable, latchable, or other such engagement. For example, an end  122  of the input interface support stand  104  may be snapably or latchably secured to a reciprocal feature of the main housing  102 . Further, an opposite end  124  of the input interface support stand  104  may securely abut into a barrier wall  126 , which may include or otherwise define internal pivot terminals, as described below. 
     While not shown in  FIG. 1 , the lateral brackets  114  may include guide tracks in which the pivot member  120  is secured. For the sake of clarity, portions of the lateral brackets  114  that include the guide tracks are not shown in  FIG. 1 . The pivot terminals may be positioned at terminal ends of the guide tracks. 
     In operation, in order to support the mobile computing device in an upright orientation and expose the input interface  116 , the input interface support stand  104  is engaged by a user and urged in a direction that is parallel to a plane  127  in which the display screen resides in the direction of arrow  128 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the input interface stand  104  is slid down from the main housing  102  in the direction of arrow  128 . As noted above, the input interface support stand  104  is secured to the main housing  102  in the retracted position. The securing connection(s) between the input interface support stand  104  and the main housing  102  may be configured to release with a desired amount of exerted force in the direction of arrow  128 . For example, the securing connections may be configured to withstand a certain amount of force, but to release when that force is exceeded. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of the input interface support stand  104  slid out from the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the input interface support stand  104  has been slid down in the direction of arrow  128  to a position in which the pivot member(s)  120  (hidden from view in  FIG. 2 ) is pivotally retained within pivot terminals within the lateral brackets  114 . In the position shown in  FIG. 2 , a base  130  of the input interface support stand  104  resides in a plane  131  that is parallel to the plane  127  in which the display screen  108  resides. Further, the input interface  116  is exposed and extends below the main housing  102 , while the stabilizer  118  is behind at least a portion of the rear surface  112  of the main housing  102 . In order to securely support the mobile computing device  100  on a surface, such as that of a table, the input interface support stand  104  is pivoted about a pivot axis  132  defined by a longitudinal axis of the pivot member  120  within the pivot terminals in a direction noted by arc  134 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective lateral view of the opposed lateral brackets  114  of the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity, the display screen  108  is not shown in  FIG. 3 . Each bracket  114  may include a guide track  140  (the opposed guide tracks  140  being aligned with one another) that includes a pivot terminal  142  at a bottom terminal end. Each guide track  140  may be a recessed channel formed within interior surfaces of a lateral bracket  114  that is sized and shaped to slidably retain a pivot member  120  of the input interface support stand  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). For example, each pivot member  120  may be or include a cylindrical post that fits within a guide track  140 . The pivot terminal  142  may be defined by an arcuate wall  144  that conforms to the shape of the pivot member  120 . Accordingly, the pivot terminal  142  provides a barrier past which the pivot member  120  is unable to pass in the direction of arrow  128 . However, because the pivot member  120  is configured to cradled by the pivot terminal  142 , the pivot member  120  is able to pivot or otherwise rotate within the pivot terminal  142  about the pivot axis  132 . 
     Alternatively, the lateral brackets  114  may not include guide tracks that extend to pivot terminals, as shown. Instead, the lateral brackets  114  may include retaining channels at one end and the pivot terminals at an opposite end. In this manner, the input interface support stand may simply be removed from the retaining channels and slid down towards the pivot terminals without the use of connecting guide tracks. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the input interface support stand  104 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pivot member  120  may be or include a single cylindrical rod that extends through the input interface support stand  104 . The pivot member  120  includes a central longitudinal axis that provides the pivot axis  132 . Optionally, instead of a single cylindrical rod that extends through the input interface support stand  104 , the pivot member  120  may include two aligned cylindrical pivot studs extending from opposite sides. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , opposite ends of the pivot member  120  are configured to be slid down the guide tracks  140  in the direction of arrow  128  until they are retained by the pivot terminals  142 . After the ends of the pivot member  120  are within respective pivot terminals  142 , the input interface support stand  104  may be pivoted to a supporting position. The pivot terminals  142  may securely retain the ends of the pivot member  120 , such as through an interference fit, so that the input interface support stand  104  may be positioned and secured at a desired orientation in relation to the main housing  102 . Alternatively, the latches, clasps, hooks, or the like may be used to secure the input interface support stand  104  in a desired orientation in relation to the main housing  102 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective front view of the mobile computing device  100  supported in an upright orientation by the input interface support stand  104 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the input interface support stand  104  has been slid down from the main housing  102  such that the ends of the pivot member  120  (hidden from view in  FIG. 5 ) are pivotally retained within the pivot terminals  142  (hidden from view in  FIG. 5 ). The input interface support stand  104  has been pivoted about the pivot axis  132  in the directions of arcs  134 , such that the input interface  116  is positioned in front of the plane  127  in which the display screen  108  resides, while the stabilizer  118  is positioned behind the plane  127  in which the display screen  108 . The base  130  of the input interface support stand  104  provides a flat surface that abuts an upper surface  150  of a structure  152 , such as a table. In this manner, the input interface support stand  104  supports the mobile computing device  100  in an upright orientation both in front of and behind the main housing  102 , thereby providing a stable support that protects the mobile computing device from tipping over. 
     The stabilizer  118  and the input interface  116  of the input interface support stand  104  have a common central plane  133 . The base  130  of the input interface support stand  104  may be a flat surface that is parallel with the common central plane  133 . The pivot axis  132  extends through at least a portion of the common central plane  133 . 
     As shown, the input interface  116  may be or include a keyboard. Optionally, the input interface  116  may be or include various other interfaces that allow a user to interact with the mobile computing device  100 . For example, the input interface  116  may be or include an electronic touchscreen, an electronic stylus pad, a roller controller, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a lateral view of the mobile computing device  100  having the input interface support stand  104  in a retracted position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input interface support stand  104  may be retained within a complementary recessed area  170  formed within a rear surface  112  of the main housing  102 . In order to use the input interface support stand  104  in a supported operative orientation, such as an upright orientation, an individual engages the base  130 , for example, of the input interface support stand  104  to slide it away from the recessed area  170 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a lateral view of the input interface support stand  104  in a sliding position (that is, being slid towards an extended position) in relation to the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As the individual grasps the base  130  and/or a proximal end  180  of the input interface support stand  104 , the individual pulls the input interface support stand  104  in the direction of arrow  128  away from the recessed area  170  of the main housing  102 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a lateral view of the input interface support stand  104  in a fully-extended slid position (that is, an extended position) in relation to the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fully-extended slid position, ends of the pivot member  120  (hidden from view in  FIG. 8 ) are pivotally retained by pivot terminals  142  (hidden from view in  FIG. 8 ) of the opposed lateral brackets  114 . In this position, the plane  131  of the base  130  is generally parallel to the plane  127  of the display screen  108 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a lateral view of the input interface support stand  104  in a pivoting position in relation to the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When portions, such as ends, of the pivot member  120  are pivotally retained with the pivot terminals  142  (as described and shown with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the individual may grasp the proximal end  180  and/or the distal end  182  of the input interface support stand  104  and pivot the input interface support stand  104  to a supporting position in the direction of arc  134 , which is generally a radial direction centered about the pivot axis  132 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a lateral view of the input interface support stand  104  supporting the main housing  102  of the mobile computing device  100  in a supporting position, such as an upright orientation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the stabilizer  118  is to one side of the plane  127 , while the input interface  116  is to an opposite side of the plane  127 . An angle α is formed between the plane  127  and a top surface of the stabilizer  118 , while an angle β is formed between the plane  127  and a top surface of the input interface  116 . The sum of the angles α and β is 180°. The main housing  102  may be adjusted with respect to the input interface support stand  104  to various angles α and β. 
     In order to stow the input interface support stand  104  in the retracted position, the operation is reversed. For example, the input interface support stand  104  is pivoted into a position in which the base  130  is parallel with the display screen  108 , such as shown in  FIG. 8 . The input interface support stand  104  is then slid back into the recessed area  170  in a direction opposite to that of arrow  128 , such as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of a method of supporting a mobile computing device in a supporting position, such as an upright orientation, on a surface, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At  200 , an input interface support stand is slid outwardly from a main housing of a mobile computing device. For example, the input interface support stand is slid out of a recessed area of the main housing in a direction that is parallel to a plane in which a display screen of the mobile computing device resides. 
     Next, at  202 , it is determined whether the input interface support stand is able to continue to be slid outwardly from the main housing. If so, the process returns to the  200  in which the input interface support stand continues to be outwardly slid in relation to the main housing. If not, such as when at least a portion of a pivot member is pivotally retained within one or more pivot terminals of brackets of the main housing, the process continues to  204 , in which the input interface support stand is pivoted in relation to the main housing. For example, the input interface support stand may be pivoted about a pivot axis of the pivot member, which is pivotally retained within the one or more pivot terminals. 
     At  206 , it is determined whether the main housing is at a desired orientation in relation to the input interface support stand. If not, the process returns to  204  in which the input interface support stand continues to be pivotally adjusted in relation to the main housing. If so, the process continues to  208 , in which the input interface support stand is placed on a surface of a structure, such as a table, to support the mobile computing device in an supported operative orientation, such as an upright orientation (in which the display screen is visible and a rear surface of the main housing does not contact the surface of the structure). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device  300  supported in an upright orientation by an input interface support stand  302 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the interface support stand  302  may include a stabilizer support  304  and an input interface  306 . The input interface  306  may be detachable from the stabilizer support  304 . For example, the input interface  306  may include a plug end  308  that is configured to be removably connected to a receptacle end  310  of the stabilizer support  304 . In this manner, when the input interface support stand  302  is pivoted into a supporting position, as described above, the input interface  306  may be removed from the stabilizer support  310  so that an individual may use the input interface  306  at a remote location. The input interface  306  may be configured to wirelessly communicate (such as through Bluetooth, WiFi, or the like), for example, with a control unit of the mobile computing device  300 . Any of the embodiments of the present application may include an input interface support stand having a separable input interface. Further, the input interface  306  may include a battery that provides power thereto. The battery may be charged by the mobile computing device  300  when the input interface  306  is connected to the stabilizer support  304 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile computing device  400  supported in an upright orientation by an input interface support stand  402 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input interface support stand  402  may include a stabilizer support  404  connected to an input interface  406 . The input interface  406  may be or include a touchscreen or pad  408  instead of, or in addition to, a keyboard, for example. 
     As shown, the pivot member (hidden from view) may not be at a middle portion of the input interface support stand  402 . Instead, the pivot member may be shifted such that the stabilizer support  404  is shorter than the input interface  406 , or vice versa. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-13 , embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for supporting a mobile computing device in an supported operative orientation, such as an upright orientation. The embodiments may include an input interface support stand that integrally connects an input interface to a stabilizer. The input interface support stand may be slid out from a portion of a main housing, and pivoted to a supporting position, in which an input interface is disposed in front of a central plane of a main housing, and a stabilizer support is disposed behind the central plane of the main housing. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a simplified block diagram of a mobile computing device  500 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile computing device  500  is an example of a mobile computing device that may include an input interface support stand, such as any of those described above. The mobile computing device  500  may include one or more wireless transceivers  502 , one or more processors  504  (e.g., a microprocessor, microcomputer, application-specific integrated circuit, etc.), one or more local storage medium (also referred to as a memory portion)  506 , a user interface  508  (such as a display screen that may include a touchscreen interface) which may include one or more input devices  509  and one or more output devices  510 , a power module  512 , and a component interface  514 . All of these components can be operatively coupled to one another, and can be in communication with one another, by way of one or more internal communication links  516 , such as an internal bus. 
     The input and output devices  509 ,  510  may each include a variety of visual, audio, and/or mechanical devices. For example, the input devices  509  can include a visual input device such as an optical sensor or camera, an audio input device such as a microphone, and a mechanical input device such as a keyboard, keypad, selection hard and/or soft buttons, switch, touchpad, touch screen, icons on a touch screen, a touch sensitive areas on a touch sensitive screen and/or any combination thereof. Similarly, the output devices  510  can include a visual output device such as a liquid crystal display screen, one or more light emitting diode indicators, an audio output device such as a speaker, alarm and/or buzzer, and a mechanical output device such as a vibrating mechanism. The display may be touch sensitive to various types of touch and gestures. As further examples, the output device(s)  510  may include a touch sensitive screen, a non-touch sensitive screen, a text-only display, a smart phone display, an audio output (e.g., a speaker or headphone jack), and/or any combination thereof. 
     The local storage medium  506  can encompass one or more memory devices of any of a variety of forms (e.g., read only memory, random access memory, static random access memory, dynamic random access memory, etc.) and can be used by the processor  504  to store and retrieve data. The data that is stored by the local storage medium  506  can include, but need not be limited to, operating systems, applications, user collected content and informational data. Each operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the communication device, such as interaction among the various components, communication with external devices via the wireless transceivers  502  and/or the component interface  514 , and storage and retrieval of applications and data to and from the local storage medium  506 . Each application includes executable code that utilizes an operating system to provide more specific functionality for the communication devices, such as file system service and handling of protected and unprotected data stored in the local storage medium  506 . 
     Other applications stored in the local storage medium  506  may include various application program interfaces (APIs). The power module  512  may include a power supply, such as a battery, for providing power to the other components while enabling the mobile device  500  to be portable, as well as circuitry providing for the battery to be recharged. The component interface  514  provides a direct connection to other devices, auxiliary components, or accessories for additional or enhanced functionality, and in particular, can include a USB port for linking to a user device with a USB cable. 
     Each transceiver  502  can utilize a known wireless technology for communication. Exemplary operation of the wireless transceivers  502  in conjunction with other components of the mobile device  500  may take a variety of forms and may include, for example, operation in which, upon reception of wireless signals, the components of mobile device  500  detect communication signals and the transceiver  502  demodulates the communication signals to recover incoming information, such as voice and/or data, transmitted by the wireless signals. After receiving the incoming information from the transceiver  502 , the processor  504  formats the incoming information for the one or more output devices  510 . Likewise, for transmission of wireless signals, the processor  504  formats outgoing information, which may or may not be activated by the input devices  510 , and conveys the outgoing information to one or more of the wireless transceivers  502  for modulation to communication signals. The wireless transceiver(s)  502  convey the modulated signals to a remote device, such as a cell tower or a remote server (not shown). 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment herein, to the extent that mobile computing devices are discussed herein, it should be understood that they can represent a very wide range of devices, applicable to a very wide range of settings. Thus, by way of illustrative and non-restrictive examples, such devices and/or settings can include mobile telephones, tablet computers, and other portable computers such as portable laptop computers. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     It is to be understood that the subject matter described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description herein or illustrated in the drawings hereof. The subject matter described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define various parameters, they are by no means limiting and are illustrative in nature. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the embodiments should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects or order of execution on their acts.