Patent Publication Number: US-8984702-B2

Title: Multipurpose cleaning apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The current description relates to cleaning implements and in particular to cleaning implements having combined cleaning tools for mopping and sweeping. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cleaning a surface such as a floor typically includes picking up dry loose contamination such as debris, dust and dirt, using a broom or a dry mop followed by mopping with a wet mop to dissolve and absorb dried-in liquid contaminations. Typically, separate implements, namely a broom and a mop, are required. Previous attempts at combining multiple functions, such as sweeping and mopping, into a single implement have been undesirable as some have required different heads or attachments to be removed or added to a handle. Other attempts have been cumbersome or limiting in that they do not allow both functions, that is the broom and the mop, to be used in a desired or preferred manner. In these attempts a broom is often attached on an opposite side of a mop to allow rotation of the implement to switch between sweeping and mopping; however, this does not easily accommodate the different cleaning strokes used for mopping, which is generally a pushing/pulling motion, and for sweeping, which uses a pivoting motion about a point on the handle. 
     An implement that provides the combined functionality of a mop and a broom that overcomes or mitigates a shortcoming of previous implements is desirable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Illustrative embodiments are described further herein with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multipurpose cleaning apparatus in a first position; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the multipurpose cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 1A  in a second position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a cleaning head of the cleaning apparatus in the first position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cleaning head of the cleaning apparatus in the second position; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning head of the cleaning apparatus; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a first panel of the cleaning head; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a second panel of the cleaning head; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a broom head and broom casing; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a broom casing and handle connector; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a partially assembled cleaning head in the first position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a partially assembled cleaning head in the second position; 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  are block diagrams depicting the broom casing in different positions; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a multipurpose cleaning apparatus in a first position; 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the multipurpose cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 11A  in a second position; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the broom casing and further handle connector; and 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a solution dispenser. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning head, a broom head and a handle rod. The cleaning head comprises a first panel having a first cleaning surface, a first interior side opposite the first cleaning surface and a first bottom edge; a second panel having a second cleaning surface, a second interior side opposite the second cleaning surface and a second bottom edge, the first and second panels pivotally connected to each other so that the first and second interior sides face each other with the first and second bottom edges adjacent to each other; and a broom casing received between the first and second panels, the broom casing slidable between a first position in which the broom casing is proximate to the first and second bottom edges and a second position in which the broom casing is retracted from the first and second bottom edges. The broom head is attached to the broom casing of the cleaning head. A substantial portion of the broom head extends past the first and second bottom edges to allow sweeping of a surface when the broom casing is in the first position and the broom head is substantially retracted between the first and second panels to allow cleaning of the surface using the first cleaning surface or the second cleaning surface when the broom casing is in the second position. The handle rod is rotatably coupled to the cleaning head. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure there is further provided a head of a cleaning apparatus comprising a first panel having a first cleaning surface, a first interior side opposite the first cleaning surface and a first bottom edge; a second panel having a second cleaning surface, a second interior side opposite the second cleaning surface and a second bottom edge, the first and second panels pivotally connected to each other so that the first and second interior sides face each other with the first and second bottom edges adjacent to each other; and a broom casing received between the first and second panels, the broom casing slidable between a first position in which the broom casing is proximate to the first and second bottom edges and a second position in which the broom casing is retracted from the first and second bottom edges. 
     Cleaning surfaces, such as floors, may require the use of one or more cleaning apparatuses, such as a broom, a dry mop, a wet mop and/or a scrubber. Although each cleaning apparatus may be used individually, cleaning a surface may require the subsequent use of a plurality of cleaning apparatuses. For example cleaning a surface may require first using a broom or dry mop to sweep the surface to remove loose debris and dirt, followed by wet mopping and scrubbing to remove dirt, stains and grime that is stuck or otherwise adhered to the surface after mopping or dry mopping. A cleaning apparatus that combines a broom with a mop and/or a scrubber in a single implement is described further herein. As described in further detail, the cleaning apparatus comprises of two panels that are pivotally connected together. Exterior surfaces of the two panels can be used as cleaning surfaces, allowing appropriate cleaning materials to be affixed to the cleaning apparatus to provide mopping and/or scrubbing functionality. A broom head is received in-between the pivotally connected panels and can be moved between; an extended position in which the broom head, or at least a significant portion of bristles of the broom head, extends substantially out from in-between the two panels, allowing the cleaning apparatus to be used as a broom; and a retracted position in which the broom head, or at least a substantial portion of bristles of the broom head, is substantially retracted in-between the two panels, allowing the cleaning surfaces of the cleaning apparatus to be used as a mop and/or scrubber. The cleaning apparatus may further incorporate a locking mechanism that releasably locks the broom in either the extended position or the retracted position to prevent or impede unintended movement of the boom head between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     The cleaning apparatus described herein allows one or two cleaning surfaces to be used as a mopping type implement, which may include scrubbing functionality. The cleaning surfaces can be covered with a cleaning material suitable for mopping a surface or scrubbing a surface. It is contemplated that the same or different cleaning materials can be mounted on the different cleaning surfaces. The cleaning material may be, for example, an absorbent surface for wet mopping, or may be material suitable for dry mopping such as an electrostatic material, or may be a non-scratch abrasive material for scrubbing. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the surfaces may provide a scrubbing surface useful for scrubbing. It is contemplated that further materials could be affixed to one or more of the cleaning surfaces, such as a cotton cloth or a dusting material. As will be appreciated, use of the cleaning apparatus as a mop or scrubber typically involves moving the cleaning surface over the surface being cleaned using a push/pull motion. When the broom is extended, the handle, which is rotatably coupled to the cleaning head to allow the cleaning surfaces to be used with a push/pull motion, may be locked or otherwise restricted from movement to allow the broom to be used with a typical sweeping motion, which may comprise pivoting the broom head about a point on the handle. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multipurpose cleaning apparatus in a first position.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the multipurpose cleaning apparatus in a second position. The cleaning apparatus  100  is depicted in  FIG. 1A  with a broom head  112  in a first extended position, in which a broom head  112  is extended from the cleaning head, allowing the cleaning apparatus to be used as a broom. The broom head  112  can be retracted into the cleaning head  102  as depicted in  FIG. 1B  to allow the cleaning apparatus to be used for mopping and/or scrubbing. 
     The cleaning apparatus  100  includes a cleaning head  102  that is coupled to a handle  108 . The handle  108  is used to grip and guide the cleaning apparatus  100  in the desired directions, either in a typical push/pull stroke for mopping and scrubbing or in a pivoting motion about the handle for sweeping. The handle  108  can be telescopic for adjusting the height and may include a hook no for easy storage. The cleaning head  102  provides the combined functionality of a mop and/or a scrubber as well as a broom. The cleaning head  102  comprises two panels  104 ,  106  that allow a broom head  112  to be retracted between the two panels  104 ,  106  to facilitate mopping and/or scrubbing using appropriate cleaning material affixed to respective cleaning surfaces of the two panels  104 ,  106 . The broom head  112  may also be extended from between the two panels  104 ,  106  to facilitate sweeping. 
     The broom head  112  can be slid, or otherwise moved, to a retracted position in which substantially all of the broom head  112 , and broom bristles  174 , are retracted between the two panels  104 ,  106  allowing the cleaning head  102  to be used as a mop or scrubber as depicted in  FIG. 1B . The broom head  112  can also be slid, or otherwise moved, to an extended position in which a portion of the broom head  112 , or more particularly a substantial portion of the bristles attached to the broom head  112 , are extended past the panels  104 ,  106  allowing the cleaning head  102  to be used as a broom as depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
     Components of an illustrative embodiment of the cleaning apparatus are described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 9 ). As described above, the cleaning head  102  comprises a broom head  112  that is coupled between two panels  104 ,  106  to allow it to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The first panel  104  and the second panel  106  of the cleaning head  102  are pivotally connected together about pivot points  156   a,b  and  166   a,b  by bolt, rod, screw or similar axis  122   a,b . The individual panels  104 ,  106  are depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Although the first panel  104  and second panel  106  are depicted as being different, and in particular with regards to the pivot points  156   a,b  and  166   a,b , it is contemplated that the two panels  104 ,  106  could be identical. The pivotally connected panels  104 ,  106  can be biased towards a closed position by springs  124   a,b . When the panels  104 ,  106  are in the closed position, the broom head may be locked, or retained, in the retracted position. 
     In order to allow the cleaning head  112  to move between the retracted and extended positions, the two panels  104 ,  106  can be pivoted from the closed position to an open or unlocked position, which allows the broom head  112  to be slid between the extended and retracted position. The pivotal movement of the panels can be accomplished by pressing on opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  on first and second panels  104 ,  106 . The opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  may be provided by a portion of the respective panels  104 ,  106  that extends away from the pivot point in order to provide leverage when pivoting the panels. It is contemplated that means for pivoting the panels together other than the opening/closing levers are possible, such as handles or grips on the panels. The pressing motion on the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  is resisted by the restoring force of the springs  124   a,b  coupled between the first and second panels  104 ,  106 . 
     The springs  124   a,b  can be mounted between the panels at a mounting support section  158   a,b  and  168   a,b  at each corner of the first and second panels  104 ,  106  which provide a surface that the springs  124   a,b  can be seated on. The mounting support sections  158   a,b    168   a,b  may extend away from the first and second panels  104 ,  106  and extend a contact surface of the first and second panels  104 ,  106  past the axis of the handle connection point  194  to the cleaning head. By extending the contact surface, that is the portion of the cleaning head  102  that is in contact with the cleaning surface when mopping and/or scrubbing, back past the axis of the handle connection point  194 , rotational movement about the back edge of the cleaning head  102  without the extending mounting support sections  158   a,b    168   a,b , may be prevented or reduced. The mounting support sections  158   a,b    168   a,b  may include spring mounting points  160   a,b ,  170   a,b  which are protrusions that extend into the springs  124   a,b  to maintain the alignment of the springs between the mounting support sections  158   a,b ,  168   a,b . Alternatively, any plurality of springs can be situated at any suitable locations between the first and second panels  104 ,  106  such that the panels  104 ,  106  are biased to return to the closed position. 
     When the broom head  112  is in the retracted position, the panels  104 ,  106  can be used for mopping or scrubbing. Each of the panels  104 ,  106  includes an interior side, shown in FIGS. ( 5 A and  5 B), and an exterior side. The exterior side of each panel provides a cleaning surface that can be used for mopping or scrubbing, when the broom head  112  is in the retracted position. The cleaning surfaces allow a desired cleaning material to be affixed to the cleaning apparatus  100 . Although it is possible to provide a mopping or scrubbing surface that is permanently attached to the panels  104 ,  106 , it is contemplated that a replaceable mopping or scrubbing pad, or other desired cleaning material, is preferable. To facilitate affixing cleaning materials to the respective cleaning surface of the panels  104 ,  106 , the exterior side of the panels  104 ,  106  can be provided with attachment points  118 , such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, snaps, adhesive, press-in points for receiving a portion of the cleaning material. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning material may comprise a fastening means for securing the cleaning material to the panels, such as ties, straps or pockets for receiving a portion of the panel. It is contemplated that the cleaning material can also be attached to the panel surfaces by pressing the cleaning material inside rubber grippers that are located at desired spots on the panel surfaces. As will be appreciated, different cleaning materials may be provided on the different panels. The cleaning materials may provide different functionality such as wet mopping, dry mopping or scrubbing. 
     The panels  104 ,  106  may include extendable wings  114   a,b ,  120   a,b  that allow larger sized cleaning materials to be attached to the panels. The extendable wings can be pulled out from a recess of the panels  104 ,  106  using for example recessed handles  116   a, b , and may comprise attachment points  140   a,b ,  144   a,b  for attaching the cleaning materials to the extendable wings. 
     As described above, the broom head  112  can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the broom head  112 , or bristles  174 , are retracted between the two panels  104 ,  106  such that a substantial portion of the bristles  174  of the broom head are retracted past bottom edges  130 ,  132  of the two panels  104 ,  106 . The bristles  174  may be confined within the panels  104 ,  106  through the use of flexible broom guards  146   a,b , which provide a guide surface preventing the bristles  174  from extending out the sides of the panels when retracted. The shape and form of the flexible broom guards  146   a,b  are such that the closing of the panels  104 ,  106  is not obstructed. It is contemplated that the broom guards  146   a,b  may also be made from non-flexible material so long as the shape of the broom guards  146   a,b  does not prevent the panels  104 ,  106  from pivoting together when the broom head  112  is in the second position. In the extended position, the broom head  112  is extended so that the broom head  112 , or at least a substantial portion of the bristles of the broom head  112 , extend past the bottom edges  130 ,  132  of the two panels  104 ,  106 . The movement of the broom head  112  can be guided by a broom casing  134 . 
     The broom head  112  can be removably attached from the broom casing  134 . The attachment and detachment can be provided by cooperating components on the broom head  112  and broom casing  134 . The broom head  112  may comprise a bristle frame  176  that holds bristles  174  of the broom head together. The bristles  174  extending from the bristle frame  176  can be either straight or angled as desired and may be of differing lengths and materials. The bristle frame  176  can be received within a bristle frame opening  180  in the broom casing  134 . In order to secure the broom head  112  within the broom casing  134 , the bristle frame  176  can be provided with broom head lock protrusions  178  on each side of the bristle frame. When the bristle frame  176  is received within the bristle frame opening  180  of the broom casing  134 , the lock protrusions  178  are received within corresponding broom head lock apertures  184   a,b  located on sides  182   a,b  of the broom casing  134 . The lock protrusions  178  can be pushed through the apertures  184   a,b  in order to detach the broom head from the broom casing  134 . 
     The broom casing  134  comprises protruding slide guides  136  that are received within corresponding slide tracks  138  in the two panels  104 ,  106 . The movement of the broom head  112  may be achieved by movement of the broom casing  134 , which is guided by the protruding slide guides  136  and the slide tracks  138 . When the slide guides  136  are received within the slide tracks  138 , the movement of the broom head  112  is restricted to be linear. The tracks can limit the movement of the broom casing so that the broom head cannot move past the extended position and retracted position. That is, the two extremities of the sliding motion of the broom casing  134 , and so the attached broom head  112 , may be defined by the ends of the slide tracks  138 . It is contemplated that the slide guides  136  and slide tracks  138  can be of various geometries and located at different positions such that the movement of the broom head  112  is restricted to be linear only. 
     The broom casing  134  can be connected to the handle  108 . The broom casing  134  may be connected to the handle  108  by means of a handle connector  208  which may be coupled to a handle connection point  194  of the broom casing  134 . The handle connector  208  provides two-degrees of freedom. A first component of the handle connector  208  rotatably connects to the handle connection point  194 , which may be a rod or similar axis, of the broom casing  134 . The first component can be provided by two pieces  196   a,b  which are secured to each other over the handle connection point  194 , allowing the first component to rotate about the handle connection point  194 . A second component  202  of the handle connector  208  is rotatably connected to the two pieces of the first component  196   a,b . The first component can be connected to the second component  202  by a separable pivot connector  198   a,b  that provides a rotation axis for the second component  202 . One of the pivot connectors  198   a  may have a threaded male portion, and the other pivot connector  198   b  may have a threaded female portion. The pivot connectors  198   a,b  can be placed through holes in the two pieces  196   a,b  of the first component and through holes of the second component  202 . With the pivot connectors  198   a,b  secured together, the first component is rotatably connected to the handle connection point  194  of the broom casing  134  and the second component of the handle connector  202  is rotatably connected to the first component, thereby providing two-degrees of freedom for the cleaning head. The second component of the handle connector  208  is attached to a handle receiver  200  that receives the handle  108 . The handle connector  208  may include extension lock protrusions  204 ,  206  that can lock or restrain the broom casing in the extended position, as described further below. 
     The two panels  104 ,  106  may each comprise an extension lock comprising extension lock detents  154 ,  164  and the cooperating extension lock protrusions  204 ,  206  of the handle connector  208  to lock the broom casing in the extended position. The extension lock detents  154 ,  164  are located so that they receive the extension lock protrusions  204 ,  206  when the broom casing  134  is in the extended position. The extension lock protrusions  204 ,  206  may be resiliently depressed so that they can be moved out of the detents  154 ,  164  when a sufficient force is applied. However, the force required to move the protrusions  204 ,  206  from the detents  154 ,  164  should be sufficiently high so that the broom casing  134  does not unintentionally move from the extended position while in use. With the broom casing locked in the extended position by the cooperation of the protrusions and detents, the handle  108  is prevented from rotating relative to the broom casing  134  to facilitate sweeping with the extended broom head  112 . Although the broom casing  134  is described as being locked in position by the protrusions and detents, it will be appreciated that other locking mechanisms can be provided. For example, protrusions could be provided on the broom casing  134  that cooperate with detents located at an appropriate position on the panels  104 ,  106 . 
     When the broom casing  134  is locked in the fully extended position, it can be disengaged by pulling the handle or otherwise retracting the broom casing with a force sufficient in order to cause the lock protrusions  204 ,  206  of the handle connector  208  to be depressed and exit the detents. This may be assisted by holding or pressing on the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  on the first and second panels  104 ,  106  and pulling out on the handle  108  to retract the broom casing  134  between the panels. This causes a sliding motion of the broom casing  134 , guided by the protruding slide guides  136  in the slide tracks  138 , from the extended position to the retracted position. With the broom casing  134  in the retracted position, the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  on first and second panels  104 ,  106  can be released and the restoring force of the springs  124   a,b  return the panels to the closed position. With the broom casing  134  in the retracted position, and the panels  104 ,  106  returned to the closed position, a further locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the broom casing  134  from moving out of the retracted position. 
     The locking mechanism that maintains the broom casing  134  in the retracted position comprises interacting components on the broom casing  134  and the panels  104 ,  106 . Each side of the broom casing  134  may include a lower lock protrusion  186   a,b  and an upper lock protrusion  188   a,b . The lower and upper protrusions define a passageway  190   a,b  between them. The panels  104 ,  106  include lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  that interact with the lower lock protrusion  186   a,b  and the upper lock protrusion  188   a,b  to prevent movement of the broom casing  134 . The lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  can pass through the passageway  190   a,b  when the panels are pivoted together using the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b.    
     FIGS. ( 10 A to  10 C) are schematics of the operation of the locking mechanism that maintains the broom casing in the retracted position.  FIG. 10A  depicts the broom casing  134  in the extended position. The opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  can be pressed together and the broom casing  134  slid up as depicted in  FIG. 10B . With the panels  104 ,  106  pivoted together with the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b , the lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  of the panels can pass through the passageways  190   a,b , allowing the broom casing  134  to be slid past the lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  to the retracted position. Once the broom casing  134  is in the retracted position, the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  can be released, which causes the panels to return to the closed position of  FIG. 10C  due to the biasing springs  124   a,b . With the panels  104 ,  106  in the closed position, the lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  are moved so that they interact with the lower protrusions  186   a,b  and upper protrusions  188   a,b  of the broom casing  134  preventing movement from the retracted position. 
     The broom casing  134  can be extended from the retracted position by pressing the opening/closing levers  126   a,b ,  128   a,b  together to allow the lock protrusions  150   a,b ,  152   a,b  to pass through the passageways  190   a,b  of the broom casing. Once the broom casing is in the extended position, the extension locking protrusions  204 ,  206  can engage the extension detents  154 ,  164  and lock the broom casing  134  in the extended position until a sufficient force is applied to move the lock protrusions  204 ,  206  of the handle connector from the detents  154 ,  164 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a further embodiment of a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus  500  is similar to the cleaning apparatus  100  described above and as such only the differences will be described further herein.  FIG. 11A  shows the cleaning apparatus  500  in its extended position for sweeping and  FIG. 11B  shows the cleaning apparatus  500  in its retracted position for mopping/scrubbing. The cleaning apparatus  500  includes the cleaning head  102  described above, which is attached to an activating rod casing  508  with a handle  514  located at an end opposite the cleaning head. A liquid dispenser  512  is attached to the activating rod casing  508  that allows a liquid to be dispensed on to a surface being cleaned. An activator  510  can control the dispensing of the liquid. The activator  510  causes an activating rod that passes through the interior of the activating rod casing  508  to move and activate the liquid dispensing. The second embodiment enables the present invention to dispense liquid over the cleaning surface in the form of water or any cleaning solution as desired and appropriate. The mechanism that allows for both the retraction and extension of the cleaning apparatus  500  functions the same as described above for cleaning apparatus  100 . 
     In order to be able to use the liquid dispenser  512  with both of the cleaning surfaces, an additional degree of freedom is required in the handle connector  518 . In particular, the handle connector provides 360 degrees of rotation about the axis of the activating rod casing  508 , so that the liquid dispenser  512  can be oriented in the appropriate direction for dispensing the liquid when either cleaning surface is being used. 
     A handle connector  518  for use with the liquid dispensing embodiment of the cleaning apparatus  500  is depicted in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  depicts an exploded view of the handle connector  518 . The handle connector  518  comprises the first component of the handle connector  196   a,b  described above, rotatable about the handle connection point  194  and connected by means of a pivot connector  198   a,b  to the second rotatable component  522 . The second rotatable component is connected to a third rotatable component  528 , which provides rotation about the activating rod casing  508 . The handle receiver  520  can be connected to the third rotatable component  528  by means of a securing nut  530  and securing bolt  532 . In this case, the extension lock protrusions  524 ,  526  are desirable to be mirror images and likewise with the extension locking detents  154 ,  164  on first and second panels  104 ,  106 . This allows for the lock to engage even if the detents and the protrusions are interchanged by rotating  180  degrees about the axis of the activating rod casing  508 . Rotation about the axis of the activating rod casing  508  is enabled by rotation of the third rotatable component  528  relative to the second rotatable component  522 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of the liquid dispenser. The liquid dispenser  512  is depicted apart from the cleaning apparatus  500 . A liquid dispenser  512  can include a dispenser frame  534 , a liquid bottle  536 , an activating rod  538  which passes through the interior of the activating rod casing  508  to the activator, a plunger  540 , a spring  524 , a pump  544 , a fluid transfer pipe  546  and a fluid nozzle  548 . The liquid bottle  536  is removably mounted to the dispenser frame  534  so that it can be filled with the desired cleaning fluid. Fluid is dispensed by pulling on the activator  510  that causes the activating rod  538  to press against the plunger  540  initiating a pump mechanism to dispense the fluid on to the cleaning surface. The fluid dispensed is drawn into the pump  544  from the liquid bottle  536  during the release stroke of the activator  510 . Alternatively, any other forms of spray mechanisms can also be incorporated to the present invention as desired and appropriate. 
     Various cleaning apparatuses have been described above by way of examples. It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the specific embodiments described herein.