Patent Publication Number: US-11395978-B1

Title: Projectile launching devices, assemblies, and related methods

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention is projectile launchers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     Various devices exist for launching projectiles including slingshots, pump, or air-powered systems, and so forth. However, such systems can be difficult to use for younger users who may not have the hand-strength or body weight to properly launch a projectile. 
     All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     Thus, there is still a need for innovative projectile launching systems and methods that utilize a combination of strength and weight of a user to launch a projectile efficiently. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A launching device for a projectile is provided. The launching device includes a support extending along a first plane and having an outward surface and an inward surface spaced from the outward surface. The inward surface defines a space. The launching device further includes a first elastic member extending between opposing first elastic member ends. The first elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the first elastic member ends spaced from each other. The first elastic member has a first elastic member midpoint positioned equidistant from the support between the first elastic member ends. The launching device further includes a second elastic member extending between opposing second elastic member ends. The second elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the second elastic member ends spaced from each other. The second elastic member has a second elastic member midpoint positioned equidistant from the support between the second elastic member ends. The launching device further includes a handle grip coupled to the support and extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. A central point of the support is defined between the midpoints of the first and second elastic members. The central point of the support is substantially aligned with the second plane. 
     A launching assembly for a projectile is also provided. The launching assembly includes a support extending along a first plane and having an outward surface and an inward surface spaced from the outward surface. The inward surface defines a space. The launching assembly further includes a first elastic member extending between opposing first elastic member ends. The first elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the first elastic member ends spaced from each other. The launching device further includes a second elastic member extending between opposing second elastic member ends. The second elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the second elastic member ends spaced from each other. The launching assembly further includes a handle grip coupled to the support and extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The launching assembly further includes a first arm coupled to the support opposite the handle grip and extending along the second plane. The launching assembly further includes a second arm coupled to the handle group opposite the support and extending along the second plane. 
     Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a launching assembly including a launching device. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the launching assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another side view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the launching assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the launching assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the launching assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is another perspective view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the launching assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a support of the launching device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the support of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the support of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a projectile. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broadest scope of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the terms “about” and “approximately”, when referring to a specified, measurable value (such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like), is meant to encompass the specified value and variations of and from the specified value, such as variations of +/−10% or less, alternatively +/−5% or less, alternatively +/−1% or less, alternatively +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar as such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed embodiments. Thus the value to which the modifier “about” or “approximately” refers is itself also specifically disclosed. 
     Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, “parts of,” and ratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of the members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred; description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituents at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description, and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among the constituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the same abbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as previously or later referenced for the same property. 
     It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components. 
     As used herein, an “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic is included in at least one or more manifestations, examples, or implementations of this invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Combinations of features of different embodiments are all meant to be within the scope of the invention, without the need for explicitly describing every possible permutation by example. Thus, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete, or nearly complete, extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed so as to have the same overall result as if the object were completely enclosed. 
     The drawings are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawings. Similarly, although the views in the drawings for ease of description generally show similar orientations, this depiction in the drawings is arbitrary. Generally, composite articles can be operated in any orientation. As used herein, it will be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being “over,” “overlying,” “under,” or “underlying” a second element or layer, the first element or layer may be directly on the second element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present where a straight line can be drawn through and between features in overlying relationship. When a first element or layer is referred to as being “on” a second element or layer, the first element or layer is directly on and in contact with the second element or layer. Further, spatially relative terms, such as “upper,” “over,” “lower,” “under,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the composite article in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the composite article in the figures is turned over, elements described as being “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass either an orientation of above or below. The composite article may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. 
     Throughout this disclosure, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure to more fully describe the state of the art to which this disclosure pertains. 
     The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
       FIGS. 1-9  are various views illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a launching device  20  for a projectile  22 . The launching device  20  includes a support  24  extending along a first plane AA. The phrase “extending along” as utilized herein with regard to the first plane AA means that the first plane AA may be defined by any two distal points of the support  24  such that the support  24  may be generally flat or arcuate. The support  24  may have any configuration known in the art (e.g., circular, semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, ovular, and the like). In various embodiments, the support  24  has a generally circular configuration. 
     The support  24  may be formed using any process known in the art. Exemplary processes include, but are not limited to, molding (e.g., blow molding, compression molding, and/or injection molding), ultrasonics, and the like. The support  24  may be formed from or include a foam, a plastic, rubber, a lignocellulosic material, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials used to form the support  24  include polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetone (EVA), thermal plastic (TPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and combinations thereof. 
     The support  24  has an outward surface  26  and an inward surface  28  spaced from the outward surface  26 . In various embodiments, the outward surface  26  is opposite the inward surface  28 . The outward surface  26  and inward surface  28  are transverse to the first plane AA. In various embodiment, the outward surface  26  and inward surface  28  are perpendicular to the first plane AA. The inward surface  28  defines a space  30  for the projectile  22  to travel through such that the projectile  22  may travel perpendicular to the first plane AA. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , the launching device  20  further includes a first elastic member  32  and a second elastic member  34  coupled to the support  24 . It is to be appreciated that  FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a portion of the support  24  including the elastic members  32 ,  34 , along with other elements, and thus  FIGS. 1-6  are contemplated to include the elements shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . As used herein, the term “elastic” is defined to mean a length of the member can be increased at least 20% when sufficient force is applied based on the elastic modulus of the member, but the member will return to its initial length when the force is removed. It is to be appreciated that the launching device  20  may include more than two elastic members, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 elastic members. The elastic members  32 ,  34  may be formed using any process known in the art. Exemplary processes include, but are not limited to, molding (e.g., blow molding, compression molding, and/or injection molding), ultrasonics, and the like. The elastic members  32 ,  34  may be formed from or include a plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials used to form the elastic members  32 ,  34  include latex, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetone (EVA), thermal plastic (TPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and combinations thereof. 
     The first elastic member  32  extends between opposing first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B. Likewise, the second elastic member  34  extends between opposing second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B. The first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B are coupled to the support  24  and are spaced from each other. Likewise, the first elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B are coupled to the support  24  and are spaced from each other. In other words, in various embodiments, the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  do not have “closed” loop configurations because the first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B are spaced from each other and the second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B are spaced from each other. However, it is to be appreciated that one of the first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B may be adjacent one of the second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B. The inventors contemplate that usability and performance of the launching device  20  is improved by spacing the first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B from each other and the second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B from each other due to the increased area available to catch the first elastic member  32  by the projectile  22 . Furthermore, by spacing the first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B from each other and the second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B from each other, longer first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  can be utilized thereby increasing the draw distance of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  during use of the launching device  20 . 
     In certain embodiments, the support  34  defines a plurality of holes  36  between the outward and inward surfaces  26 ,  28 . In these and other embodiments, the space  30  defined by the support  24  has four quadrants that are substantially equal in size to each other and each of the plurality of holes  36  are defined adjacent one of the quadrants. However, it is to be appreciated that the space  30  may be separated in any number depending on the number of elastic members utilized. Furthermore, the separation of the space  30  may not be equal. 
     Each of the first and second elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B may extend through one of the plurality of holes  36  and may be coupled to the outward surface  26  of the support  24 . The first and second elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B may be coupled to the outward surface  26  of the support  24  by a fastener, an adhesive, a knot, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the support  24  includes a plurality of nubs  38  with each nub  38  disposed adjacent one of the plurality of holes  36 . Each of the first and second elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B may be coupled to one of the plurality of nubs  38 . In exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B include a fastener  40  coupled thereto. Any type of fastener may be utilized, such as nuts, bolts, screws, keys, washers, rivets, anchors, studs, inserts, rings, pins, or combinations thereof. In these and other embodiments, each of the fasteners  40  is removably coupled to one of the plurality of nubs  38 . In exemplary embodiments, the fasteners  40  are ring terminal connector studs including a stud portion and a ring portion. The stud portion may be crimped onto the first and second elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B and the ring portion may be removably coupled to one of the plurality of nubs  38 . A screw or clip may be used to secure the ring portion to the nub  38 . The inventors contemplate that usability and performance of the launching device  20  is improved by utilizing fasteners  40  that are removably coupled to the support  24  due to ease of replacing the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  should either fail. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of holes  36  has a large portion disposed between two small portions such that the fastener  40  is moveable through the plurality of holes  36  when the fastener  40  is in a first orientation and prevented from moving through the plurality of holes  36  when the fastener  40  is in a second orientation. The inventors contemplate that safety of the launching device  20  is improved should the fastener  40  disengage from the nub  38  by preventing movement of the fastener  40  through the hole  36  when the fastener  40  is in the second orientation thereby minimizing the occurrence of an elastic member from snapping back at the user. 
     In some embodiments, the first elastic member  32  has a first elastic member midpoint  32 C positioned equidistant from the support  24  between the first elastic member ends  32 A,  32 B. Likewise, the second elastic member  34  has a second elastic member midpoint  34 C positioned equidistant from the support  24  between the second elastic member ends  34 A,  34 B. In other words, the portion of the first elastic member  32  extending from the support  24  within the space  30  meet at the midpoint  32 C. Likewise, the portion of the second elastic member  34  extending from the support  24  within the space  30  meet at the midpoint  34 C. In these and other embodiments, a central point  42  of the support  24  is defined between the midpoints  32 C,  34 C of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34 , respectively. It is contemplated herein that the central point  42  is defined between the midpoints  32 C,  34 C of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  when the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  are taut and oriented toward each other such that a gap remains between the midpoints  32 C,  34 C of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1-6 , the launching device  20  further includes a handle grip  44  coupled to the support  24 . The handle grip  44  may have any configuration known in the art. In various embodiments, the handle grip  44  is adapted to be held by a hand of the user. The handle grip  44  may be formed using any process known in the art. Exemplary processes include, but are not limited to, molding (e.g., blow molding, compression molding, and/or injection molding), ultrasonics, and the like. The handle grip  44  may be formed from or include a foam, a plastic, rubber, a lignocellulosic material, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials used to form the handle grip  44  include polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetone (EVA), thermal plastic (TPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the support  24  and the handle grip  44  are formed as a unitary part. However, it is to be appreciated that the support  24  and the handle grip  44  may be formed as separate parts and each of the support  24  and the handle grip  44  may be formed of several pieces. Conventional methods and devices for fastening the parts and pieces may be utilized. 
     The handle grip  44  may extend along a second plane BB perpendicular to the first plane AA. The phrase “extend along” as utilized herein with regard to the second plane BB means that the second plane BB may be defined by any two distal points of the handle grip  44  such that the handle grip  44  may be generally flat or arcuate. The central point  42  of the support  24  may be substantially aligned with the second plane BB. The term “substantially” as utilized herein means that the central point  42  may be no greater than 10 cm, no greater than 5 cm, or no greater than 1 cm, off center from the second plane BB. The inventors contemplate that usability and performance of the launching device  20  is improved by substantially aligning the central point  42  with the second plane BB due to the alignment of the force generated by one hand of the user during draw of the elastic members  32 ,  34  and the force generated by the other hand of the user to hold the handle grip  44 . The alignment of these forces minimizes twisting of the launching device  20  during draw that would result if the handle grip  44  was offset from central point  42  relative to the first plane AA. 
     The launching device  20  may further include an extension  46  coupled to the support  24  opposite the handle grip  44 . The extension  46  may have any configuration known in the art. The extension  46  may extend along the second plane BB. The phrase “extend along” as utilized herein with regard to the second plane BB means that the second plane BB may be defined by any two distal points of the extension  46  such that the extension  46  may be generally flat or arcuate. 
     The extension  46  may be formed using any process known in the art. Exemplary processes include, but are not limited to, molding (e.g., blow molding, compression molding, and/or injection molding), ultrasonics, and the like. The extension  46  may be formed from or include a foam, a plastic, rubber, a lignocellulosic material, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials used to form the extension  46  include polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetone (EVA), thermal plastic (TPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the support  24 , the handle grip  44 , and the extension  46  are formed as a unitary part. However, it is to be appreciated that the support  24 , the handle grip  44 , and the extension  46  may be formed as separate parts and each of the support  24 , the handle grip  44 , the extension  46  may be formed of several pieces. Conventional methods and devices for fastening the parts and pieces may be utilized. 
     In various embodiments, at least one of the handle grip  44  and the extension  46  is configured to couple to an accessory  48 . The accessory  48  may be selected from the group of an arm, a shield, a blade, an illumination device, a projectile holster, a sight, or combinations thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , a first arm  48 A is coupled to the extension  46  and a second arm  48 B is coupled to the handle grip  44 . However, it is to be appreciated that any combination of accessories  48  may be coupled to the launching device  20 . In certain embodiments, the accessory  48  is configured to couple to another accessory  48 . For example, a sight may be coupled to the extension  46  and an arm may be coupled to the sight. All other combinations of accessories  48  are contemplated herein. 
       FIGS. 1-9  are also various views illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a launching assembly  50  for a projectile  22 . In various embodiments, the launching assembly  50  includes the launching device  20  along with the first arm  48 A and the second arm  48 B coupled thereto. In particular, the first arm  48 A may be coupled to the support  24  opposite the handle grip  44  (e.g., to the extension  46 ) and extending along the second plane BB. The second arm  48 B may be coupled to the handle grip  44  opposite the support  24  and extending along the second plane BB. 
     In various embodiments, the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  are isolated from the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B. The term “isolated” as utilized herein means that draw of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  does not generate a force on the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B. In other words, the launching assembly  50  without the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B (i.e., the launching device  20 ) can be utilized to launch the projectile  22 . At least one of the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B may have an arcuate configuration that is angled along the second plane BB. However, it is to be appreciated that the arms  48 A,  48 B may have any configuration. At least one of the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B includes an additional elastic member  52  coupled to distal ends of the first or second arm  48 A,  48 B, respectively. In various embodiments, the additional elastic member  52  is isolated from the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34 . At least one of the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B may be removably coupled to the support  24  (e.g., removably coupled to the extension  46 ) or the handle grip  44 , respectively. The inventors contemplate that usability of the launching assembly  50  is improved by isolating the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  from the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B and removably coupling the first and second arms  48 A,  48 B to the launching assembly  50  due to the greater ease of assembling and disassembling the launching assembly  50 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of the projectile  22  for use with the launching device  20  or the launching assembly  50  described above. Non-limiting examples of suitable projectiles can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/538,793 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The projectile  22  may include at least one projection  54  (e.g., two projections) extending outwardly from a surface of the projectile  52 , where the projection  54  is sized and dimensioned to contact at least a portion of the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34 . The projection  54  may include a hook, a noc, or other projection, or other means of capture, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the projectile  22  may comprise a head portion  56 , a middle portion  58  and a tail portion  60 , all connected or coupled together to form the projectile  22 . The tail portion  60  may include a set of fins to stabilize the projectile  22  when moving through the air. Of course, different shapes, sizes and configurations of projectiles could be used with the launching device  20  or the launching assembly  50  without departing from the scope of the invention described herein, so long as the projectile  22  can removably couple to the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  to launch the projectile  22  as discussed below. 
     As described above, the projectile  22  can be launched by the launching device  20  or the launching assembly  50  by connecting the projection  54  to the first and second elastic members  32 ,  34  and applying a pulling force by the user to the projectile  22  which causes the elastic members  32 ,  34  to extend in length (i.e. draw). Once the pulling force is removed from the projectile  22 , stored kinetic energy retained in the elastic members  32 ,  34  causes an opposing force to the projectile  22 , which causes the projectile  22  to move in a generally opposite direction as elastic members  32 ,  34  returns to its original length. 
     In another aspect, methods of instructing a user to launch the projectile  22  are also contemplated, especially those methods that utilize the device  20  or the assembly  50  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     First, instructions can be provided that instruct the user or operator to hold the handle grip  44  with one hand and hold the projectile  22  with the other hand. Once the user is holding the handle grip  44  and the projectile  22 , the user can be instructed to connect the projectile  22  to the elastic members  32 ,  34 , such as by using the projection  54  of the projectile  22 . 
     The user can then be instructed to pull the projectile  22  (and with it the elastic members) toward the user and then release the projectile  22  which transfers at least some of the elastic force to the projectile  22  to propel the projectile  22  in generally the opposite direction. To permit this to happen, the elastic members  32 ,  34  have an elasticity such that (i) when the projectile contacts at least the portion of the elastic members  32 ,  34  and a force is applied, a length of the elastic members  32 ,  34  increases and (ii) when the force is removed, the length of the elastic members  32 ,  34  decrease and a second force is applied to the projectile  22 . 
     As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
     The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.