Patent Publication Number: US-2018053449-A1

Title: Mechanical sign waving device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/872,558 filed Oct. 1, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/515,398 filed Oct. 15, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/648,084 filed Oct. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/588,637 entitled “MECHANICAL SIGN WAVING DEVICE”, filed Jan. 19, 2012, the contents of each of the Ser. No. 14/872,558 application, the Ser. No. 14/515,398 application, the Ser. No. 13/648,084 application and the 61/588,637 application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a mechanical sign waving device which replaces a human sign spinners that hold signs or move them around for advertising purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many ways to promote one&#39;s products, businesses or operations. One frequently used method is by using signs. Signs can be used in a variety of ways, and in recent years, many businesses use human sign spinners who hold, spin or throw the signs to attract attention. Businesses generally place the sign spinners outdoors and in locations where substantial pedestrian or automobile traffic exist. Although effective, using sign spinners to perform such tasks present a number of limitations such as health risks, limited advertising time and higher costs. 
     Sign spinners generally work outdoors and are exposed to excessive heat or cold. In addition, in order to make advertising most effective, sign spinners position themselves at or near major traffic centers, further exposing them to hazardous exhaust gases from vehicles and/or getting hit by a vehicle. 
     Further, use of sign spinners is generally limited to daytime hours due to potential security risks. Additionally, in instances where sign spinners are used after dark, additional costs are incurred to provide lighting equipment. Finally, the sign spinners&#39; wages can also add up resulting in unexpected cost issues for the advertiser. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a sign waving machine that can be operated without any temporal or geographical limitations. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment includes a sign waving apparatus, comprising a base; a housing enclosing a motor, wherein a drive shaft of the motor is partially exposed outside of the housing; a frame support; and a sign mount coupled to the housing and the motor, wherein the sign mount moves relative to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the motor can be adjusted to operate at different Revolutions Per Minute and in both rotational directions. Optionally, the frame support is further composed of a support pole and a lower frame, wherein the first end of the support pole is connected to the lower frame which provides attachment points for the base and the second end of the support pole is connected to the housing. In some embodiments, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a set of swing shafts, wherein each swing shaft of the set of swing shafts has a first end and a second end and is configured to rotate freely around the first end and second end. Optionally, the sign mount is further coupled to the motor by a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft has a fixed end and a free end and is configured to rotate freely around the free end and rotate relative to the housing at the fixed end. 
     In other embodiments, the sign mount can be further configured to have a first surface and a second surface to allow signs to be visible from both sides. Sometimes, the base encloses a battery, a rotation reversal switch, an on/off switch, a battery charger, a fuse holder or circuit breaker, a set of lights, solar energy controller and panel, global tracking device, or a locking latch. Optionally, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a plurality of swing arms, wherein one of the swing arms is connected to the motor by a circular disc and a connector shaft. 
     In another embodiment includes a sign waving apparatus, comprising a base; a housing enclosing a motor, wherein a drive shaft of the motor is partially exposed outside of the housing; a frame support; a sign mount coupled to the housing and the motor, wherein the sign mount moves relative to the housing and the sign mount comprises a first surface and a second surface; and wherein a sign attaches to a portion of the first or second surface of the sign mount. 
     Optionally, the motor can be adjusted to operate at different Revolutions Per Minute and in both rotational directions. Sometimes, the frame support is further composed of a support pole and a lower frame, wherein the first end of the support pole is connected to the lower frame which provides attachment points for the base and the second end of the support pole is connected to the housing. The sign mount is optionally coupled to the housing by a set of swing shafts, wherein each swing shaft of the set of swing shafts has a first end and a second end and is configured to rotate freely around the first end and second end, and the sign mount is further coupled to the motor by a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft has a fixed end and a free end and is configured to rotate freely around the free end and rotate relative to the housing at the fixed end. The sign mount can be further configured to have a first surface and a second surface to allow signs to be visible from both sides. 
     In some embodiments, the base encloses a battery, a rotation reversal switch, an on/off switch, a battery charger, a fuse holder, a set of lights, or a locking latch. Optionally, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a plurality of swing arms, wherein one of the swing arms is connected to the motor by a circular disc and a connector shaft. Sometimes, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a shaft, wherein the shaft is connected to the motor. 
     Some other embodiments provides an apparatus for automatically waving signs. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes, a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support, and a sign mount coupled to the housing and the motor, where the sign mount moves relative to the housing. 
     In one embodiment, the motor can be adjusted to operate at different Revolutions Per Minute and in both rotational directions. Optionally, the frame support is composed of a support pole and a lower frame. In one embodiment, the first end of the support pole is connected to the lower frame so that it provides attachment points for the base and the second end of the support pole is connected to the housing. The sign mount is optionally coupled to the housing by a set of swing shafts and the sign mount is further coupled to the motor by a drive shaft. The sign mount can be further configured to have a first surface and a second surface to allow signs to be visible from both sides. The base may enclose a battery, a rotation reversal switch, an on/off switch, a battery charger, a fuse holder, a circuit breaker, a set of lights, solar energy controller and panel, global tracking device, or a locking latch. The frame support can be additionally connected to a set of wheels, an extendable platform, and an attachment point for the base, which allows a dummy to be placed on the platform. In some embodiments, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a circular disc connected to the motor, a pivot point connecting the sign mount to the housing and a spring connecting the sign mount to the vertical frame support. In another embodiment, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a circular disc connected to the motor tracking an elongated opening on the sign mount and a pivot point. In still another embodiment, the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a plurality of swing arms, wherein one of the swing arms is connected to the motor by a circular disc and a connector shaft. 
     In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support, a sign mount coupled to the housing and the motor, where the sign mount moves relative to the housing, and where the sign attaches to a portion of the first or second surface of the sign mount. 
     Another embodiment includes a sign waving apparatus, comprising a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support coupled to the base and the housing and a sign mount coupled to the housing and the motor, wherein the sign mount moves relative to the housing, wherein the sign mount is coupled to the housing by a set of swing shafts, wherein each swing shaft of the set of swing shafts has a first end and a second end. 
     Optionally, each swing shaft is configured to rotate freely around the first end and second end. The sign mount is further optionally coupled to the motor by a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft has a fixed end and a free end and is configured to rotate freely around the free end and rotate relative to the housing at the fixed end. The motor can be adjusted to operate at different Revolutions Per Minute and in both rotational directions. The frame support is further optionally composed of a support pole and a lower frame, wherein the first end of the support pole is connected to the lower frame which provides attachment points for the base and the second end of the support pole is connected to the housing. In some embodiments, a draft shaft of the motor is partially exposed outside of the housing. Sometimes, the first swing shaft is a first length and the second swing shaft is a second length that is different from the first length. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present embodiments will be apparent from the following description, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an apparatus according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a base as may be used in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  is an illustration of a frame support as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  is an illustration of a frame support configured with an extended platform as may be used in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing as may be used in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the sign mount as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing using a swing shaft and a drive shaft as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing using a pivot point as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6C  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing using a circular disc, a pivot point and a spring as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6D  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing using a circular disc, and a pivot point as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6E  is an illustration of a sign mount coupled to the housing using a plurality of swing shafts and a circular disc connected to the motor in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a dummy attached to the housing and the frame support as may be used in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a hip bracket as may be used in an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions, sizing, and/or relative placement of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the invention. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is usually accorded to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where other specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following paragraphs, the present embodiments will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the sign waving apparatus  100  having a base  200 , a frame support  300 , a housing  400  enclosing a motor  420 , a sign mount  500 , a swing shaft  600 , and a drive shaft  610 .  FIG. 1  depicts the various elements of one embodiment for the sign waving apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the embodiment consists of a base  200  attached to one end of the frame support  300 , and a housing  400  attached to the other end of the frame support  300 . The housing  400  is coupled to the sign mount  500  by one or multiple swing shafts  600  and a drive shaft  610 . 
     The base  200  encloses components that are used to operate the device, such as a battery, components to charge the battery, or an on/off switch. In addition, the base  200  provides additional support and acts as a counterweight, reducing the possibility that the sign waving device will tip over. The frame support  300  provides attachment points for the base  200  and the housing  400 . Additionally, the connection between the frame support  300  and the housing  400  allows the user to adjust the housing&#39;s  400  height of attachment. The housing  400  encloses a motor  420  that provides the torque which results in the sign mount&#39;s  500  movement. The motor  420  is partially exposed such that a drive shaft  610  can be connected to the motor  420 . The motor  420  is connected to the base  200  via a plurality of wires that are enclosed within the frame support  300  that provides the motor  420  with power and electric signals necessary to operate the motor  420 . The housing  400  is mechanically coupled to the sign mount  500  using one or more swing shafts  600  and a drive shaft  610 . 
     The sign mount  500  resembles a box-shaped truss structure and has both an outside and an inside surface. The inside surfaces have a series of holes that are used to connect to the swing  600  and drive shafts  610 . The outside surfaces are configured such that signs can be attached to these surfaces. The first end of the swing shaft  600  is connected to the housing  400 , preferably on the same side of the housing  400  where the motor  420  is partially exposed. The first end provides a pivot point for the swing shaft  600 . The second end of the swing shaft  600  is connected to the housing-facing side of the sign mount  500 . The drive shaft  610  is connected to the motor  420  on one end and the sign mount  500  on the other end. The drive shaft  610  is connected to the motor  420  directly or indirectly via multiple gears or a gearbox. The torque provided by the motor  420  rotates the drive shaft  610 , which in turn provides the swinging or rocking motion of the sign mount  500 . A number of different combinations of swing shafts  600  and other connectors can be used to connect the sign mount  500  to the housing  400  and motor  420 . These will be discussed below. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the base  200  in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The base  200  is constructed from any material that can provide protection to the enclosure. In the present embodiment, the base  200  is a rectangular box that is hollow in the inside and has a lid  210  capable of protecting the various enclosure inside the base  200 . The base  200  incorporates connection points on one of its outside surfaces so that it can be connected to the frame support  300 . As shown, a set of lights  220  is attached to the outside of the base  200  so that the signs can be visible in the dark. The base  200  has louvers in one or more sides to aid in cooling and ventilation. 
     In another embodiment, the base  200  is securely enclosed by a locking latch  230 . The enclosure may consist of any combination of a battery providing electric power to the motor  420 , a rotation reversal switch, an on/off switch, a battery charger, a fuse holder or a circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the battery is a 12V DC deep cycle marine battery. In some embodiments, the base  200  encloses a battery hold down, that allows the battery to remain securely fixed during transportation of the present embodiment. The battery charger is preferably a 12V DC battery charger, but other types of charges can be utilized. In some embodiments, various electric switches and components such as the on/off power switch, the rotational reversal switch, and the fuse holder are heavy duty components that are water resistant and provide additional protection from natural elements. The fuse holder generally holds an AGC style fuse and protects the battery and the motor  420 . In another embodiment, the base  200  further encloses a solar energy controller and panel or a global tracking device. In one embodiment, the base  200  further encloses an electrical pass through that provides a power receptacle on the outside of one of the sides of the base  200  and a standard 110V receptacle inside the base  200 . The electrical pass through provides plug in and removal of power cords for charging of the battery. The base can be configured to enclose or store other materials subject to the user&#39;s preferences. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate various embodiments of the frame support  300 . Referring to  FIG. 3A , the frame support is composed of a support pole  310  and a lower frame  320 . The first end of the support pole  310  is connected to the lower frame  320  which provides attachment points for the base  200 , a set of wheels  330  and a platform  340  that covers the set of wheels  330 . The second end of the support pole  310  attaches to the housing  400 . The wheels  330  allow the sign waving apparatus  100  to be easily transported. The platform  340  provides a stable platform for various purposes, such as placing a dummy or other materials. In some embodiments, the wheels  330  are composed of a 10-inch pneumatic tire on a steel wheel. As shown, lights  350  are attached to the platform  340  or at other locations on the frame support  300  or on the support pole  310  to illuminate the sign in the dark. The frame support  300  is manufactured from box tubing or other materials that provide sufficient support while still being lightweight. In one embodiment, The support pole  310  is configured such that its length can be adjusted by the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , the frame support  300  is shown with an extendable platform  360 . The extendable platform  360  is configured such that in its collapsed configuration its area is minimized or similar to that of the platform  340 . The extendable platform  360  is generally composed of a plurality of elements, that are connected by a hinge or bolts, or rivets to form the extendable platform  360 . The extendable platform  360  is further connected to a dummy support  370 . The dummy support  370  is generally attached to the rear of the dummy such that the dummy does not fall or tip over backwards, away from the support pole  310 . The dummy (not shown) is described in more detail below. The dummy support  370  is made of plastic, aluminum, steel or other materials depending on the weight and size of the dummy. In one embodiment, the extendable platform  360  is configured with attachments points, such that the bottom part of the dummy can be securely fastened to the extendable platform  360 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the housing  400  coupled to the sign mount  500 . The housing  400  encloses a motor  420  that is further connected to the battery located in the base  200 . The housing  400  has an opening  410  that runs through the housing  400  in a vertical direction. This opening allows the top end of the support pole  310  to attach to the housing  400 . In one embodiment, a part of the motor  420  is exposed such that it can be directly connected to the drive shaft  610 . In another embodiment, the motor  420  is connected to additional gears or a gearbox, which in turn connect to the drive shaft  610 . In such cases, the motor  420  will not be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, the motor  420  is a 12V DC gear head motor  420 , capable of operating at multiple speeds and in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. The operation of the motor  420  is controlled using the components that are enclosed in the base  200 . The housing  400  is connected to the support pole  310  in an orientation that is parallel to the ground or at a skewed angle. In one embodiment, the housing  400  connects to the support pole  310  using a fastening device inside the housing  400 . The device allows the user to adjust the height of the housing  400  on the support pole  310 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the sign mount  500 . The sign mount  500  is generally made from box tubing with threaded inserts on the backside for mounting to a swing shaft  600  and/or a drive shaft  610 . In some embodiments, the sign mount  500  is composed of two parallel ‘H-shaped’ tubing  510  that are connected by one or more arm binders  520  at the far ends. In such embodiments, the user can attach signs facing both front and rear directions. Signs are generally attached to the sign mount  500  using fabric hook-and-loop fasteners or other adhesive materials that are attached to multiple surfaces of the sign mount  500  and the signs. In some embodiments, the arm binder  520  is constructed using the same box tubing used in the ‘H-shaped’ tubing  510  or from solid or clear plastic. 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate variations of coupling the housing  400  with the sign mount  500 . Some of the coupling configurations provide the sign mount  500  with a sideways swinging motion, whereas some configurations provide an up and down rocking motion. Some configurations provide both types of the aforementioned motions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the sign mount  500  is connected to the housing  400  to provide both an up and down rocking motion and a sideways swinging motion. The sign mount  500  is coupled to the housing  400  by a swing shaft  600  and a drive shaft  610 . The swing shaft  600  is connected to the housing  400  on the first end and to the sign mount  500  on the second end The drive shaft  610  is connected to the motor  420  on the first end and to the sign mount  500  on the second end. The swing shaft  600  rotates freely about both its housing  400  and sign mount  500  connections. The first end of the drive shaft  610  rotates relative to the housing  400 . The length of the drive shaft  610  may vary, altering the extent to which the sign mount  500  moves. In some embodiments, the motor  420  can be configured so that the drive shaft  610  fully rotates (360 degrees) providing the sign mount  500  with an up and down rocking motion. In another embodiment, the motor  420  can be configured so that the drive shaft  610  moves in a pendulum-like motion providing the sign mount  500  with a sideways swinging motion. Such motor  420  settings may be adjusted by the user using the rotation reversal switch enclosed in the base  200 . In another embodiment, the housing  400  encloses an auto reversing mechanism connected to the motor  420  allowing the user to change the direction of the motor&#39;s rotation. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an embodiment of the sign mount  500  connected to the housing  400  by a single pivot point  620 . The sign mount  500  is coupled to the housing  400  by a pivot point  620  located in the in the center on one of the sides of the housing  400 . Preferably, the sign mount  500  attaches to this pivot point  620  through a hole located in the center of the sign mount&#39;s  500  ‘H-shaped’ tubing  510 . The sign mount  500  is coupled to the housing  400  via a shaft that is connected to the motor  420 . A pin can be used to securely hold the sign mount  500  in place. In other embodiments, the hole can be located at any location on the ‘H-shaped’ tubing  510 . In another embodiment, the motor  420  is configured such that the sign mount  500  rotates in complete circular rotations. In one embodiment, the motor  420  is configured such that the sign mount  500  partially rotates back and forth in a rocking see-saw motion. The degree of rotation may be adjusted by the user. In some embodiments, the housing  400  encloses an auto reversing mechanism connected to the motor  420  allowing the user to change the direction of the motor&#39;s rotation. 
       FIGS. 6C and 6D  illustrate embodiments of the sign mount  500  connected to the housing  400  by a circular disc  630  connected to the motor  420 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , the sign mount  500  is further connected to a pivot point  620  providing support but is not connected to the motor  420 . Instead, a shaft attached to the surface of the housing mates with the pivot point. A pin is used to securely hold the sign mount  500  in place. The sign mount  500  may be further connected to the support pole by a spring  640 . In this embodiment, the movement of the sign mount  500  is limited to a see-saw like motion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6D , the sign mount  500  is connected to the circular disc  630  by an extrusion on the circular disc  630  that tracks an elongated opening  530  on the sign mount  500  resulting in a see-saw like motion. The sign mount  500  is further connected to a pivot point  620  providing support but is not connected to the motor  420 . Instead, a shaft attached to the surface of the housing  400  mates with the pivot point  620 . A pin is used to securely hold the sign mount  500  in place. 
       FIG. 6E  illustrates an embodiment of the sign mount  500  connected to the housing  400  by a plurality of swing shafts  600 . One of the swing shafts  600  is further coupled to the motor  420  by a circular disc  630  and a connector shaft  660 . In such embodiments the sign mount  500  moves in a sideways swinging motion. In some embodiments, the swing shafts  600  may have different lengths to alter the sign mount&#39;s  500  rocking motion. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the frame support  300  with a dummy  700  placed on top of the extendable platform  360  to emulate a person moving the sign. The dummy  700  is secured to the present embodiment by a hip bracket  800  connecting the dummy  700  to the housing and the dummy support  370 , both of which can be removed by the user when not in use. The dummy  700  may be made of any material and can be covered in wigs or clothing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a hip bracket  800  is illustrated. The hip bracket  800  is composed of a housing attachment point  810  on the first end and a dummy attachment point  820  on the second end. The two attachment points are connected by a bar  830  that can be twisted with respect to its axis consistent with the orientation of the housing  400 . 
     Thus, it is seen that a sign waving apparatus is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the various embodiments and preferred embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the description is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent part names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various parts. Additionally, with regard to method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
     A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 
     Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, the figures and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular configuration.