Patent Publication Number: US-7717635-B1

Title: Liquid dispensing brush

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of prior non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/291,488, filed on Nov. 12, 2008, entitled “Spa-ah Brush,” to inventor Jennifer Schmidig, the contents of which are expressly incorporated as though set forth in full herein. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention generally relates to brushes. Moreover, it pertains specifically to a brush with a hollow, soap filled handle and brush head that twists open and closed to allow the soap to be dispensed. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A back brush is a bathing tool used for the purpose of personal hygiene. Back scrubbers are useful for washing the back or other hard to reach areas of the body. The typical back brush has a wooden or plastic handle and a sponge, mesh, or brush head on one end of the handle. 
   There are many references that disclose handled back brushes, including, U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,790, issued to Kay. Kay discloses a back brush with a hollow, soap filled handle that releases soap on to the brush head by engaging a dispensing knob. After the soap flows onto the brush head, the user may then scrub the desired area of the body. The dispensing holes disclosed and claimed in Kay are two small holes in the center of the brush that are twisted to align with two brush head apertures. When the holes are aligned with the apertures, soap is allowed to flow through the holes and out through the apertures. The problem with this design is that the user is uncertain when the brush is an open or closed position. Because of this, the user may accidentally leave the brush in the open position and have the soap leak out when not in use. Additionally, the user may accidently bump the brush knob to the closed position and cut off the soap flow while in use. 
   Other references that disclose handled back brushes include U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,364, issued to Katz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,715, issued to Khubani, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,701, issued to Jacobs. These devices all disclose a hollow, soap filled handle with a hole in the brush head to dispense the soap. However, the mechanism for dispensing the soap in these references is a standard pushing or pumping mechanism and does not allow the user to twist the brush head to shut off the flow of soap. Additionally, these brushes do not have a plurality of holes and apertures that align in order to allow the free flow of a substantial amount of soap onto the brush head or that unalign to completely cut off the flow of soap. Furthermore, the filler valves disclosed in these references are generally inconvenient and inadequate for repeated fillings. Finally, the prior art does not afford the user efficiency of operating the components of the brush. For example, the prior art does not make it easy for the users to change cleaning heads, open and close the fluid holes, or hide the filler openings. 
   Thus, what is needed, is a hollow brush that has a discreet filler valve and that allows the user to twist the brush head open to allow the soap to flow out and closed to completely cut off the flow of soap. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a bathing or scrubbing device that receives liquid through a re-sealable inset screw cap opening and holds this liquid within a head and hollow handle. The scrubber head twists from an open position to a closed position (and back again) and dispenses a substantial amount of liquid when in the open position. The liquid is dispensed by pushing a push button at the top of the head. The filler port is on the bottom of the head, and when the scrubber is fully assembled the filler port is completely and conveniently out of the user&#39;s way. 
   One embodiment of this invention is a cleaning liquid dispensing device, comprising: an inner gear head; an outer gear head; and a gear head receptacle. The inner gear head is hollow and is comprised of a side portion, a top portion, and a bottom ring portion. The side portion includes a plurality of outer notches. The outer notches are on an outside of the side portion. The bottom ring portion of the inner gear head includes a plurality of holes. The outer gear head is comprised of a bottom ring portion, a side portion, and a top lip portion. The side portion includes a plurality of inner notches on an inside of the side portion. The bottom ring includes a plurality of apertures. The inner gear head is inserted into the outer gear head, and wherein the plurality of inner notches of the outer gear head matingly engage with the plurality of outer notches of the inner gear head. The inner gear head is rotatable with respect to the outer gear head. The inner notches of the outer gear head and the outer notches of the inner gear head limit rotation of the inner gear head with respect to the outer gear head. The inner gear head rotates with respect to the outer gear head such that the plurality of inner gear head holes and the plurality of outer gear head apertures shift from an unaligned position to an aligned position and from the aligned position to the unaligned position. The aligned position allows a cleaning liquid to flow through the plurality of inner gear head holes and the plurality of outer gear head apertures. The unaligned position prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing through the plurality of inner gear head holes and the plurality of outer gear head apertures. The gear head receptacle is comprised of a base portion, a side portion, a top ring portion, a cleaning portion, and an inner gear head engagement device. The gear head receptacle inner gear head engagement device extends proximally from an inside of the side portion of the gear head receptacle. The base portion includes a plurality of holes. The cleaning portion is attached to an outside of said base portion. The outer gear head is inserted into the gear head receptacle. The side portion of the outer gear head includes an inner gear head engagement device opening. The inner gear head engagement device opening allows the inner gear head engagement device to pass through the outer gear head and engage with the inner gear head. The inner gear head engagement device of the gear head receptacle engages the inner gear head such that the plurality of gear head receptacle base ring holes and the plurality of inner gear head holes are aligned and wherein the inner gear head and the gear head receptacle are not rotatable with respect to each other. Preferably the inner gear head engagement device is a pin, wherein the inner gear head pin engages with one or more of the plurality of outer notches of the inner gear head. Preferably, the inner gear head pin engages the inner gear head between two of the plurality of outer notches of the inner gear head. 
   The cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes a screw cap and the outer gear head is further comprised of a threaded protrusion, wherein the threaded protrusion extends proximally from an inside of the bottom ring of the outer gear head. The screw cap is threaded and matingly engages with the threaded protrusion of the outer gear head. The inner gear head top portion is a push button. The push button is engaged to pump a cleaning liquid out of the cleaning liquid dispensing device when the plurality of gear head receptacle base ring holes and the plurality of inner gear head holes are aligned. The top ring portion of the gear head receptacle includes a removable portion that is removed to allow the outer gear head to slide into the gear head receptacle. The removable portion of the gear head receptacle top ring portion is preferably hingedly connected to the top ring portion and the removable portion hinges distally away from the gear head receptacle to allow the outer gear head to slide more easily into the gear head receptacle. 
   Preferably the outside of the side portion of the outer gear head is threaded and includes a tab. The gear head receptacle further comprises a tab notch and wherein the inside of the side portion of the gear head receptacle is threaded. The threaded outer gear head and the threaded gear head receptacle engage matingly when the outer gear head is inserted into the gear head receptacle. The tab allows a user to rotate the outer gear head easily with respect to the gear head receptacle. 
   The cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes a handle. The handle is preferably hollow and attached to the inner gear head. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide an easy to use and easy to fill liquid dispensing brush that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispensing brush that has a rotatable head that allows the user to twist the brush from an open to a closed position. The liquid dispensing brush, when open delivers a substantial amount of cleaning liquid and when closed completely restricts the flow of liquid. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispensing brush that is easy to assemble, disassemble, clean, and replace worn parts. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispensing brush with interchangeable brush heads so that a user can choose which type of cleaning brush head they wish to use. The present invention preferably allows the user to use many different types of brushes, sponges, or loofahs as the devices cleaning or scrubbing surface/head. 
   Other features and advantages are inherent in the liquid dispensing device claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of the outer gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a bottom plan view of the outer gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of a top plan view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a bottom plan view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of the screw cap of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a perspective view of the gear head receptacle of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of a top plan view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of a side plan view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
   In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention. 
   The present invention is preferably made primarily of plastic. However, it should be understood that the brush or any part of the brush may be made from of any natural or artificial material without deviating from the scope of the invention. Additionally, the parts of the present invention are preferably connected together using friction, friction snaps, or threaded and screwable parts. However, it should be understood that the present invention may be connected using any means including, but not limited to: straps, zip-ties, chains, clips, binders, bungees, cords, ropes, strings, cables, fasteners, staples, hook and loop, bands, latches, stitches, snaps, wenches, glue, other natural or synthetic chemical adhesives, adhesive tape, heat bonding, chemical bonding, crimps, clamps, or ultrasonic welding. Additionally, it should be understood that the invention may be made from one contiguous piece or may be made from any number of pieces without deviating from the scope of the invention. Additionally, rubber gaskets and rings may be used to fit between any pieces and help prevent any liquid leakage. 
     FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of the outer gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 1  the cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes outer gear head  10 . Outer gear head  10  preferably includes side portion  23 , top lip  24 , side threading  25 , tab  27 , opening  30 , apertures  40 , protrusion  50 , protrusion outer threading  51 , and inner notches  60 . The handle  20  is preferably hollow and holds a liquid, which is preferably a cleaning liquid. As shown the protrusion  50  is preferably open at the top so as to allow the cleaning liquid to flow into the outer gear head  10  through inner gear head  100  and handle  20  (inner gear head  100  and handle  20  are shown in  FIG. 3 ). The inner notches  60  and apertures  40  are preferably evenly spaced within the outer gear head  10 . Tab  27  preferably projects outward from outer gear head  10  and is easily grasped by a user. 
     FIG. 2  is an illustration of a bottom plan view of the outer gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the outer gear head  10  preferably has, side portion  23 , tab  27 , bottom ring  35 , apertures  40 , protrusion  50 , and protrusion outer threading  51 .  FIG. 2  shows how apertures  40  are preferably evenly spaced in bottom ring  35 . The apertures  40  allow a cleaning liquid to flow out of the outer gear head. 
     FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. The cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes an inner gear head  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inner gear head  100  preferably includes handle  20 , handle grips  21 , top portion  110 , side portion  115 , outer notches  120 , inner gear head engagement pin divots  122 , and button  130 .  FIG. 3  shows how the outer notches  120  are preferably evenly spaced around side portion  115 . Button  130  is preferably an engagable push button and when pushed acts to pump the cleaning liquid out of the cleaning liquid device. Button  130  preferably is configured to allow air into the device to replace the exiting fluid. The divots  122  may be notches, grooves, holes, or protuberances, so long as they function to hold the receptacle engagement device. Handle  20  is preferably hollow and holds a reserve of cleaning liquid. 
     FIG. 4  is an illustration of a top plan view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner gear head  100  includes handle  20 , handle grips  21 , top portion  110 , side portion  115 , outer notches  120 , and button  130 .  FIG. 4  shows how the outer notches  130  are preferably evenly spaced around side portion  115 . 
     FIG. 5  is an illustration of a bottom plan view of the inner gear head of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the inner gear head  100  includes handle  20 , side portion  115 , outer notches  120 , bottom ring portion  135 , holes  140 , and bottom opening  150 .  FIG. 4  shows how the holes  140  are preferably evenly spaced around bottom ring portion  135 . Inner gear head  100  is preferably hollow and is designed to fit into outer gear head  10 . Specifically, bottom opening  150  fits matingly around protrusion  50  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The holes  140  are preferably the same size and have the same spacing configuration as the apertures  40  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of the screw cap of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. The cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes screw cap  300 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , screw cap  300  preferably includes top portion  305 , bottom portion  310 , inset dial  320 , and outer threading  351 . Screw cap  300  is preferably designed to screw into the outside of protrusion  50 . Inset dial  320  is preferably level with top portion  305  such that when screw cap  300  is screwed into protrusion  50  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), screw cap  300  is flush with bottom ring portion  35  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Inset dial  320  is preferably a flat tab that is inset into top portion  305  such that when inset dial  320  is turned, the entire screw cap  300  turns. With this preferred design, the screw cap, or filling cap, when not in use, is conveniently out of the user&#39;s way. This out of the way design prevents unnecessary protrusions. Additionally, the screw cap may incorporate a rubber ring or gasket to prevent any unwanted leakage. 
     FIG. 7  is an illustration of a perspective view of the gear head receptacle of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. The cleaning liquid dispensing device preferably includes a gear head receptacle  500 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , gear head receptacle  500  is preferably hollow and includes side portion  505 , top lip  510 , removable portion  511 , hinge  512 , removable portion edges  513 , tab notch  514 , inner gear head engagement pin  520 , inner threading  525 , bottom portion  535 , holes  540 , and cleaning portion  590 . Preferably gear head receptacle  500  is designed to receive and threadingly engage with outer gear head  10 . Preferably removable portion  511  hinges on hinge  512  and flips out of the way so that outer gear head  10  can easily slide inside of gear head receptacle  500 . After the outer gear head  10  is inserted into gear head receptacle  500 , removable portion  511  then flips up on hinge  512  and closes around outer gear head  10 . This prevents gear head  10  from accidently coming out of gear head receptacle  500 . Removable portion  511  is preferably held in place by friction snaps or sliding bar locks at removable portion edges  513 . 
   The inner threading  525  engages with side threading  25  of the outer gear head  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The engaged threading allows the outer gear head  10  to turn and tighten into an engaged position with respect to the gear head receptacle  500 . Inner gear head engagement pin  520  preferably fits through opening  30  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and engages with inner gear head engagement pin divots  122  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Inner gear head engagement pin  520  links the inner gear head  100  and the gear head receptacle such that they do not rotate or twist with respect to each other. Additionally, when engaged the inner gear head holes  140  and the gear head receptacle holes  540  are preferably aligned vertically with each other. 
   Tab notch  514  is preferably configured to fit around tab  27  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Tab  27  preferably slides back and forth within tab notch  514 . 
     FIG. 7  also shows how the bottom of gear head receptacle  500  is covered by a cleaning portion  590 . In this case, cleaning portion  590  is a standard bristle brush. When the cleaning liquid passes through holes  540 , the liquid is delivered directly to the base of cleaning portion  590 . In this manner the user may easily apply a cleaning liquid to the cleaning portion  590 . Although the cleaning liquid is preferably a soap, lotion, or other viscous liquid cleaning product, it should be understood that the cleaning liquid may be any liquid or fluid. Additionally, although a standard bristle brush is one possible embodiment of the cleaning portion, the cleaning portion may be any cleaning device, including but not limited to: scrubber, scrubbing brush, mop, cloth, sponge, mesh sponge, natural sponge, loofah sponge, pad, scouring pad, or loofah, without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 8  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 8  the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  is preferably comprised of outer gear head  10  (hidden from view in  FIG. 8 ), handle  20 , handle grips  21 , tab  27 , inner gear head  100 , inner gear head top portion  110 , inner gear head button  130 , gear head receptacle  500 , gear head receptacle side portion  505 , gear head receptacle top lip  510 , removable portion  511 , removable portion edges  513 , tab notch  514 , and sponge cleaning surface  592 .  FIG. 8  shows the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  assembled and ready to use.  FIG. 8  shows inner gear head  100  as inserted into outer gear head  10 , which itself has been inserted into gear head receptacle  500 .  FIG. 8  shows that the cleaning surface as a sponge. Tab  27  and tab notch  514  are shown in  FIG. 8  as being positioned underneath handle  20 . However, tab  27  and tab notch  514  may be located anywhere on cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  without deviating from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that there may be more than one tab  27  and tab notch  514  without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
   The user is preferably able to grasp tab  27 , which is connected to outer gear head  10  and twist or rotate outer gear head  10  with respect to gear head receptacle  500 . The user may hold the receptacle steady by grasping gear head receptacle side portion  505  or by holding the handle  20 . When the outer gear head  10  is twisted with respect to the gear head receptacle  500 , the apertures  40  align with both the holes  140  and holes  540 . When the outer gear head  10  is twisted in the other direction with respect to the gear head receptacle  500 , the apertures  40  shift back to an unaligned position relative to both the holes  140  and holes  540 . In this manner, the user is able to securely slide open and securely slide closed the device. 
     FIG. 9  is an illustration of a top plan view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 9  the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  is preferably comprised of outer gear head  10  (hidden from view in  FIG. 8 ), inner gear head  100 , inner gear head top portion  110 , handle  20 , handle grips  21 , inner gear head button  130 , gear head receptacle  500 , gear head receptacle top lip  510 , removable portion  511 , removable portion edges  513 , tab notch  514 , and sponge cleaning surface  592 . Tab  27  is not visible in  FIG. 9  because it is hidden by handle  20 . 
     FIG. 10  is an illustration of a side plan view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device. As shown in  FIG. 10  the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  is preferably comprised of handle  20 , handle grips  21 , tab  27 , gear head receptacle side portion  505 , removable portion edges  513 , and tab notch  514 , and sponge cleaning surface  592 . 
     FIG. 11  is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing device.  FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the liquid dispensing device  900  preferably includes outer gear head  10 , outer gear head side portion  23 , outer gear head opening  30 , outer gear head inner notches  60 , inner gear head  100 , inner gear head outer notches  120 , inner gear head engagement pin divots  122 , gear head receptacle  500 , gear head receptacle side portion  505 , and gear head receptacle inner gear head engagement pin  520 .  FIG. 11  also shows how liquid dispensing device  900  has a hollow inside  902 .  FIG. 11  shows how the gear head receptacle  500  and the inner gear head  100  engage through the inner gear head engagement pin  520 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , inner gear head engagement pin  520  passes through opening  30  and engages with inner gear head engagement pin divots  122 . This engagement preferably locks inner gear head  100  with gear head receptacle  500  such that when one is rotated the other rotates in the same direction. 
     FIG. 11  also shows how opening  30  will allow the inner gear head engagement pin  520  to slide within the length of the opening. As such, the outer gear head  10  is not completely encumbered by inner gear head engagement pin  520 . Additionally, the inner notches  60  and outer notches  120  are preferably offset such that outer gear head  10  and the engaged combination of inner gear head  100 /gear head receptacle  500  are able to rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other. However, this rotation is limited when the inner notches  60  contact the outer notches  120 . This rotation is also limited and assisted by the outer threading of the outer gear head  10  and the inner threading of the gear head receptacle  500 . Indeed, this threading preferably allows the user to smoothly twist the outer gear head  10  in the opposite direction to the engaged combination of inner gear head  100 /gear head receptacle  500 . The movement arrows in  FIG. 11  show how the inner gear head  100  moves with gear head receptacle  500  but twists against outer gear head  10 . 
   As discussed above, when the inner gear head  100  is engaged with gear head receptacle  500 , their respective bottom holes  140  and  540  (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 ) are vertically aligned. When the cleaning liquid dispensing device  900  is completely assembled, the outer gear head bottom ring  35  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is preferably sandwiched between the inner gear head bottom ring portion  135  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and gear head receptacle bottom portion  535  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In this manner, when the outer gear head  10  twists or rotates against the engaged combination of inner gear head  100 /gear head receptacle  500 , the outer gear head apertures  40  shift from being aligned and not being aligned with the bottom holes  140  and  540 . When apertures  40  are aligned with bottom holes  140  and  540 , the cleaning liquid contained within the cleaning liquid dispensing device is able to flow through the aligned openings. The plurality of openings allow a substantial amount of liquid to flow or be pumped out to the cleaning surface. When apertures  40  are twisted so that they are not aligned with bottom holes  140  and  540 , the cleaning liquid is, preferably, completely restricted. Therefore, the user is able to easily twist the device on and off. Preferably, the engaged combination of inner gear head  100 /gear head receptacle  500  twists clockwise with respect to the outer gear head  10  to align the openings (turn on) and then counter clockwise to unalign the openings (turn off). These twisting movements are restricted by inner notches  60 , outer notches  120 , inner gear head engagement pin  520 , outer threading  25  and inner threading  525 . However, although inner notches  60  and outer notches  120  are the primary twist restriction mechanism, the notches also are configured and spaced to allow the holes  140  and  540  to completely align with apertures  40  so that a substantial amount of liquid can flow through the aligned holes and apertures. Additionally, the primary function of the inner gear head engagement pin  520  is not to restrict the twist, but instead it is to connect inner gear head  100  to gear head receptacle  500  and hold inner gear head  100  in a static position relative to gear head receptacle  500 . Furthermore, the primary function of outer threading  25  and inner threading  525  is to allow the cleaning liquid dispensing device to smoothly twist between an on position and an off position and to securely keep the device in either the on or off position. 
   Preferably the user twists the outer gear head  10  with respect to gear head receptacle  500  by grasping tab  27 , which is connected to outer gear head  10 , in one hand, and holding gear head receptacle side portion  505  in the other hand, and twisting them in opposite directions. In this manner, the device is easily twisted open and closed. 
   Although there are preferably twelve (12) apertures  40 , twelve (12) holes  140 , and twelve (12) holes  540 , there may be any number of these openings without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
   In summary, the present invention is a cleaning liquid dispensing brush that twists to allow the cleaning liquid to flow onto the base of the brush. 
   The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.