Patent Publication Number: US-2023150345-A1

Title: Sun visor mounting apparatus, system, and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 1/173,122, filed on Feb. 10, 2021 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/972,485, filed Feb. 10, 2020 entitled “Sun Visor Mounting Apparatus, System, and Method,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to mounting systems for cameras and related devices in a vehicle. More particularly, and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system, or method for mounting devices to a sun visor of a vehicle. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Police, law enforcement, emergency responders, businesses, and drivers or pilots in general now utilize some form of camera system in their vehicles, machinery, boats, or aircrafts. These camera systems are often utilized for data gathering, the taking of footage for evidence, entertainment from funny moments on the roads, in the air, or on the water, and/or used to monitor passengers, pets, children, or criminals. 
     While suction cups, and other mounting apparatuses, or systems, do allow for the cameras to capture some footage, they do not allow for the ability to capture all of the footage possible due to mounting positions, and/or the locations of connections such as power, and/or data storage. Additionally, these mounting systems often block significant portions of a driver&#39;s or pilot&#39;s viewing area, creating a safety hazard. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a system, apparatus, or method that overcomes those disadvantages of the prior art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is a sun visor mounting apparatus having a mounting plate, a securing plate, a joining plate, and an extension plate, each of which is capable of and/or configured to receive a fastener for coupling or securing one or more of said plates. 
     Thus, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a sun visor mounting system including a mounting plate with a J hooked end configured to receive a first side of a sun visor. Opposing the J hooked end can be a securing plate configured in a U shape for receiving a second side of the sun visor and also capable of coupling to the mounting plate. A joining plate configured in a V shape, with a first side of the joining plate capable of coupling to the mounting plate and a second side of the joining plate capable of coupling to an extension plate. The extension plate can have a first side coupled to the joining plate and a second side configured to engage against a fixed structure. One or more fasteners may be utilized with each plate to secure them together. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for installing a sun visor mount, including engaging a first side of a sun visor into a J hook portion of a mounting plate, and, once engaged, inserting a second side of the sun visor into a securing plate. To accommodate different sizes and configurations, the present disclosure can include extending a joining plate to a satisfactory position, causing an extension plate to engage with a fixed structure for the mounting plate&#39;s stability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a lower perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a front upper perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a rear perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system. 
         FIG.  2    is a top view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus. 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus. 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting system configured for use with multiple devices. 
         FIG.  6    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus in use with multiple devices. 
         FIG.  7    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus utilized with multiple devices. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a lengthwise view illustration of stabilizing bracket. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a lower perspective view illustration of a stabilizing bracket. 
         FIG.  9    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting system installation method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At least one embodiment of the disclosure will now be described. One disadvantage that camera mounting systems have is the lack of stability in mounting surfaces. The present disclosure addresses this by allowing for increased stability from an engagement with a windshield or other fixed structure while utilizing additional mounting points or locations that can increase the flexibility during utilization and/or safety of a user. 
       FIG.  1 A  is a lower perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system  100 A. The sun visor mounting system  100 A can include a mounting plate  102 , a securing plate  106 , a joining plate  108 , an extension plate  110 , and/or a second mounting plate  112 . Each of these plates may interact with one or more of the adjacent and/or interconnected plates to allow for a securing or engagement with a sun visor (not illustrated) and/or a fixed structure (not illustrated). 
     For example, the mounting plate  102  allows for the coupling of devices to the sun visor mounting system  100 A. These devices (not illustrated) may include Global Positioning System(s) (G.P.S.), camera system(s), radio(s), and/or other devices utilized by drivers, pilots, and/or other individuals operating vehicles and/or machinery. In at least one example, the mounting plate  102  has a portion or section  104  that is generally J shaped or J hook-shaped. The J or J hook shape allows the mounting plate to engage with a sun visor (not illustrated). 
       FIG.  1 B  is a front perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system  100 B. The sun visor mounting system  100 B can include a mounting plate  102 , a securing plate  106 , a joining plate  108 , an extension plate  110 , and/or a second mounting plate  112 . The mounting plate  102  can have a portion or section  104  that is J or J hook-shaped, which allows the mounting plate  102  to interface with a sun visor (not illustrated). The securing plate  106  can engage with the sun visor (not illustrated) opposite the J or J hook portion or section  104  of the mounting plate  102 . In at least one example, the securing plate  106  is slidable with respect to the mounting plate  102 . In other examples, the securing plate  106  may engage with the mounting plate  102  at one of a plurality of mounting positions. 
     The joining plate  108 , in at least one embodiment, has two ends or sections  108 A/ 108 B. The first end or section  108 A of the joining plate  108  can interface with the mounting plate  102 . The second end or section  108 B of the joining plate  108  may interface or engage with the extension plate  110 . Each of the first end  108 A and the second end  108 B may have a set of apertures or slots that allow for the interfacing of the joining plate  108  to other plates. In at least one example, the first end  108 A of the joining plate  108  can have a slot  101  or other aperture that allows for the movement of the joining plate  108  in relation to the mounting plate  102 . The slot  101  can allow for a sliding or linear movement  111 . For example, the linear or sliding movement  111  can allow for positioning of the joining plate  108  in relation to the mounting plate  102 . The linear or sliding movement  111  may allow for the movement of the joining plate  108  in a direction that is opposite the J or J hook portion  104  of the mounting plate  102 . Similarly, the second end  108 B of the joining plate  108  can have a slot  103  and/or a set of apertures  105 A/ 105 B. The slot  103  allows for the interaction of the joining plate  108  with the extension plate  110 . The interaction of the joining plate  108  and the extension plate  110 , in at least one example, can include sliding or movement  113 . The sliding or movement  113  may include movement of the extension plate  110  away or towards the joining plate  108 . The set of apertures  105 A/ 105 B may be utilized to secure the joining plate  108  to the extension plate  110  or to a device or set of devices that may be coupled to the sun visor mounting system  100 B. The slots and apertures discussed herein, generally, can allow for acceptance, passage, and securing of fasteners or other securing means. For example, a fastener or removable fastener may be a threaded bolt with a corresponding threaded nut as a securing mechanism. A threaded bolt or fastener can have a helical ramp surrounding a cylinder. 
       FIG.  1 C  is a rear perspective view illustration of a sun visor mounting system  100 C. The sun visor mounting system  100 C can include a mounting plate  102 , a securing plate  106 , a joining plate  108 , an extension plate  110 , and/or a secondary mounting plate  112 . In at least one embodiment, the mounting plate  102  and securing plate  106  interact to engage with a sun visor  117 . In at least one example, the sun visor  117  engages with the J or J hook section  104  of the mounting plate  102  and the U shaped securing plate  106 . The J or J hook section  104  may also have a set of apertures (not illustrated) that correspond to a set of apertures  107 A/ 107 B defined by the second mounting plate  112 . The set of apertures  107 A/ 107 B can allow for the coupling of the second mounting plate  112  to the mounting plate  102  utilizing a set of fasteners. The mounting plate  102  can be utilized as a stabilizing or general securing mount for a camera, camera system, Global Positioning System (G.P. S.), viewing system, or other device (not illustrated). In at least one example, the mounting plate  102  may also couple to cable management plate or system (not illustrated) for controlling and/or routing of cables for the camera or camera system or other devices coupled to the mounting plate  102 . Similarly, the second mounting plate  112  may be utilized for mounting and/or coupling of devices such as, but not limited to, viewing screens, G.P.S. units, and/or data loggers to the sun visor mounting system  100 C. The secondary mounting plate  112  can have a standoff section that allows for control of cables and/or connections to the devices mounted or coupled to the second mounting plate  112 . In some examples, cable management may be achieved through apertures or coupling mechanisms coupled to the various plates. 
       FIG.  2    is a top view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus  200 . The sun visor mounting apparatus  200  may be utilized within and/or as part of a stabilization or mounting system for cameras and other devices within a vehicle or other machinery. The sun visor mounting apparatus  200  can have a mounting plate  202  coupled to a joining plate  208 , a securing plate  206 , and/or a second mounting plate  212 . The mounting plate  202  may define at least one slot  216 A/ 216 B, which in some examples may be referred to as a securing plate slot  216 A and/or  216 B. The slot(s)  216 A/ 216 B can allow for a fastener  218 A/ 218 B to pass through to a securing plate  206 . The slots  216 A/ 216 B may also allow for the securing plate  206  to be moved and/or slide in relation to a portion of the mounting plate  202 . For example, sun visors vary in size from one vehicle to the next, and accordingly, the mounting plates should be able to adjust to fit a majority of these sun visors. 
     The mounting plate  202 , in at least one embodiment, may also define a set of apertures  214 A/ 214 B, each capable of receiving a fastener like those shown as  218 A/ 218 B. However, other forms of fasteners may also be utilized to allow the plates to be affixed to one another. The set of apertures  214 A/ 214 B are configured for placements and/or coupling of a camera or camera system (not illustrated) to the mounting plate  202 . In some examples, the camera, camera system, or device coupled to the mounting plate  202  may have a fastener or other coupling device built into a mounting bracket or the device for accessing and coupling to the plates via the set of apertures  214 A/ 214 B. 
     The joining plate  208  may define a first slot  220 A and/or a second slot  220 B (collectively referred to as slots  220 ). The slots  220  can allow for fastener  222 A,  222 B,  222 C, and/or  222 D to pass through and interface with the mounting plate  202  and/or the extension plate  210 . In at least one embodiment, the fasteners  222 A/ 222 B may be utilized to securing the joining plate  208  at a desired position in relation to the mounting plate  202 , in the illustrated example, a position away from or towards the mounting plate  202 . Similarly, the fasteners  222 C/ 222 D may be utilized to secure the extension plate  210  in a desired position. In the illustrated example, the position may be towards or away from the mounting plate  202 . Additionally, the joining plate  208  may also define a set of apertures  224 A and/or  224 B. The set of apertures  224 A/ 224 B, in at least one example, may allow for devices to be coupled to the joining plate  208 . For example, some cameras or camera systems may require a specific placement in relation to a windshield or other fixed structure to allow for proper image capture. Accordingly, it is beneficial to have multiple coupling points along the sun visor mounting system  200 . Additionally, each vehicle can have different configurations that may require a camera or G.P. S. system to be positioned differently to allow the driver clear visibility through a windshield, one or more windows, and/or mirrors. 
     The secondary mounting plate  212  can also define a set of apertures  226 A/ 226 B. The set of apertures  226 A/ 226 B, in at least one example, may allow for devices to be coupled to the secondary mounting plate  212 . For example, some cameras or camera systems may require a specific placement in relation to a windshield or other fixed structure to allow for proper image capture, or include a viewing screen to allow for monitoring of the current image capture. Accordingly it is beneficial to have multiple coupling points along the sun visor mounting system  200 . 
       FIG.  3    is a bottom view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus  300 . The sun visor mounting apparatus  300  can include a mounting plate  302 , a securing plate  306 , a joining plate  308 , and/or an extension plate  310 . In at least one embodiment, the mounting plate  302  may have a J or J hook-shaped portion or section  304 . The J hook section  304 , in at least one example, opposes a U shaped securing plate  306 . The J hook section  304  and the securing plate  306  are configurable to engage with a sun visor (not illustrated). The sliding or movement of the securing plate  306  can be achieved through one or more of the slot(s)  316 A and/or  316 B defined by the mounting plate  302  and a set of fasteners that pass through one or more of the slot(s)  316 A and/or  316 B. For example, a fastener (not illustrated) may pass through the securing plate  306 , and the mounting plate  302  via a slot  316 A/ 316 B with the fastener have a securing mechanism that allows for the fastener to create a friction, pressing, or locking fit connection between the securing plate  306  and the mounting plate  302 . Similarly, the joining plate, extension plate, and/or secondary mounting plate may have a friction, pressing, or locking fit connection between them. The mounting plate  302 , in at least one embodiment, may also define a set of apertures  314 A/ 314 B, each capable of receiving a fastener like those shown as  218 A/ 218 B. The set of apertures  314 A/ 314 B are configured for placements and/or coupling of a camera or camera system (not illustrated) to the mounting plate  302 . In some examples, the camera, camera system, or device coupled to the mounting plate  302  may have a fastener built into a mounting bracket or device for accessing the set of apertures  314 A/ 314 B. The securing plate  306  may be slidable or moved  315  in reference to the mounting plate  302  via the slots  316 A and/or  316 B. 
     The mounting plate  302  may also define a set of apertures  328 A/ 328 B/ 328 C that allow for a camera system to be coupled to the mounting plate  302 . The set of apertures  328 A,  328 B, and/or  328 C can also allow for the coupling of the mounting plate  302  to a joint plate  308 . Additionally, the set of apertures  328 A,  328 B, and/or  328 C can allow for additional plates to be secured to the mounting plate  302 . In some embodiments, the securing of a device or plates may be performed through fasteners or other types of securing means. The joining plate  308  can then be coupled to the mounting plate  302  and/or an extension plate  310 . For example, the joining plate  308  may have a slot (not illustrated) that a fastener may pass through for engaging with one or more of the set of apertures  328 A/ 328 B/ 328 C. Similarly, the joining plate  308  can have a slot or apertures (not illustrated) that can allow for a fastener to engage with a set of apertures  330 A/ 330 B/ 330 C of the extension plate  310 . The extension plate  310  may have a first side  310 A and a second side  310 B. In at least one example, the sides  310 A/ 310 B may also be referred to as sections. In at least one embodiment, the second side  310 B may also have a vibration reduction pad  310 C affixed to it. The vibration reduction pad  310 C may also be a dampening pad, sticky pad, or other pad-like devices or structures to allow the extension plate  310  to be pressed, engaged, and/or affixed to a fixed structure or object. 
       FIG.  4    is a side view illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus  400 . The side view illustration of the sun visor mounting apparatus  400  allows for the shapes and/or organization of the various plates and/or components of the apparatus. A mounting plate  402  is generally a single flat piece or plate with a generally rectangular cross-section. The mounting plate  402  may also have a portion or section  404  that is generally J or J hook-shaped to allow for engagement with a sun visor (not illustrated). The J or J hook portion or section  404  is part of the mounting plate  402  with a first section  404 A that is generally at a right angle or ninety degrees respective to the mounting plate  402 . A second section  404 B of the J or J hook portion  404  is generally at an angle greater than a right angle or ninety degrees from the first section  404 A and generally not more than one-hundred and thirty-five degrees from the first side  404 A. The second section,  404 B, may also be at an angle that is greater than one-hundred and eighty degrees from the mounting plate  402 . 
     A securing plate  406  has a generally U shape, with one section configured to interface with the mounting plate  402  and the other sections configured to assist in securing a sun visor (not illustrated). The securing plate  406  can have a first section  406 A that is configured to be generally parallel to the mounting plate  402 . A second section  406 B of the securing plate  406  can generally be configured at a right angle or ninety-degree angle to the first section  406 A. A third section,  406 C, is generally parallel or more than parallel to the first section  406 A. The third section  406 C may be at a right angle or ninety degrees to the second section  406 B but will generally be no more than one-hundred thirty-five degrees from the second section  406 B. 
     A joining plate  408  may have a first section  408 A and a second section  408 B. The first section  408 A may allow for coupling to the mounting plate  402 , and the second section  408 B can allow for coupling to the extension plate  410 . The joining plate  408  is generally configured in a V shape with an obtuse (greater than ninety degrees) angle  408 C. In at least one example, the second section  408 B of the joining plate  408  may be of a length equal to or less than a section of an extension plate  410 . Much like the joining plate  408 , the extension plate  410  has a first section  410 A and a second section  410 B. The first section  410 A may be sized to allow for a vibration reduction pad or other form of sticky or affixable pad that may reduce, or eliminate vibrations, and/or allow for increased stability of the extension plate  410  against a fixed structure. The size of the first section  410 A is generally less than, or much shorter than the second section  410 B. The second section  410 B is generally equal to or greater than the second section  408 B of the joining plate  408 . Additionally, the extension plate  410  is generally shaped like a checkmark, with an angle  410 C between the first section  410 A and the second section  410 B. The angle  410 C is generally an obtuse angle. 
     A secondary mounting plate  412  can allow for additional devices and/or systems to be coupled to the sun visor mounting apparatus  400 . The secondary mounting plate  412  is generally shaped like a V, with an acute angle  412 C. A first side  412 A of the secondary mounting plate  412  is generally of a sufficient length to create a standoff position with a second section  412 B when the first section  412 A is coupled to the mounting plate  402  and/or the J or J hook section  404 . In at least one embodiment, the first section  412 A and the second section  412 B are of a same or similar length, while in other examples, the first section  412 A is longer than the second section  412 B. 
       FIG.  5    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting system  500  in use with multiple devices. For example, the sun visor mounting system  500  may be coupled to a camera  540  and/or a screen  546 . Each camera  540  or camera system may be an articulation system  542  and/or an attachment bracket  544 . The articulation system  542  may allow for the positioning and/or placement of the camera  540 . In at least one example, the camera  540  is positioned in such a way to capture images through a windshield  551 . In other examples, the camera  540  may be positioned to capture images within the vehicle. 
       FIG.  6    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus  600  in use with multiple devices. For example, the sun visor mounting system  600  may couple to a camera  640 , a screen  646 , and/or a G.P.S. unit  648 . In at least one embodiment, the camera  640  may be coupled to the sun visor mounting system  600  through an articulation system  642 , a camera bracket  644 , and/or a stabilizing bracket  641 . The stabilizing bracket  641  can allow for various camera(s)  640  and/or articulation systems  642  to couple with the sun visor mounting system  600  with minimal vibrations as the shape and/or contour of the stabilizing bracket allows for the camera bracket  644  to seat firmly. 
     The sun visor mounting system  600  may also be engaged with a windshield  651 , at a stabilization point  643 . In at least one example, the sun visor mounting system  600  may include a vibration reduction pad (not illustrated) or other padding or adhesive pad that allows for engagement and/or interaction with the windshield  651 . In some examples, the engagement or interaction may be with a support beam  653  or a partition. 
     Much like the camera system, the screen  646  and/or G.P.S. unknit  648  may also be coupled with a device bracket  645 . The device bracket  645  may allow for the stabilization of devices as well as providing a quick connection and/or release system for various devices. For example, a police officer utilizing a G.P.S. unit, or G.P.S. tracking unit, may need to get out of the vehicle and move on foot to a specific area and needs to keep the G.P.S. unit with him, a quick-release system can allow for him to remove the unit from the vehicle and then replace it upon returning to the vehicle. 
       FIG.  7    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting apparatus  700  utilized with multiple devices. For example, the sun visor mounting system  700  may be coupled to a camera  740  and/or a screen  746 . Each camera  746  or camera system may be an articulation system  742  and/or an attachment bracket  744 . The articulation system  742  may allow for the positioning and/or placement of the camera  740 . In at least one example, the camera  740  is positioned in such a way to capture images through a windshield  751 . In other examples, the camera  740  may be positioned to capture images within the vehicle. 
     In at least one embodiment, the camera  740  may be coupled to the sun visor mounting system  700  through an articulation system  742 , a camera bracket  744 , and/or a stabilizing bracket  741 . The stabilizing bracket  741  can allow various camera(s)  740  and/or articulation systems  742  to couple with the sun visor mounting system  700  with minimal vibrations as the shape and/or contour of the stabilizing bracket allows for the camera bracket  744  to seat firmly against the coupling device. 
     Some cameras  740 , such as commercially available dash cameras, may require additional data and/or interface to allow them to be effective. For example, to be effective evidence in some courts, a G.P.S. logger data output must be timestamped with the video from the camera. In other examples, a G.P.S. unit must be visible in the video frame. This can be difficult to achieve without proper organization. The sun visor mounting apparatus  700  allows for such organization through the various mounting positions of the camera  740  and/or screen  746  or other devices. 
       FIG.  8 A  is a lengthwise view illustration of stabilizing bracket  841 .  FIG.  8 B  is a lower perspective view illustration of a stabilizing bracket  841 . With respect to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , the stabilizing bracket  841  can be universal fit devices for securing and/or stabilizing camera attachment brackets. The stabilizing bracket  841  can have a top section  850  that can be coupled to a lower section  852 . The lower section  852  can have a ramped or angled edge  854 . The ramped or angled edge  854  can, in at least one example, be configured to match a corresponding ramped or angled edge (not illustrated) on a camera or camera system bracket (not illustrated). The bottom section  852  and/or top section  850  may define a set of apertures  856 A and/or  856 B for coupling the stabilizing bracket to the sun visor mounting system or apparatus (not illustrated). In at least one example, the top section  850  can have a plate-like structure with a rectangular portion and a curved front or nose portion. Similarly, further to this example, the bottom section  852  can have a rectangular portion with an angled edge(s)  854 , and a curved front or nose portion with an angled edge(s)  854 . 
       FIG.  9    is an illustration of a sun visor mounting system installation method  900 . The installation method  900 , may in at least one embodiment, begin initially with engaging a first side of a sun visor into a J hook portion of a mounting plate  901 . The J hook portion of the mounting plate, in at least one example, is sized and configured to accept at least one side of a sun visor. At least one side of a sun visor will typically be along the major axis of a sun visor such that when the sun visor is utilized for shade purposes by an individual, it is the side or edge closest to the user or the ceiling of a vehicle. In at least one example, inserting a second side of the sun visor into a securing plate  902  may occur. In some examples, sliding the securing plate towards the J hook portion of the mounting plate  903  steps may occur where the securing plate is slidably coupled to the mounting plate. Another step can include extending a joining plate to a satisfactory position, the satisfactory position allowing the extension plate to engage with a fixed structure  904 . The joining plate can allow, individually or in combination with an extension plate for engagement with a fixed structure. Thus, another step that can occur is causing an extension plate to engage with a fixed structure for the stability of the mounting plate  905 . 
     The mounting plate may also couple to a second mounting plate by attaching a secondary mounting plate to the J hook portion of the mounting plate  906  step. Other devices may be attached, mounted, and/or coupled to the mounting plate or secondary mounting plate. For example, mounting a camera bracket to the mounting plate  907  and/or affixing a camera to the camera bracket  908  step may occur. Other examples may also include or involve coupling a viewing screen to the mounting plate  909 , coupling a G.P.S. unit to the mounting plate  910 , coupling a viewing screen to the second mounting plate  911 , and/or coupling a G.P.S. unit to the second mounting plate  912  step. Any of these devices may be mounted, affixed, and/or coupled in any individual capacity or combination. 
     It would be understood that one or more of the plates of the present disclosure may be combined together as one plate. For example, the extension plate and joining plate may be modified and/or combined through adhesives or other combination means such as welding or a welding like manner to create a single plate. Additionally, one or more of the plate may be coupled to the sun visor through adhesive, hook and loop, fasteners, and/or other attachment or affixing means. 
     While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages. 
     Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field”, the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology as background information is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.