Patent Publication Number: US-11020302-B2

Title: Cushioned waterless sanitary toilet

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is drawn to a cushioned waterless sanitary toilet for collection of human waste. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A toilet is a sanitation fixture used for the storing or disposal of human urine and feces. In developed countries fixed toilets are generally configured as seat or squat porcelain flush devices. In most urban areas such toilets are typically connected to a sewer system, while in less built-up areas toilets can be connected to septic tanks. In many developing countries, especially in rural areas, dry toilets such as pit latrines and composting toilets remain common. For convenience, some toilets can be movable or portable. 
     One of the most common types of portable toilets is a bedpan. A bedpan can be used for toileting of a bedridden patient in a health care facility. A typical bedpan is a rigid container that can be used for both urinary and fecal discharge. Generally, patients who cannot get out of bed easily, but who can control their bladder and bowels, are provided with a bedpan. The bedpan is generally placed underneath the patient, who can relieve him/herself as needed. Some patients may be able to place their own bedpans under themselves, in which case assistance is required only to empty the bedpan after its use. 
     SUMMARY 
     A toilet assembly includes a cushion defining a cushion niche and configured to be positioned under and support a backside of an individual. The toilet assembly also includes a waste collection receptacle having a receptacle body defining a sump configured to hold human waste. The waste collection receptacle is characterized by an external contour configured to selectively fit into the cushion niche and facilitate removal of the receptacle from the cushion niche when the cushion is positioned under the backside of the individual. The toilet assembly additionally includes a receptacle lid configured to be selectively opened to expose the sump and closed to hermetically seal the sump when the receptacle is positioned inside the cushion niche. 
     The cushion can define a U-shape, such as a general horseshoe shape, such that the cushion niche is defined by an interior of the U-shape. In such a case, the external contour of the receptacle body can be configured to fit into the interior of the U-shape, for example, the receptacle can be configured to slide into and out of the interior of the U-shape. 
     According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the receptacle body can include a lip. In such a case, the outer perimeter of the receptacle lid can include a channel configured to engage, for example, slide relative to, the receptacle body lip to thereby hermetically seal the sump. 
     According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the receptacle body can include a channel. In such a case, the outer perimeter of the receptacle lid can include a lip configured to engage, such as slide relative to, the receptacle body channel to thereby hermetically seal the sump. 
     The toilet assembly can also include a locking mechanism having a first feature on the receptacle body and a matching second feature on the receptacle lid configured to maintain closure between the receptacle body and the receptacle lid. 
     The receptacle body can have a receptacle body height. Additionally, the cushion can be inflated or filled with pellets, gel, etc. The cushion can also be defined by a first cushion height prior to inflation or being filled and a second cushion height following the inflation or the fill. Furthermore, the second cushion height can be greater than the receptacle body height to thereby preclude protrusion of the receptacle beyond the height of the cushion. 
     The receptacle body can include collapsible side-walls. Accordingly, the receptacle body height can be variable and configured to increase following the inflation of the cushion via an unfurling of the collapsible side-walls. 
     Each of the receptacle body and the receptacle lid can be constructed either from a plastic or a plastic-laminated paper material. 
     The toilet assembly can additionally include a cushion case constructed from a fluid-absorbent material. In such a case, the cushion can be arranged inside the cushion case. Furthermore, a portion of the cushion can then be arranged between the waste collection receptacle and the cushion and be configured to drape into the cushion niche as the receptacle body is fit therein. 
     The receptacle body can be either transparent or opaque. A completion of the individual&#39;s waste deposit into the sump can be verified through the transparent receptacle body prior to closing the receptacle lid. 
     A method of managing toiletry needs of an individual using the toilet assembly, as described above, is also disclosed. 
     The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) and best mode(s) for carrying out the described disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of an individual positioned on a bed and a toilet assembly situated therebetween, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic close-up exploded perspective view of the toilet assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , having a cushion defining a cushion niche, and a receptacle, including a receptacle lid and a receptacle body, configured to be arranged within the cushion niche, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic close-up side view of one embodiment of the receptacle, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic close-up view of another embodiment of the receptacle, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic close-up view of yet another embodiment of the receptacle, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic close-up view of a locking mechanism configured to maintain engagement between the receptacle lid and the receptacle body in the toilet assembly, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic close-up view of the toilet assembly including a cushion case, according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method of managing toiletry needs of the individual using the toilet assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,  FIG. 1  shows an individual  10 , such as a dependent patient, situated on a bed  12 , and a toilet assembly  14  according to the disclosure arranged between the bed and the individual&#39;s backside  104  and used as a bedpan assembly. The toilet assembly  14  is specifically configured as a cushioned, waterless sanitary toilet. As will be detailed in the present disclosure, the toilet assembly  14  is configured to provide a sanitary, private, and odor-dispersion limiting solution to toileting of the individual  10 . Moreover, in medical facilities, the disclosed toilet assembly  14  can be used to reduce the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses that may be the cause of various infections. Accordingly, the toilet assembly  14  can be effective in countering drug-resistant infections. Although the remainder of the present disclosure concentrates on using the toilet assembly  14  for the individual  10  situated in the bed  12 , nothing precludes the toilet assembly from being used by a seated or elsewise positioned individual for meeting his/her toileting needs. 
     In health care, toileting is the act of assisting a dependent patient with his/her waste elimination needs. Depending on a patient&#39;s condition, his/her toileting needs may need to be met differently. Sometimes, the patient can be assisted to walk to a toilet, while in other situations the patient may be confined to a bed and may have to be provided with a bedpan. Although some diseases can permanently confine a patient to bed, necessitating routine reliance on a bedpan, many patients may be confined to a bed as a result of a temporary illness, injury, or surgery, thereby necessitating short-term bedpan use. Typically, a bedpan is placed underneath a patient situated in a bed either by the patient or by an assistant, e.g., a nurse. If the patient is able to position his/her own bedpan, assistance is then required only to empty the bedpan. Accordingly, use of the toilet assembly  14  according to the present disclosure can be facilitated by either the individual  10  him/herself or by an assistant. 
     The toilet assembly  14  includes a toilet cushion  16 . The cushion  16  is configured as a relatively compliant pad or a base of the toilet assembly  14 . As shown, the cushion  16  is configured to be positioned on the bed  12  and under the individual  10  to comfortably and resiliently support and accommodate the individual&#39;s backside  10 A.  FIG. 2  depicts a close-up view of the toilet assembly  14 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cushion  16  defines a cushion niche  18 . The cushion niche  18  can be configured as a depression or recess in the cushion  16  (not shown), or as an aperture extending through the cushion, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The cushion  16  can be configured as an inflatable structure, such as with air or another gas, or be filled with a liquid, pellets, gel, etc. 
     The toilet assembly  14  also includes a waste collection receptacle  20 . The receptacle  20  includes a receptacle body  22 . The receptacle body  22  includes an open top portion  23 , as well as four side-walls  24  and a bottom surface  25  that together define a sump  26  configured to capture and hold biological or human waste. The receptacle body  22  is characterized by an external contour  22 A. The external contour  22 A of the receptacle body  22  is configured to selectively fit into the cushion niche  18 . Additionally, the external contour  22 A of the receptacle body  22  can be configured to facilitate removal of the receptacle  20  from the cushion niche  18  when the cushion  16  is positioned under the backside  10 A of the individual  10 . Such capability of the assembly and disassembly of the receptacle  20  and the cushion  16  can be accomplished via cooperating features of the subject components. For example, the cushion  16  can define an aperture in one of its sides to permit removal of the receptacle  20  therethrough. 
     The toilet cushion  16  can have an open-ended rectangular, open-ended triangular, a semi-circular or other similarly open-ended construction. Alternatively, the cushion  16  can have a substantially closed ended-shape, but one defining a ramp or channel leading to the cushion niche  18  for accommodating the waste collection receptacle  20 . In other words, the cross-section of the cushion  16  is intended to have any shape suitable to accommodate the backside  10 A of the individual, and also provide a resting position and an access thereto for the collection receptacle  20 . The cushion  16  can have a single or a multi-section construction and be fabricated from a durable, fluid-proof, and hypoallergenic material. The selected material can be employed to generate an inflatable cushion  16  structure capable of withstanding at least 4 Psi of internal pressure. For example, the cushion  16  can be constructed from a 200D TPU-coated woven nylon fabric. 
     In a specific embodiment of the toilet assembly  14  construction, the cushion  16  can define a U-shape, i.e., a general horseshoe shape, and may also have a tubular structure in a cross-sectional view. The cushion niche  18  can be defined by the interior of the U-shape, i.e., by a space  16 A between the legs of the U-shape. The base between the legs of the U-shape may have any curvature or have a generally rectangular shape. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the legs of the U-shape can be connected by a bridge  16 B that can also serve to support the receptacle body  22  when the receptacle  20  is positioned inside the cushion niche  18 . In such an embodiment, the external contour  22 A of the receptacle body  22  can be shaped to substantially match the U-shape of the cushion niche  18 . In other words, the external contour  22 A can be configured to fit into the interior of the U-shape defined by the space  16 A, such that the receptacle can be slid into and out of the interior of the U-shape while the cushion  16  remains under the individual  10 . Additionally, the cushion  16  can include rails  16 C or other suitable protrusions extending substantially around the cushion niche  18  and configured to engage a rim or ridge  22 B surrounding the external contour  22 A of the receptacle body  22  for support thereof. 
     A piece of fluid-absorbent material can be placed into the sump  26 , i.e., on the bottom of the receptacle body  22 , to soak up the individual&#39;s fluid discharge. An appropriate fluid-absorbent material for the task can be a super-absorbent polymer (SAP), for example sodium polyacrylate, which is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula [—CH2-CH(CO2Na)-] n . Typically, such SAPs have the ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times their mass in water, and would, therefore, permit a largely spill-proof collection of waste discharge from the individual  10  via the toilet assembly  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , the receptacle  20  also includes a receptacle lid  28  configured to be moveably engaged with the receptacle body  22  at the open top portion  23 . The lid  28  is additionally configured to be selectively opened to expose the sump  26  and closed to hermetically seal, i.e., generate an airtight seal with, the sump when the receptacle  20  is positioned inside the cushion niche  18 . The lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  can be configured to cooperate, such that the lid can be slid, snapped, or rolled on and off the receptacle body. As such, the toilet assembly  14  is specifically configured with sufficient access to the lid  28  to permit the receptacle  20  to be selectively opened and closed even while the receptacle remains situated inside the cushion niche  18  and under the individual  10 , thus preventing exposure of the biological waste, spills, and spread of infection. Naturally, the lid  28  can be detached from the receptacle body  22  when the receptacle  20  is removed from the cushion niche  18 , and thus is apart from the cushion  16 , so that, for example, the receptacle can be opened and the deposited waste can be used for clinical analysis. To facilitate operation, i.e., selective opening and closing, of the receptacle  20 , the lid  28  can include a handle  29  configured to be grasped either by the individual  10  or by the individual&#39;s assistant. Following the waste having been deposited into the waste collection receptacle  20 , the lid  28  can be closed and the entire receptacle can be discarded, as deemed appropriate. The hermetically sealed receptacle  20  can be used for safe disposal of human waste, vomit, and blood. Such sealed disposal of various substances, including bio-hazardous waste, can be beneficial in protecting a caregiver from exposure to infections and reducing the possibility of contaminating the surrounding environment. 
     The receptacle body  22  has a receptacle body height H R . In the embodiment of the toilet assembly  14  having an inflatable cushion  16 , the cushion is defined by a first cushion height H C1  prior to inflation and a second cushion height H C2  following the inflation (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In such a construction, the second cushion height H C2  can be selected such that the second cushion height is greater than the receptacle body height H R  to minimize the possibility of the receptacle extending beyond, i.e., protruding above, the second cushion height when the toilet assembly  14  is situated under the individual&#39;s backside  10 A. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the receptacle body  22  can have collapsible side-walls  24 A. The collapsible side-walls  24 A provide the receptacle body  22  with a variable body height VH R . The variable receptacle body height VH R  is configured to increase following the inflation of the cushion  16  via an unfurling of the collapsible side-walls  24 A. Accordingly, a volume of the sump  26  defined by the collapsible side-walls  24 A is similarly variable. Specifically, the collapsible side-walls  24 A can be formed to fold or accordion onto themselves, such as by using bellows, as shown. 
     Each of the receptacle body  22  and the receptacle lid  28  can be constructed from a material that is sufficiently robust to withstand handling by either the individual  10  or the individual&#39;s assistant, as well as for impermeability to fluids. Furthermore, the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  can be manufactured either from the same material or from different materials, as desired. Such a material can, for example, be any thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, a closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, paperboard, or a plastic-laminated paper material, wherein the plastic lamination layer would be positioned on the respective interior surfaces of each of the receptacle body  22  and the receptacle lid  28  that could come into contact with waste discharge from the individual  10 . The lid  28  can be constructed from a more flexible material than the receptacle body  22 , such that the lid can be snapped onto the receptacle body without inducing closure-preventing deformation thereof. Additionally, the receptacle body  22 , and specifically the side-walls  24  or  24 A, can be either transparent or opaque. For example, a transparent receptacle body  22  can be used by the individual&#39;s assistant to verify completion of the deposit of the individual&#39;s waste into the sump  26  prior to closing the receptacle lid  28  and removing the receptacle  20  or the entire toilet assembly  14  from under the individual&#39;s backside  10 A. Additionally, the transparent receptacle body  22  can facilitate assessment of the patient&#39;s waste sample either before or prior to closing the receptacle  20 , for example identifying presence of blood or other indicators of health issues requiring immediate response. Such a transparent receptacle body  22  can also include a measuring scale incorporated, such as molded, into any of the side-walls  24  for medical purposes. 
     Once the individual  10  has deposited the waste into the receptacle  20 , it is useful for the waste to be handled in a sanitary manner that also limits dispersion of waste odor. To such an end, in a specific embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the receptacle body  22  can include a lip  30 . The lip  30  can be arranged near the open top portion  23  and extend substantially around three of the four side-walls  24  or  24 A. The receptacle lid  28  is defined by an outer perimeter  28 A (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the present embodiment, the outer perimeter  28 A of the receptacle lid  28  includes a complementary channel  32  arranged around three sides of the lid that come into direct contact with the receptacle  20 . The channel  32  on the receptacle lid  28  is configured to engage and slide relative to the receptacle body lip  30  to thereby hermetically seal the sump  26 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the outer perimeter of the receptacle lid  28  can include the lip  30 , while the receptacle body  22  can include the channel  32 . In such an embodiment, the lip  30 , being part of the receptacle lid  28 , is configured to slide relative to and engage the receptacle body channel  32  to thereby hermetically seal the sump  26 . 
     Alternatively, although not shown, the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  can include interacting features facilitating a snap on and off action of the lid onto the receptacle body. Either part of the snap on/off embodiment of the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  or in a separate embodiment, the receptacle lid can be connected to the receptacle body via a living hinge (not shown), thereby providing a permanent connection therebetween. Furthermore, in addition to such a living hinge, a tether connection (not shown) can extend between the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  to establish a fully open position of the receptacle lid relative to the receptacle body. In such an embodiment, when the toilet assembly  14  is positioned under the backside  10 A of the individual  10  and the sump  26  is exposed, the combination of the living hinge and the tether connection can facilitate the receptacle lid being employed as a waste discharge deflector. Each of the tether connection and the living hinge can be constructed from the same material as the receptacle lid  28  and/or the receptacle body  22 . The receptacle lid  28  can additionally include a living hinge  28 B positioned to permit a portion of the receptacle lid that is not engaged with the receptacle body  22  to be bent or folded upward. The bent-up portion of the lid  28  at the living hinge  28 B can be positioned to operate as a splash guard when the sump  26  is open. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the toilet assembly  14  can additionally include a locking mechanism  34  configured to ensure maintained engagement between the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  once the lid has been closed. The locking mechanism  34  can include at least one first feature  34 A arranged on the receptacle body  22  and a matching at least one second feature  34 B arranged on the receptacle lid  28 . Such first and second features  34 A,  34 B, upon engagement therebetween, are configured to maintain closure of the receptacle lid relative to the receptacle body. Specifically, the first feature  34 A can be one or more projections, while the second feature  34 B can be matching dimple(s) or depression(s) configured to capture the projection(s). The toilet assembly  14  can include any number of each of the first feature  34 A and the matching second feature  34 B as deemed necessary for maintaining positive and reliable closure of the receptacle lid  28  with respect to the receptacle body  22 . 
     Although not shown, the shape and configuration of the first and second features  34 A,  34 B can also be switched, such that the receptacle lid  28  includes projection(s) and the receptacle body  22  includes matching depression(s). Generally, however, the first feature  34 A and the matching second feature  34 B are contemplated as cooperating features that permit maintaining a secure closure between the receptacle body  22  and the receptacle lid  28 . Alternatively, the locking mechanism  34  can be configured as an adhesive surface on either the receptacle body  22  or the receptacle lid  28 . For example, such an adhesive surface can be provided by a self-stick tape affixed to either the receptacle body  22  or to the receptacle lid  28 , for contact and adherence to the other of the two parts via light pressure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the toilet assembly  14  can additionally include a cushion case  36 . The cushion case  36  can be constructed from a fluid-absorbent material, such as a thermally-bonded non-woven synthetic fiber and cellulose blend fabric having a plastic film or backing to inhibit seepage of fluids through the case. In such an embodiment, the cushion  16  is intended to be arranged inside the cushion case  36 . As shown, once the waste collection receptacle  20  has been placed into the cushion niche  18  over the cushion case  36 , a portion  36 A of the cushion case will become arranged between the receptacle and the cushion  16 . Accordingly, the portion  36 A of the cushion case  36  is configured to drape into the cushion niche  18  as the receptacle body  22  is fit therein. Such an embodiment of the toilet assembly  14  permits the cushion case  36  to absorb any possible splatter from the waste being deposited into the waste collection receptacle  20 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cushion case  36  can include material sections  36 A extending therefrom, which can be used to cover the individual&#39;s legs and shield them from the splatter. The cushion case  36  can subsequently be washed, disinfected, or disposed of, as deemed appropriate. Additionally, in the event there is any damage to the receptacle  20 , the cushion case  36  can provide a secondary layer of sanitary, odor, and anti-spill protection as the receptacle with biological waste is placed inside the cushion case  36  for disposal. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a method  100  of managing or tending to toiletry or waste elimination needs of the individual  10  (such as shown in  FIG. 1 ) in a waterless, sanitary, and odor-dispersion limiting manner. The method  100  operates in accordance with the above disclosure with respect to  FIGS. 1-7 . The method  100  commences in frame  102  where the method includes providing the toilet assembly  14  for the toiletry needs of the individual  10 . In frame  102  the method can also include fitting the receptacle body  22  into the interior of the U-shape of the cushion  16 , as defined by the space  16 A between the legs of the U-shape. As described above, the toilet assembly  14  can additionally include the cushion case  36  constructed from a fluid-absorbent material. In frame  102  the method can also include arranging the cushion  16  inside the cushion case  36  and arranging the portion  36 A of the cushion case between the waste collection receptacle  20  and the cushion, such that the portion  36 A drapes into the cushion niche  18  as the receptacle body is fit therein. 
     Following frame  102  the method advances to frame  104 . In frame  104  the method includes positioning the toilet assembly  14  under the backside  10 A of the individual  10 . As part of frame  104 , the method may include inflating the cushion  16  either prior to or subsequent to inserting the cushion under the backside  10 A of the individual  10 . As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the cushion  16  can be inflatable, wherein the cushion is defined by a first cushion height H C1  prior to inflation and a second cushion height H C2  following the inflation. Such an inflatable cushion  16  can be paired with the receptacle body  22  having collapsible side-walls  24 A that provide the receptacle body with the variable body height VH R . In such an embodiment, as part of frame  104 , the positioning of the toilet assembly  14  may also include increasing the receptacle body height VH R  via unfurling of the collapsible side-walls  24 A after the inflation of the cushion  16 . 
     From frame  104  the method proceeds to frame  106 . In frame  106  the method includes opening the receptacle lid  28  to expose the sump  26 . After frame  106  the method moves on to frame  108 . In frame  108  the method includes waiting until the individual  10  has completed his/her toiletry needs, i.e., deposited the individual&#39;s waste into the exposed sump  26 . Such waiting for the individual  10  to complete his/her toiletry needs may include verifying completion of the individual&#39;s waste deposit into the exposed sump  26  through the transparent receptacle body  22 , for example thorough transparent side-walls  24  or  24 A. 
     Following frame  108  the method advances to frame  110 . In frame  110  the method includes closing the receptacle lid  28  to hermetically seal the sump  26  following the completion of the deposit of the individual&#39;s waste into the exposed sump. As discussed above regarding the respective  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the receptacle body  22  can include the lip  30 , while the outer perimeter of the receptacle lid  28  can include the channel  32 , or, conversely, the outer perimeter of the receptacle lid  28  can include the lip  30 , while the receptacle body  22  can include the channel  32 . In such embodiments, the act of closing the receptacle lid  28  can include engaging the lip  30  with the channel  32  by sliding the lid relative to the receptacle body  22  to thereby hermetically seal the sump  26 . 
     As part of frame  110 , the method may include maintaining closure between the receptacle lid  28  and the receptacle body  22  via the locking mechanism  34  having the first feature  34 A on the receptacle body and a matching second feature  34 B on the receptacle lid. As describe above, the locking mechanism  34  can also be configured as a stick-on feature, such as self-stick tape affixed to either on the receptacle body  22  or to the receptacle lid  28 . After frame  110 , i.e., following the closing of the receptacle lid  28 , the method may proceed to frame  112 . In frame  112  the method can include removing the toilet assembly  14  from under the individual&#39;s backside  10 A and removing the receptacle body  22  from the cushion niche  18 . The act of removing the receptacle body  22  from the cushion niche  18  can specifically include removing the receptacle body from the interior of the cushion  16  U-shape. 
     The method  100  can be practiced by either the individual  10  him/herself or by an assistant of the individual. Accordingly, the method  100  can employ the toilet assembly  14  as a bedpan or, generally, as a portable toilet. Furthermore, the method  100  can be used by the individual  10  situated in the bed  12 , in a seated, or in a squat position for meeting his/her toileting needs. The method  100  may be completed in frame  114  via disposing of or discarding the receptacle  20 . Such disposing of the receptacle  20  can include placing and/or wrapping the receptacle inside the cushion case  36  for disposal therewith. Overall, the method  100  provides an individual  10  with the capability to meet his/her toileting needs in a waterless, private, sanitary, and odor-dispersion limiting manner. When employed in medical facilities, the method  100  can be useful in reducing the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses that may be the cause of various infections. 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.