Patent Publication Number: US-11395550-B2

Title: Mattress topper including convoluted foam layer

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a mattress topper for a mattress assembly including a convoluted foam layer. 
     Most coils utilized in mattresses are metal springs, which are known to provide the mattress assembly with independent pressure point relief along the sleeper&#39;s body. However, use of convoluted foam layers are known and have been employed in mattresses and cushions for some time to provide improved support and/or comfort. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to mattress topper for mattress assemblies and pillowtop mattress assemblies including a convoluted foam layer. In one or more embodiments, a mattress topper includes a convoluted foam layer including a convoluted upper surface and a bottom planar surface. The convoluted upper surface includes multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections and a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections. The mattress topper further includes at least one overlying foam layer including a bottom planar surface in contact with an uppermost surface of the multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections. 
     In one or more embodiments, the mattress topper includes a convoluted foam layer including a convoluted upper surface and a bottom planar surface. The convoluted upper surface includes a raised picture frame of foam about a perimeter of the convoluted foam layer and one or more raised internal rails parallel to a longitudinal axis of the raised picture frame to define raised rectangular shaped foam sections, wherein the raised picture frame and the internal rails have coplanar uppermost surfaces, and wherein convoluted foam layer further comprises a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections. The mattress topper further includes at least one overlying foam layer including a bottom planar surface in contact with an uppermost surface of the multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections. 
     In one or more embodiments, a pillowtop mattress includes a pillowtop portion including a convoluted foam layer. The convoluted foam layer includes a convoluted upper surface and a bottom planar surface. The convoluted upper surface includes a raised picture frame of foam about a perimeter of the convoluted foam layer and one or more raised internal rails parallel to a longitudinal axis of the raised picture frame to define raised rectangular shaped foam sections, wherein the raised picture frame and the internal rails have coplanar uppermost surfaces, and wherein convoluted foam layer further include a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections; and at least one overlying foam layer comprising a bottom planar surface in contact with an uppermost surface of the multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections. 
     The disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the various features of the disclosure and the examples included therein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the figures wherein the like elements are numbered alike: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a cross sectional view of a mattress topper assembly including a convoluted foam layer in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a convoluted foam layer in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 3  is a top down view of a convoluted foam layer in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein is a mattress topper for use in mattress assemblies, wherein the mattress topper generally includes a convoluted foam layer and at least one foam layer overlying the convoluted foam layer, wherein the at least one foam layer has planar top and bottom surfaces, and wherein the convoluted foam layer and the at least one overlying foam layer are optionally encased in a fabric covering. The convoluted foam layer includes a convoluted surface and a bottom planar surface. In one or more embodiments, the convolutions in the convoluted foam layer face upwards towards the end user contact surface, i.e., the sleeping surface. 
     The mattress topper including the convoluted foam layer generally has a length and width dimension that is substantially the same as the underlying mattress. The convoluted surface is defined by multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections and a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections, wherein each of the raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres have an apex that is substantially coplanar to the uppermost surface of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections. As will be described in greater detail below, advantageously, the presence of the plurality of raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres provides multiple independent pressure point relief for an end user when in use and the plurality of raised rectangular shaped foam sections generally provide structural rigidity to the mattress topper as well increased contact surface area for adhesion to the at least one overlying foam layer within the mattress topper. 
     As used herein, the mattress topper is generally defined as a layer that sits on top of a mattress to provide cushioning and support. In one or more embodiments, the mattress topper is removable. In one or more other embodiments, the mattress topper is provided as a pillowtop portion in a pillowtop mattress assembly. 
     For the purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left,” and “right,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the described structures, as they are oriented in the drawing figures. The same numbers in the various figures can refer to the same structural component or part thereof. Additionally, the articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore, “a” or “an” should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular. 
     Spatially relative terms, e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. 
     The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used for the interpretation of the claims and the specification. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     As used herein, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredient, component, or reactant of the invention employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or solutions. Furthermore, variation can occur from inadvertent error in measuring procedures, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods, and the like. 
     It will also be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly over” another element, there are no intervening elements present, and the element is in contact with another element. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary mattress topper generally designated by reference numeral  100  including a convoluted foam layer  102  and at least one overlying foam layer  104  in accordance with the present disclosure. The convoluted foam layer  102  and the at least one overlying foam layer  104  are encased in a fabric  106 . 
     The convoluted foam layer  102  generally includes a convoluted upper surface  110  and a bottom planar surface  112 . The convoluted upper surface  110  includes multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  and a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres  116  within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections  114 . Three raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  are shown, however, it should be noted that the number of sections is not intended to be limited. Moreover, although reference is made to hemispheres, in one or more other embodiments, the spheres the spheres can be of any non-planar shape such as an elliptical shape, multi-spherical, or the like. 
     The overlying foam layer  104  includes top and bottom planar surfaces  118 ,  120 , respectively. The convoluted foam layer  102  is adhesively affixed to the overlying foam layer  104 . The uppermost planar surface of the raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  in the convoluted foam layer  102  provides a contact surface with the bottom planar surface  120  of the overlying foam layer  104 . 
     As shown more clearly in the perspective view provide in  FIG. 2  of the convoluted foam layer  102 , the convoluted foam layer  102  includes a convoluted surface including multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  and a plurality of raised spaced apart hemispherical-shaped foam spheres  116  within each of the raised rectangular shaped foam sections  108 ; and a bottom planar surface  112 . The spacing between the hemispherical-shaped spheres can be uniform or non-uniform, wherein non-uniform spacing can be used to define different zones. Each of the multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  have a length dimension (L) and a width dimension (W) that collectively approximate the length and width dimensions of the mattress upon which the mattress topper (or pillowtop) is disposed, wherein the length dimension of the mattress is greater than the width dimension. As such, the mattress topper can be sized for any mattress assembly including standard sizes such as a twin, queen, oversized queen, king, or California king sized mattress, as well as custom or non-standard sizes constructed to accommodate a particular user or a particular room. By way of example, the mattress topper could be a smaller mattress designed for a child or baby. Such a mattress may be part of a crib or cradle. 
     The multiple raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114 , four of which are shown in the illustrated mattress topper, provide a picture frame contact surface about the perimeter of the mattress topper as well as internal rails that increase the contact surface area for applying an adhesive to secure the convoluted foam layer to the bottom planar surface  120  of the at least one overlying foam layer  104 . Although three internal rails are depicted, the convoluted foam layer can include greater or less internal rails. In one or more embodiments, the convoluted foam layer incudes at least one internal rail. The internal rails are shown as being equidistant from a parallel rail, whether it be the parallel picture frame rails provided along a longitudinal axis (i.e., mattress length) of the picture frame or another internal rail. Optionally, the internal rails are not equidistant. Moreover, it should be noted that the internal rails can be transverse to the longitudinal axis (i.e., transverse to the mattress length) of the picture frame. 
     The width of the rails including the perimeter rails and the internal rails can be the same or different. In one or more embodiments, the width of the rails is about 1 inch to about 8 inches; in one or more other embodiments, the width of the rails is about 2 inch to about 6 inches; and in still one or more embodiments, the width of the rails is about 2 inch to about 4 inches. 
     As noted above, each of the plurality of raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres  116  are spaced apart from adjacent spheres and can have the same dimensions including the height dimension, wherein the height dimension is measured from a valley to an apex of the sphere. Alternatively, the height dimension of at least some of the hemispherical spheres can be of different dimensions. The internal rails  116  also have the same or different height, which can be the same or different height dimension as the hemispherical spheres. The raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres  116  can be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows within each raised rectangular-shaped foam sections  114  as shown. In one or more other embodiments, the raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres are arranged in a staggered (i.e., offset) configuration (not shown). In still one or more embodiments, the raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres can be configured as a random pattern (not shown) 
     The thickness of the convoluted foam layer can generally range from about 0.5 inch to about 6 inches or higher. The depth of the convolution as measured from a peak to a valley of the hemispherical foam spheres or the uppermost surface of the raised rectangular foam section to the valley will generally depend on the thickness of the convoluted foam layer. In one or more embodiments, the depth is about 75 percent of the overall thickness of the convoluted foam layer; in one or more other embodiments, the depth is about 50 percent of the overall thickness of the convoluted foam layer; and in still one or more other embodiments, the depth is about 25 percent of the overall thickness of the convoluted foam layer. 
     In one or more embodiments, the spacing between spheres  116  is at least about 0.25 inches to about 4 inches; in one or more other embodiments, the spacing between spheres is at least about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches; and in still one or more other embodiments, the spacing between spheres is at least about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch. By spacing the spheres apart, independent suspension can be provided similar in manner pocketed metal coils. 
     In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the spheres can be from about 0.5 inches to about 12 inches; in one or more other embodiments, the diameter of the spheres can be from about 1 inches to about 6 inches; and in still one or more other embodiments, the diameter of the spheres can be from about 2 inches to about 4 inches. 
     By way of example, the overall height for the convoluted foam layer can be 1.5 inches, wherein the raised hemispherical-shaped foam spheres and the internal rails  114  have a height of about 1 inch such that the thickness of the bottom planar surface to the valley is about 0.5 inches. The sphere diameter can be about 2.5 inches and are spaced apart by a distance of about 0.5 inches. The width of the rails can be about 3 inches. 
     The individual layers  102 ,  104  can be fixedly attached to one another by any means including, but not limited to, application of hot or cold adhesives, and the like. 
     Suitable foams for the different layers  102 ,  104  include, but are not limited to, polyurethane foams, latex foams including natural, blended and synthetic latex foams; polystyrene foams, polyethylene foams, polypropylene foam, polyether-polyurethane foams, and the like. Likewise, a selected one or more of the foam layers in the mattress topper can be selected to be viscoelastic or non-viscoelastic foams. Some viscoelastic materials are also temperature sensitive, thereby also enabling the convoluted foam layer to change shape based in part upon the temperature of the supported part. Any of these foams may be open celled or closed cell or a hybrid structure of open cell and closed cell. Likewise, the foams can be reticulated or partially reticulated or non-reticulated. Still further, the foams may be gel infused in some embodiments. The term reticulation generally refers to removal of cell membranes to create an open cell structure that is open to air and moisture flow. The different layers can be formed of the same material configured with different properties or different materials. 
     The foams can also include one or more various additives depending on the intended application including dyes, pigments, intumescent compounds, fire retardants, antimicrobials, fragrants, emulsifiers, preservatives, humectants, surfactants, hydrophilic agents, hydrophobic agents, and the like. 
       FIG. 3  pictorially illustrates a top perspective view portion of an exemplary convoluted foam layer constructed of polyurethane foam. 
     By way of example of a mattress topper construction including different materials, the convoluted foam layer can be a latex foam and the overlying foam layer can be a polyurethane foam, or vice versa. In another example, the convoluted foam layer can be a viscoelastic foam layer and the overlying foam layer can be a non-viscoelastic foam layer, and vice versa. The particular combinations are not intended to be limited and are generally defined by the desired comfort and feel desired by the end user. 
     By way of example of a mattress topper construction including different properties, the convoluted foam layer and the overlying foam layer can be selected to have different hardness and/or density properties and/or different thicknesses. In one or more embodiments, the thinner layer has a firmness greater than the thicker layer. In other embodiments, the thicker layer has a firmness greater than the thinner layer. In this manner, one of the convoluted foam layer or the overlying foam layer can be configured to have a soft feel and the other layer a firmer feel. The hardness of the layers generally have an indention load deflection (ILD) of 7 to 16 pounds force for viscoelastic foams and an ILD of 7 to 45 pounds force for non-viscoelastic foams. ILD can be measured in accordance with ASTM D 3575. The density of the layers can generally range from about 1 to 2.5 pounds per cubic foot for non-viscoelastic foams and 1.5 to 6 pounds per cubic foot for viscoelastic foams. 
     The optional fabric covering  106  can be any desired sheet of material, such as cotton, linen, synthetic fibers or a mixture thereof. The fabric covering can be quilted or non-quilted. Additionally, the fabric covering  16  can include additional layers such as a flame-retardant layer and/or backing layers (not shown). The various layers can be fixedly attached to one another by stitching, an adhesive, or the like to define a panel, which can be removable or non-removable, or can be individual layers. 
     The various foams suitable for use in the convoluted foam layer  102  and/or the overlying foam layer  104  may be produced according to methods known to persons ordinarily skilled in the art. For example, polyurethane foams are typically prepared by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent, one or more foam stabilizers or surfactants and other foaming aids. The gas generated during polymerization causes foaming of the reaction mixture to form a cellular or foam structure. Latex foams are typically manufactured by the well known Dunlap or Talalay processes. 
     The different properties for each layer may include, but are not limited to, density, hardness, thickness, support factor, flex fatigue, air flow, various combinations thereof, and the like. Density is a measurement of the mass per unit volume and is commonly expressed in pounds per cubic foot. In one or more embodiments the convoluted foam layer  102  is formed of multiple layers of different properties. By way of example, the density of the convoluted foam layer  1 - 2  can vary. In some embodiments, the density decreases from the lower most layer to the upppermost layer. In other embodiments, the density decreases from peak to valley. In still other embodiments, the convoluted foam layer  102  is formed of three or more individual layers, wherein the density is random and is not characterized as a gradient. The hardness properties of foam are also referred to as the indention load deflection (ILD) or indention force deflection (IFD) and is measured in accordance with ASTM D-3574. Like the density property, the hardness properties can be varied in a similar manner. Moreover, combinations of properties may be varied for each individual layer defining the convolution. The individual layers defining the convolution can also be of the same thickness or may have different thicknesses as may be desired to provide different tactile responses. 
     By way of example, the convoluted foam layer  102  can be formed of the same polyurethane foam but have different densities or hardness for each layer, thereby providing a gradient density or gradient hardness within the convolution. In another example, the convoluted foam layer  102  can include a standard polyurethane foam layer and a viscoelastic layer so that the convolutions include a structurally heterogeneous layer of standard polyurethane and viscoelastic foam. The various combinations are practically limitless and provide the manufacturer with opportunities to tailor the tactile response to the end user. 
     The different foam layers, e.g., layers  102 ,  104 , in the mattress topper generally have an ILD rating of about 1 to about 25 lbs. In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers,  102 ,  104  may have an ILD rating of about 1 to about 4 lbs, about 1 to about 15 lbs, about 4 to about 15 lbs, about 4 to about 20 lbs, and about 20 to about 25 lbs. In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may have an ILD rating of about 11 lbs, an ILD rating less than about 11 lbs, an ILD rating greater than about 11 lbs. In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may have an ILD rating that is about 2 to about 3 lbs greater than or less than the ILD rating of one or more of die other foam layers  102 ,  104 . In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may have an MD rating that is different or the same as the ILD rating of one or more of the other layers  102 ,  104 . 
     In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may be infused with a gel material such as a polyurethane based gel. The gel material may compose polyether or polyol. In one embodiment, the gel material may be formed by reacting a polyol with an isocyanate in the presence of a catalyst. The gel material may be in the form of particles or beads embedded in the foam layer  102 ,  104 . The gel material may be a polymer such as elastomeric polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and combinations thereof. Suitable gels include polyurethane gels, silicone gels, PVC gels, polyorganosiloxane gels, polyol gels, polyisocyanate gels, and combinations thereof. The gel material  25  may provide additional support and/or increase the thermal conductivity of the foam layer to effectively remove or absorb the body heat of a user, thereby providing a cool or colder temperature support than a non-gel-infused layer. In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may have a thermal conductivity that is different or the same as the thermal conductivity of one or more of the other foam layers  102 ,  104 . In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may include a layer of gel material laminated or disposed across substantially all or a portion of the upper surfaces of the foam layers. In one embodiment, one or more of the foam layers  102 ,  104  may include one or more gel discs or squares spaced across the upper surfaces of the foam layers. 
     The density of the layers can generally range from about 1 to about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot for non viscoelastic foams and 1.5 to 6 pounds per cubic foot for viscoelastic foams. 
     Optionally, the convoluted foam layer  102  and/or the overlying foam layer  104  can include a phase change material and/or a thermally conductive material. The phase change material (PCM) layer can be coated directly onto the desired foam layer. 
     PCMs generally operate on the principle that a material requires a relatively significant amount of energy (heat) to change from a solid to a liquid and then back from a liquid to a solid. PCMs can therefore absorb large amounts of heat or energy from their environment and return large amounts of heat to their environment. This effective absorption, store and release of heat can be used to help regulate the temperature of an environment. 
     In one or more embodiments, suitable PCMs include, without limitation, microencapsulated PCMs. Any of a variety of processes known in the art may be used to microencapsulate PCMs. One of the most typical methods which may be used to microencapsulate a PCM is to disperse droplets of the molten PCM in an aqueous solution and to form walls around the droplets using techniques such as coacervation, interfacial polymerization, or in situ polymerization, all of which are well known in the art. For example, the methods are well known in the art to form gelatin capsules by coacervation, polyurethane or polyurea capsules by interfacial polymerization, and urea-formaldehyde, urea-resorcinol-formaldehyde, and melamine formaldehyde capsules by in situ polymerization. The microencapsulated. 
     PCMs can then be dispersed in a liquid vehicle such as a gel and applied to the above noted foam surfaces. 
     Encapsulation of the PCM creates a tiny, microscopic container for the PCM. This means that regardless of whether the PCM is in a solid state or a liquid state, the PCM will be contained. The size of the microcapsules typically ranges from about 1 to about 100 microns and more typically from about 2 to about 50 microns. The capsule size selected will depend on the application in which the microencapsulated PCM is used. 
     The microcapsules will typically have a relatively high payload of phase change material, typically at least 70% by weight, more typically at least 80% by weight, and in accordance with some embodiments, the microcapsules may contain more than 90% phase change material. 
     Gelling agents useful in the present disclosure include polysaccharides, nonionic polymers, inorganic polymers, polyanions and polycations. Examples of polysaccharides useful in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, alginate and natural ionic polysaccharides such as chitosan, gellan gum, xanthan gum, hyaluronic acid, heparin, pectin and carrageenan. Examples of ionically crosslinkable polyanions suitable for use in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid. lonically crosslinkable polycations such as polyethylene imine and polylysine are also suitable for use in the present invention. A specific example of a non-ionic polymer is polyvinylalcohol. Sodium silicates are examples of useful inorganic polymers. 
     The gelling agents are typically provided as an aqueous solution at a concentration and viscosity sufficient to provide the desired amount of coating on the microcapsules. The technology of microencapsulation is known to those skilled in the art as is the routine optimization of these parameters for the gelling agent. 
     The microencapsulated PCM can be dispersed in a liquid vehicle such as a gel and applied to a surface of the substrate. The surface application can be applied by coating, spray coating, or the like. The particular application method is not intended to be limited. 
     The particular PCM is not intended to be limited and can be inorganic or organic. Suitable inorganic PCMs include salt hydrates made from natural salts with water. The chemical composition of the salts is varied in the mixture to achieve required phase-change temperature. Special nucleating agents can be added to the mixture to minimize phase-change salt separation. Suitable organic PCMs include fatty acids, waxes (e.g., paraffins) or the like. 
     In still other embodiments, one of the first and second polymeric layers can include thermally conductive fillers by themselves or in addition to the PCM. Thermally conductive fillers such as various fibers, powder, flakes, needles, and the like can be dispersed within the foam matrix. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive fillers are nanoparticles with at least one dimension that measures 1000 nanometers or less, e.g., nanowires, and nanostrands. 
     The thermally conductive fillers can be formed of metals, metal oxides, polymers, inorganic compounds and the like. By way of example, suitable materials may be made of carbon, graphene, graphite, platinum, aluminum, diamond, gold, silver, silicon, copper, iron, nickel, and the like; polymers such as stretched polyethylene nanofibers; and the like, and mixtures thereof. In most embodiments, the selected material has a thermal conductivity greater than 10 watts per meters-Kelvin (W/m*K). By way of example, aluminum has a thermal conductivity of about 235 W/m*K; stretched polyethylene fibers is estimated to be about 180 W/m*K, and graphene has a theoretical conductivity of about 5000 W/m*K. 
     The particular process for forming the convoluted foam layer is not intended to be limited. An exemplary process of manufacturing the convoluted foam layer in accordance with the present disclosure generally includes introducing the foam layer having a longitudinal dimension between a pair of counter rotating drums, at least one of which has a convoluted surface. As the foam layer is drawn between the drums, the convolutions present on the surface of at least one of the rotating drums compresses the foam layer to a greater or lesser degree depending on the locations of the convolutions on the drum. A heated wire or blade is held generally parallel to and between the drums such that the foam layer is cut generally mirroring the convolutions on the surface of the drum. That is, where a drum convolution compresses the foam layer in the vicinity of the heated wire or blade, the wire or blade passes through the foam layer at a point nearer to the foam surface which is in contact with the drum convolution. The convolution on the at least one drum has a height such that transference into the cut foam laminate extends from the outer layer to at least a portion of an abutting layer and forms two convoluted foam layers  102  from the foam layer. In accordance with another exemplary process for forming the convoluted foam layer includes compression cutting, which includes the use of a flatbed compression cutter, i.e., a die template. The compression cutter creates differentiating pressures as the foam drawn through the machine such that cutting forms a mirror image of the template in the foam This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.