Patent Publication Number: US-2018029743-A1

Title: Egg packaging

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to packaging. Example embodiments related to a cover for improved packaging of cartoned eggs, and to a kit including the cover and an egg carton insert. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An egg carton is a package designed for carrying and transporting whole eggs. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a typical carton  100  used at retail stores is illustrated. The carton  100  may include a bottom  110  comprising an array of dimples  112  connected to each other. The array of dimples  112  may be connected to a bottom rim  114  around the perimeter of the array. Each dimple  112  may be shaped to support the bottom of a single egg. One or more of the regions between any group of four dimples may be formed as a cone  116  that may extend above the plane of the bottom rim  114  to a height not substantially greater than the top of an egg expected to be carried in the carton  100 . The cones  116  may inhibit, but do not prevent, an egg in the carton from contacting eggs in adjoining dimples  102 . 
     The egg carton may include a top  120 . The top  120  may be flexibly connected along a top back edge  128  to a bottom back edge  118  in a manner allowing the top  120  to be closed over the bottom  110 . When the carton is closed, a top rim  124  may be substantially in contact with one or more portions of the bottom rim  114 . Each cone  116  may extend no higher than an inside upper surface of the top  122 . 
     The egg carton may include a flap  130  flexibly connected to a bottom front edge  119  for releasably securing the top  120  in place when the carton  100  is closed. The flap outer surface  136  may abut a top inside front surface  126  when the carton  100  is closed. The flap  130  may include detents  132  sized and shaped to mate with holes  129  formed in the top  120  to releasably secure the top  120  in place when the carton  100  is closed. 
     This egg carton  100  structure may protect eggs against stresses exerted during some forms of transportation and storage by absorbing shock. An egg carton  100  may be made of various materials, including foamed plastics such as polystyrene foam, clear plastic, or may be manufactured from recycled paper or molded pulp. 
     While a typical egg carton  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , other variations are known. For example, the flap  130  may comprise three detents  132  for engaging three holes  120  in the top  120 ; or the middle cone  116  may be replaced with a divider that extents across both columns of the array of dimples  112 ; or some portion of one or more cones  116  may extend through the top  120 . A typical egg carton  100  can accommodate one dozen eggs—though egg cartons  100  for other amounts, such as four, six, eight, ten, eighteen (for example, comprising three columns of six eggs), are known. 
     Online grocers may allow consumers to order groceries and other products typically found in grocery stores, online. Either the grocer, or a third party, then may deliver the ordered goods to consumers. Often, a variety of mixed good, for example, eggs, bread, milk, and potato chips, are packaged in the same bag or box. 
     SUMMARY 
     In certain example embodiments described herein, a cover for cartoned eggs is disclosed. In such embodiments, the cover is a cruciform sheet of material having stiffness of at least corrugated cardboard. The cover includes a rectangular central section. The central section is dimensioned along each of the central section right edge and the central section left edge to the length of an egg carton, and along each of the central section top edge and the central section bottom edge to the width of the egg carton. 
     The cover includes a rectangular first right section abutting, and coextensive with, the central section right edge along the first right section left edge. The first right section is dimensioned along each of a first right section top edge and first right section bottom edge to the overall height of the egg carton plus the thickness of the sheet. 
     A rectangular second right section abuts, and is coextensive with, the first right section right edge along the second right section left edge. The second right section is dimensioned along each of a second right section top edge and second right section bottom edge to the overall width of the egg carton plus the thickness of the sheet. 
     The cover includes a rectangular first left section that is abutting, and coextensive with, the central section left edge along the first left section right edge. The first left section is dimensioned along each of a first left section top edge and first left section bottom edge to the overall height of the egg carton plus the thickness of the sheet. 
     A rectangular second left section abuts, and is coextensive with, the first left section left edge along the second left section right edge. The second left section is dimensioned along each of a second left section top edge and second left section bottom edge to the overall width of the egg carton. 
     The cover includes a rectangular top flap abutting, and coextensive with, the central section top edge along the top flap bottom edge. The top flap is dimensioned along each of the top flap left edge and the top flap right edge to the overall height of the egg carton. 
     A top tab abuts the top flap along the top edge of the top flap. The top tab is dimensioned along a top tab bottom edge and a top tab top edge less than the width of the egg carton by at least the thickness of the sheet. 
     The cover includes a rectangular bottom flap abutting, and coextensive with, the central section bottom edge along the bottom flap top edge. The bottom flap is dimensioned along each of the bottom flap left edge and the bottom flap right edge to the overall height of the egg carton. 
     A bottom tab abuts the bottom flap along the bottom edge of the bottom flap. The bottom tab is dimensioned along a bottom tab bottom edge and a bottom tab top edge less than the width of the egg carton by at least the thickness of the sheet. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated example embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a typical egg carton. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an egg carton cover, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3  is a block flow diagram depicting a method to package eggs using an egg carton cover, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4A - FIG. 4F , in conjunction with  FIG. 3 , illustrate methods for packaging eggs using an egg carton cover, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an egg carton insert, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8  is a block flow diagram depicting a method to package eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9  is a block flow diagram depicting a method to package eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to the remaining drawings, in which like numerals indicate like (but not necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, example embodiments are described in detail. 
     Overview 
     Delivering eggs purchased from an online retailer in cartons can result very high egg breakage rates, especially if the online retailer uses a common carrier for delivery. Egg breakage rates can increase if the egg carton is delivered in the same overall container, for example a cardboard box, along with heavy products or products packaged in hard-sided containers. A typical egg carton is not designed to withstand the forces likely to be encountered by the eggs being handled like books, clothing, and other goods delivered by common carriers. Even specialty carriers, accustomed to transporting fragile items, can see unacceptable breakage rates. Private testing has shown breakage rates as high as 44% for 6-count and 12-count egg cartons shipped for overnight delivery in outer boxes with other grocery products. 
     Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for supplementing a typical egg carton with a cover that can reduce the rate of egg breakage during transport. Some embodiments combine a cover and an insert in a kit to package cartoned eggs. Some embodiments disclosed herein have demonstrated breakage rates of less than 3%. 
     Example Embodiments 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , and continuing to refer to prior figures for context, a first embodiment of an egg carton cover  200  is illustrated, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The illustrated egg carton cover  200  is a cruciform sheet of material having stiffness of at least corrugated cardboard. As a continuing example, consider a cover  200  for the conventional one dozen-egg carton  100  of  FIG. 1 . The example cover  200  is 19½ inches wide by 11½ inches tall across most of its width, with a first and a second 4⅝ inch wide by 2⅞ inch high section extending above and below, respectively, therefrom. The cover  200  is ⅛ inch thick. All measurements herein are approximate. Variations, such as to accommodate the thickness of the sheet and maintain a substantially rectangular overall shape of the cover when applied to an egg carton, are contemplated. 
     The cover  200  includes a rectangular central section  210  dimensioned along each of the central section right edge  212  and the central section left edge  214  to the length of an egg carton. The central section  210  is dimensioned along each of the central section top edge  216  and the central section bottom edge  218  to the width of the egg carton. In the continuing example, the central section  210  of the cover  200  is 11¾ inches along each of the central section right edge  212  and the central section left edge  214 , and is 4½ inches along the central section top edge  218  and the central section bottom edge  218 . 
     The cover includes a rectangular first right section  222  that abuts, and is coextensive with, the central section right edge  212  along the first right section left edge  223 . The first right section  222  is dimensioned along each of a first right section top edge  224  and first right section bottom edge  225  to the overall height of the egg carton plus the thickness of the sheet. In the continuing example, the first right section top edge  224  and first right section bottom edge  225  are 3 inches across. 
     A rectangular second right section  226  abuts, and is coextensive with, the first right section right edge along the second right section left edge  227 . The second right section  226  is dimensioned along each of a second right section top edge  228  and second right section bottom edge  229  to the overall width of the egg carton plus the thickness of the sheet. In the continuing example the second right section top edge  228  and second right section bottom edge  229  are 4½ inches across. 
     The cover includes a rectangular first left section  232  that abuts, and is coextensive with, the central section left edge  214  along the first left section right edge  233 . The first left section  232  is dimensioned along each of a first left section top edge  234  and first left section bottom edge  235  to the overall height of the egg carton. In the continuing example, the first left section top edge  234  and the first left section bottom edge  235  are 2⅞ inches across. 
     A rectangular second left section  236  abuts, and is coextensive with, the first left section left edge along the second left section right edge  237 . The second left section  236  is dimensioned along each of a second left section top edge  238  and second left section bottom edge  239  to the overall width of the egg carton. In the continuing example, the second left section top edge  238  and second left section bottom edge  239  are 4⅜ inches across. 
     The cover includes a rectangular top flap  242  abutting, and coextensive with, the central section top edge  216  along the top flap bottom edge  243 . The top flap  242  is dimensioned along each of the top flap left edge  244  and the top flap right edge  245  to the overall height of the egg carton. In the continuing example, the top flap left edge  244  and the top flap right edge  245  are 2⅞ inches, while the distance between the edges is 4⅝ inches ( 2/8 inches more—twice the thickness of the sheet—than the second left section top edge and second left second bottom edge). 
     The cover includes a top tab  246  abutting the top flap  242  along the top edge of the top flap  247 . The top tab  246  is dimensioned along a top tab bottom edge  248  and a top tab top edge  249  less than the width of the egg carton by at least the thickness of the sheet. In the continuing example, top tab bottom edge  248  and a top tab top edge  249  are 4⅜ inches across (twice the thickness of the sheet less than the width of the top flap  242 ). 
     A rectangular bottom flap  252  abuts, and is coextensive with, the central section bottom edge  218  along the bottom flap top edge  253 . The bottom flap  252  is dimensioned along each of the bottom flap left edge  254  and the bottom flap right edge  255  to the overall height of the egg carton  100 . In the continuing example, the bottom flap left edge  254  and the bottom flap right edge  255  are 2⅞ inches, while the distance between the edges is 4⅝ inches ( 2/8 inches more that the second left section top edge and second left second bottom edge). 
     The cover includes a bottom tab  256  abutting the bottom flap  252  along the bottom edge of the bottom flap  257 ; the bottom tab is 256 is dimensioned along a bottom tab bottom edge  258  and a bottom tab top edge  259  less than the width of the egg carton by at least the thickness of the sheet. In the continuing example, bottom tab bottom edge  248  and a bottom tab top edge  249  are 4⅜ inches across (twice the thickness of the sheet less than the width of the bottom flap  252 ). 
     In some embodiments, each central section edge ( 212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 ), the second right section left edge  227 , the second left section right edge  237 , the top flap top edge  247 , and bottom flap bottom edge  257  are creased toward the front face of the sheet. In some of those embodiments, the top flap bottom edge  243  and bottom flap top edge  253  are perforated. 
     In some embodiments of the cover  200 , the second left section top edge  238  defines therein an upper tab  272  slotted inward from the second left section top edge  238 , and the second right section top edge  228  forms therein an upper cutout  274  corresponding to the upper tab  272 . Also, the second left section bottom edge  239  defines therein a lower tab  282  slotted inward from the second left section bottom edge  239 , and the second right section bottom edge  229  forms therein a lower cutout  284  corresponding to the lower tab  282 . In the continuing example, each of the upper tab  272  and lower tab  282  is trapezoidal with the trapezoid base at the respective edge. Tab shapes other then trapezoidal can be used, for example, portions of square, rectangular, and other regular and irregular polygons (such as an arrowhead), along with portions of curved shapes can be used. The upper tab  272  is adapted to be bent through the upper cutout  274  to secure the second right section  226  over the second left section  236  when the cover  200  is assembled around an egg carton  100 . 
     In various embodiments, each of the top tab  282  and the bottom tab  272  are one of rounded and chamfered. In some embodiments, the cover material is one of corrugated fiberboard, corrugated cardboard, and plastic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4A - FIG. 4F , and continuing to refer to prior figures for context, a method for packaging eggs using an egg carton cover  200  is illustrated, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. In such methods, a cover, as described above, is provided—Block  305 . In the continuing example, the cover  200  is provided. 
     An egg carton is placed on the cover with the egg carton bottom aligned with the central panel—Block  310 .  FIG. 4A  illustrates an egg carton  100  placed on cover  200 , in accordance with certain example embodiments disclosed herein. 
     The first left section of the cover is folded to contact the side of the egg carton nearest the central panel left edge, and the second left section is folded to be substantially parallel to the top of the egg carton—Block  320 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates the first left section  232  of cover  200  folded to contact the side of the egg carton  100  nearest the central panel left edge  214 . The second left section  236  is folded to be substantially parallel to the top of the egg carton  100 . 
     The first right section of the cover is folded to contact the side of the egg carton nearest the central panel right edge, and the second left section is folded to contact the top of the second left section, aligning the lower tab with the lower cutout, and aligning the upper tab with the upper cutout—Block  325 .  FIG. 4C  illustrates the first right section  222  of cover  200  folded to contact the side of the egg carton  100  nearest the central panel right edge  212 . The second right section  226  is folded to be substantially parallel to the top of the egg carton  100 , with the lower tab  282  aligned with the lower cutout  284 , and the upper tab  272  aligned with the upper cutout  274 . 
     The bottom flap of the cover is folded to be substantially parallel to the side of the egg carton nearest the central panel bottom edge, while the bottom tab is inserted between the folded second left section and the egg carton—Block  330 .  FIG. 4D  illustrates the bottom flap  252  of cover  200  folded to be substantially parallel to the side of the egg carton  100  (not shown) nearest the central panel bottom edge  218 , while the bottom tab  256  (not shown) is inserted between the folded second left section  236  (not shown) and the egg carton  100  (not shown). 
     The top flap of the cover is folded to be substantially parallel to the side of the egg carton nearest the central panel top edge, while the top tab is inserted between the folded second left section and the egg carton—Block  335 .  FIG. 4E  illustrates the top flap  242  (not shown) of cover  200  folded to be substantially parallel to the side of the egg carton  100  (not shown) nearest the central panel top edge  216 , while the top tab  246  (not shown) is inserted between the folded second left section  236  (not shown) and the egg carton  100  (not shown). 
     The lower tab of the cover is bent through the lower cutout aligned therewith, and the upper tab is bent through the upper cutout—Block  340 .  FIG. 4F  illustrates the lower tab  282  of cover  200  bent through the lower cutout  284  aligned therewith, and the upper tab  272  bent through the upper cutout  274 . 
     The various steps in the method, along with other methods disclosed herein, can be performed in an automated fashion. Variations in order and minor variations in the steps of the methods described herein are contemplated to be included in the methods. For example, while Block  320  and Block  325  should be performed in that order, the egg carton  100  can be inserted into an open end of the rectangular space formed after Block  320  and  325  have been completed. As another example, Block  330  and Block  335  can be performed immediately after Block  305 . 
     In some variations, the cover  200  can include an adhesive applied to one or more surfaces, such as a release tape seal, a gum seal activated by moistening, a self-adhering latex adhesive applied to the back surface of the second right section and the second left section. In some variations, tape can be applied to secure one surface to another, for example, taping across the back side of the second right section to the back side of the first left section when the process described with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  is performed. 
     The cover  200  can be used in combination with an egg carton insert to form a kit for packaging cartoned eggs. The process described above with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  can be performed before the process described below with reference to  FIG. 8  (with respect to the device described in  FIG. 5  or similar device),  FIG. 9  (with respect to the device described in  FIG. 6  or similar device), or an analogous process with respect to the device describe in reference to  FIG. 7  or similar device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , and continuing to refer to prior figures for context, a first embodiment of an egg carton insert  500  is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The illustrated egg carton insert  500  is a six row  502   a - 502   f  by two column  504   a - 504   b  array of domes  510 . While 6×2 is the most common egg carton  100  configuration, the egg carton insert  500  can be sized to any commonly used N row×M column egg carton  100 . 
     Each dome  510  in  FIG. 5  is shaped and sized to enclose a top portion of an egg. In some embodiments, the dome is shaped and sized to enclose less that the portion of an egg above its largest substantially round cross section. Other dome forms, including a truncated dome with a solid top, a truncated dome with an open top, and a pyramidal dome, can be used. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 5 , each dome  510  includes a substantially cruciform feature  540  that can facilitate orienting each egg top portion in its corresponding dome  510 . Egg carton inserts  500  can be made from other materials, such as foamed plastics, rubber, clear plastic, and felt. 
     Each dome  510  can be connected to each neighboring dome in the array. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 5  representing a pulp insert, each dome  510  is connected to each neighboring dome  510  at the dome edge, including by a small bridge  520 . In other embodiments, each dome  510  can be connected to neighboring domes  510  without the use of a bridge  520 . 
     The array of domes  510  forms an opening  530  between each group of four adjacent domes  510 . Each opening  530  can receive a cone  116  of the egg carton  100 . Inserting a cone  116  into one or more of the openings  530  can provide lateral stability to the combined egg carton  100  and egg carton insert  500 . The loose, but laterally restrained, coupling between the egg carton insert  500  and the egg carton  100  can contribute to the protection of the eggs contained in the egg carton  100 . The egg carton insert  500  is arranged such that each dome  510  corresponds to a dimple  112  of an egg carton  100  into which the egg carton insert  500  can be placed. 
     The overall dimensions of the egg carton insert  500  are such that the egg carton  100  can be closed when the egg carton insert  500  is placed over one egg occupying each dimple  116  of the egg carton  100 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one dome  510  defines therein a cutout  512  along a portion of the at least one dome at a long side of the array. The cutout  512  is oriented substantially parallel to the long side of the array. The cutout  512  can be in the shape of an arch, a rectangle, or other shape for providing clearance for egg carton  100  features that would otherwise impede closing the egg carton  100  over the egg carton insert  500  when the egg carton  100  dimples  112  are holding eggs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , and continuing to refer to prior figures for context, a second embodiment of an egg carton insert  600  is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The illustrated egg carton insert  600  is a substantially flat 6×2 array of rings  610  defining holes therein. While 6×2 is the most common egg carton  100  configuration, the egg carton insert  600  can be sized to any commonly used N row×M column egg carton  100 . The length of the egg carton insert  600  is less than the interior length of an egg carton  100 . The width of the egg carton insert  600  is less than the interior width of an egg carton  100 . The thickness of the egg carton insert  600  is less than one half the height of an egg to be carried in the egg carton  100 . The overall dimensions of the egg carton insert  600  are such that the egg carton  100  can be closed when the egg carton insert  600  is placed over one egg occupying each dimple  166  of the egg carton  100 . 
     Each ring  610  in  FIG. 6  defines therein a hole  620  shaped and sized to fit over a top portion of an egg placed in an egg carton  100 . In some embodiments, each ring  610  defines a hole  620  therein that is shaped and sized to encircle the egg above its largest substantially round cross section, leaving a portion of the egg projecting through the ring  610 . While the outer portion of the ring  610  illustrated in  FIG. 6  is substantially circular, other ring forms, including various regular polygons and truncated polygons, can be used. The hole  620  formed by each ring  610  is aligned with a corresponding dimple  116  of the egg carton  100 . 
     Each ring  610  is connected to each neighboring ring  610  in the array. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 6  representing a pulp insert, each ring  610  is connected to each neighboring ring  610  at the ring edge. Egg carton inserts  600  can be made from other materials, such as foamed plastics, rubber, clear plastic, and felt. 
     The array of rings  610  forms an opening  630  between each group of four adjacent rings  610 . Each opening  630  can receive a cone  116  of the egg carton  100 . Inserting a cone  116  into one or more of the openings  630  can provide lateral stability to the combined egg carton  100  and egg carton insert  200 . The loose, but laterally restrained, coupling between the egg carton insert  600  and the egg carton  100  can contribute to the protection of the eggs from damage. The egg carton insert  600  is arranged such that each ring  610  corresponds to a dimple  112  of an egg carton  100  into which the egg carton insert  600  can be placed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , and continuing to refer to prior figures for context, a third embodiment of an egg carton insert  700  is illustrated in perspective view, in accordance with example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. In the egg carton insert  700  of  FIG. 7 , each odd-numbered ring position of the egg carton insert illustrated in  FIG. 6  in the second column  720  each is vacant, and each even-numbered ring position of the egg carton insert illustrated in  FIG. 6  in the first column  710  is vacant. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a block flow diagram depicting a method to pack eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, is shown. In such methods an N row by M column egg carton containing a plurality of eggs is provided—Block  810 . For example, a 6×2 conventional egg carton  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , with one egg in each carton dimple  116 , is provided. 
     An N row by M column egg carton insert in the form of an array of interconnected domes is provided—Block  820 . For example, the egg carton insert  200  in the form of a 6×2 array of domes  210  of  FIG. 2  is provided. Each dome  210  is sized to enclose a top portion of an egg. Each dome  210  is connected to each neighboring dome  210  in the array  200 . The array of domes  210  forming an opening  230  between each group of four adjacent domes  210 . The array is arranged such that each dome  210  corresponds to a dimple  116  of the egg carton  100 . The overall dimensions of the egg carton insert  200  are such that the egg carton  100  can be closed when the egg carton insert  200  is placed over one egg occupying each dimple  116  of the egg carton. 
     The array is placed over the eggs such that each dome  210  aligns with a dimple  116 —Block  830 . The egg carton, containing the eggs and the egg carton insert  200 , is closed—Block  840 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a block flow diagram depicting a method to pack eggs, in accordance with certain example embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, is shown. In such methods an N row by M column egg carton containing a plurality of eggs is provided—Block  910 . For example, a 6×2 conventional egg carton  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , with one egg in each carton dimple  116 , is provided. 
     An egg carton insert in the form of a substantially flat elongated rectangle of material is provided—Block  920 . For example, the egg carton insert  300  having a length less than the interior length of the egg carton  100 , a width less than the interior width of the egg carton  100 , and a thickness less than one half the height of an egg in the egg carton  100  is provided. The material defines therein an N row by M column array of through holes of common diameter. The hole diameter less then the diameter of an egg, and each hole aligned with a corresponding dimple of the egg carton. 
     The material is placed over the eggs such that each hole aligns with a dimple  116 —Block  930 . The egg carton, containing the eggs and the egg carton insert  300 , is closed—Block  940 . 
     The example systems, methods, and acts described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain acts can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different example embodiments, and/or certain additional acts can be performed, without departing from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the technology described herein. 
     Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are not intended as required or essential elements unless explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the example embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.