Patent Publication Number: US-2018043557-A1

Title: Handle for a razor

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The systems described below generally relate to a handle for a razor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Razor handles are provided for attachment to a razor cartridge. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a handle for a razor cartridge is provided. The handle comprises a head, a body, a rod, and a cover layer. The head has a cartridge engaging end and an attachment end. The body has a front end and a rear end and comprises a first shell and a second shell that are releasably coupled together. The body defines a hollow interior and the front end is coupled with the attachment end. The rod is disposed in the hollow interior of the body. The rod defines a centerline. The cover layer at least partially surrounds the body. The first shell and the second shell cooperate to form a seam that is substantially parallel with the centerline of the rod. An imaginary plane bisects the head into left and right portions that are substantial mirror images of each other. The centerline resides in the imaginary plane. The seam resides in the imaginary plane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view depicting a handle for a razor cartridge; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view depicting the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view depicting the handle of  FIG. 1  with certain components removed and other components shown in exploded view for clarity of illustration; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view depicting a right shell of the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view depicting a left shell of the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view depicting a head of the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the head of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the head of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric exploded view depicting a clip member of the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view depicting the handle of  FIG. 1  with certain components removed for clarity of illustration; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view depicting the handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart depicting one example of a method of manufacturing the handle of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In connection with the views and examples of  FIGS. 1-14 , wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views, a handle  20  for a razor cartridge is shown in  FIG. 1  to include a head  22  and a base portion  24  that can be grasped by a hand of a user to manipulate the head  22 . The head  22  can include a cartridge engaging end  26  that is configured to facilitate coupling of the handle  20  to a razor cartridge  27 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cartridge engaging end  26  can be configured to receive (e.g., releasably couple to and interact with or be permanently attached to, in the case of a fully disposable type razor) a GILLETTE MACH3® cartridge. However, in other embodiments, the cartridge engaging end  26  can be configured to receive a variety of other suitable cartridges which may include other GILLETTE® type cartridges, such as the GILLETTE FUSION RAZOR®. For another example, a cartridge engaging end can be configured to receive a razor cartridge that is compatible with a DORCO® docking interface, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,162, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another example, a cartridge engaging end can be configured to receive a razor cartridge that is compatible with the AMERICAN SAFETY RAZOR® (ASR) docking interface an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,147, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In yet another example, a cartridge engaging end can be configured to receive a razor cartridge that is compatible with the HARRY&#39;S RAZOR® cartridge docking interface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base portion  24  can comprise a right shell  30 , a left shell  32 , a rod  34 , a clip member  36 , and a cover layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the right shell  30  and the left shell  32  can be releasably coupled together to form a body  40  that has a front end  42  and a rear end  44 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the right shell  30  can define a plurality of holes  46  ( FIG. 4 ) and the left shell  32  can include a plurality of posts  48  ( FIG. 5 ) that can each be inserted into one of the holes  46  to facilitate releasable coupling of the right and left shells  30 ,  32  together. It is to be appreciated that the right and left shells  30 ,  32  can be releasably coupled with each other in any of a variety of suitable alternative manners (e.g., a shell can include both holes and posts). It is also to be appreciated that, although the body  40  is shown to be separated into right and left shells  30 ,  32 , a body can be provided in any of a variety of arrangements including, for example, a unitary one-piece construction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an attachment end  50  of the head  22  can be coupled with the front end  42  of the body  40 . The body  40  and the attachment end  50  can include various features that are configured to facilitate coupling of the front end  42  of the body  40  with the attachment end  50 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the right shell  30  and left shell  32  can each include respective pairs of slots  52 ,  54 , each disposed at the front end  42  of the body  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). When the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are coupled together, each of the slots  52  of the right shell  30  can correspond with one of the slots  54  of the left shell  32 . The right shell  30  and left shell  32  can also include respective pairs of through holes  56 ,  58 . For each of the right and left shells  30 ,  32 , one of the through holes (e.g.,  56  and  58 , respectively) is shown to be disposed between the slots (e.g.,  52  and  54 , respectively) and the other of the through holes (e.g.,  56  and  58 , respectively) is shown to be disposed rearwardly of the slots (e.g.,  52  and  54 , respectively). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-8 , the attachment end  50  can comprise a stem  59 , a pair of protrusions  60 , and pairs of posts  62 . Each of the protrusions  60  and posts  62  are shown to extend away from a centerline C 1  defined by the stem  59  in a substantially perpendicular direction from the centerline C 1 . The protrusions  60  can extend away from the centerline C 1  in the same direction. The posts  62  can extend away from the centerline C 1  in substantially opposite directions and substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the protrusions  60 . Each of the protrusions  60  can correspond with one of the slots  52 ,  54  defined by each of the right shell  30  and the left shell  32 . Each of the posts  62  can correspond with one of the through holes  56 ,  58  defined by each of the right shell  30  and the left shell  32 . It is to be appreciated that the head  22  and/or body  40  can be provided with any quantity and configuration of protrusion and slots that interact with one another and/or posts and through holes that interact with one another to facilitate coupling of the head  22  with the body  40 . 
     When the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are coupled together with the attachment end  50  disposed therebetween, each of the protrusions  60  can extend into one of the slots  52 ,  54  and each of the posts  62  can extend into one of the through holes  56 ,  58 . In one embodiment, the protrusions  60  can be substantially square shaped such that when the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are coupled together, the protrusions  60  can fit within the slots  52 ,  54  and the square shape can prevent rotation of the stem  59  with respect to the body  40 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , the posts  62  can each include an enlarged portion  64  at a distal end. The enlarged portions  64  can have a larger diameter than the through holes  56 ,  58 . During assembly, the right and left shells  30 ,  32  can be installed over the attachment end  50  and compressed together with enough force to push the enlarged portions  64  through the respective through holes  56 ,  58  and to an exterior of the body  40 . The through holes  56 ,  58  and/or the enlarged portions  64  can be deformed as a result which can resiliently and releasably couple the right and left shells  30 ,  32  together and to the attachment end  50 . It is to be appreciated that coupling the right and left shells  30 ,  32  together and to the attachment end  50  in this manner can reinforce the interaction between the body  40  and the attachment end  50  such that the head  22  is less likely to separate from the body  40  when the handle  20  is mishandled (e.g., dropped) than in conventional arrangements. 
     It is to be appreciated that each of the head  22  the right shell  30  and the left shell  32  can be formed of any of a variety of materials that are rigid enough to facilitate shaving with the handle  20 , including, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It is also to be appreciated that any of the head  22 , the right shell  30 , and the left shell  32  can be formed of the same or different materials. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the right shell  30  and the left shell  32  can each define respective right and left compartments  66 ,  68 . When the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are coupled together, the right and left compartments  66 ,  68  can cooperate to define a hollow interior  70  ( FIG. 13 ). The rod  34  can be disposed within the hollow interior  70 . In some embodiments, the rod  34  and the right and left compartments  66 ,  68  can interact with each other to prevent movement of the rod  34  inside of the hollow interior  70 . The rod  34  can be configured to provide some linear rigidity to the base portion  24  and can be weighted to enhance the overall feel and balance to the handle  20  when the base portion  24  is grasped by a user. In one embodiment, the rod  34  can be formed of a metal, such as, for example, stainless steel, steel, or aluminum. In another embodiment, the rod  34  can be formed of a high density thermoplastic. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the rod  34  (and the body  40 ) can define a centerline C 2  that is substantially coaxial with the rod  34 . The rod  34  can be spaced from the attachment end  50  along the centerline C 2 , such that a portion of the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are disposed therebetween. This spacing can allow the head  22  to flex somewhat relative to the rod  34 , thereby alleviating some of the adverse effects that the rigidity of the rod  34  might otherwise have on the ability of the head  22  to resist separation of the head  22  from the body  40 . 
     The centerline C 2  can reside in an imaginary plane P 1  that bisects the head  22  into right and left portions  72 ,  74  that are substantial mirror images of each other. A second imaginary plane P 2  can be perpendicular to the first imaginary plane P 1  and the centerline C 2  can reside in the intersection between the first and second imaginary planes P 1 , P 2 . The right shell  30  and the left shell  32  can cooperate to form a seam  76  that is substantially parallel with the centerline C 2  and that resides substantially within the first imaginary plane P 1  such that the right and left shells  30 ,  32  are disposed on right and left sides of the handle  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the clip member  36  can be releasably coupled with the rear end  44  of the body  40 . The clip member  36  can be substantially U-shaped and can include a pair of arm members  78  ( FIG. 9 ) that are each substantially the same length. The right and left shells  30 ,  32  can cooperate to define a channel  80  at the rear end  44  of the body  40  that is substantially the same shape as the clip member  36  (e.g., U-shaped). The clip member  36  can be disposed in the channel  80  such that the arm members  78  overlie a portion of the seam  76 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the arm members  78  can include a plurality of recesses (e.g.,  79  and  81 ). As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the right and left shells  30 ,  32  can include a plurality of projections  83  and  84 . When the clip member  36  is disposed within the channel  80 , the recesses  79  and  81  and the projections  83  and  84 , respectively, can interact to facilitate coupling or retention of the clip member  36  to the right and left shells  30 ,  32  as well as releasable coupling of the right and left shells  30 ,  32  together. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the clip member  36  can include a pair of plates  82  that are releasably secured to the arm members  78 . In one embodiment, the pair of plates  82  can be provided with product information (e.g., a logo or other marking) that identifies the razor or the handle  20 . Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, with the clip member  36  coupled with the rear end  44  of the body  40 , the clip member  36  can be spaced from the rod  34  (e.g., along each of the centerline C 2 , the first imaginary plane P 1  ( FIG. 3 ), and the second imaginary plane P 2  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 13 , the cover layer  38  can be substantially hollow and can at least partially surround the body  40  between the front end  42  and the rear end  44 . The cover layer  38  is shown to entirely surround the body  40  between the front end  42  and the channel  80 . When a user grasps the handle  20 , the portion of the cover layer  38  entirely surrounding the body  40  can contact the user&#39;s hand to enhance the user&#39;s grip on the handle  20 . A portion of the cover layer  38  that is disposed at the rear end  44  of the body  40  can extend up to, but not into, the channel  80  and can be routed around the channel  80  to enhance the overall aesthetics of the rear end  44  of the body  40  when the clip member  36  is installed. The cover layer  38  accordingly does not interfere with installation of the clip member  36  into the channel  80 . 
     The cover layer  38  can be formed of any of a variety of suitable materials and can be overmolded, or otherwise applied, to the body  40  in such a manner that the cover layer  38  is formed to the body  40 . In one embodiment, the cover layer  38  can be comprised of an SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that has a hardness of about 15-20 Shore A and is configured to adhere to ABS plastic. The TPE can encourage a user&#39;s gripping of the base portion  24  more effectively than other conventional razor handle arrangements. In some embodiments, the TPE can be configured to have substantially the same coefficient of friction when dry and when exposed to water. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , the right and left shells  30 ,  32  can each comprise a pair of through holes  86  at base portion  24 . When the cover layer  38  is applied to the body  40 , the material of the cover layer  38  can extend into (e.g., creep), and in some embodiments extend through, the through holes  86  to facilitate securement of the cover layer  38  to the rear end  44  of the body  40 . The front end  42  of the body  40  is shown to be narrower at the through holes  56 ,  58  than the rest of the body  40  (e.g., towards the rear end  44 ). As such, the cover layer  38  can be narrower at the front end  42  which can effectively secure the cover layer  38  to the front end  42  of the body  40 . In one embodiment, the cover layer  38  can have a maximum thickness of between about 2.75 mm and 3.5 mm, although any of a variety of thicknesses are contemplated. It is to be appreciated that any quantity and configuration of through holes can be provided along the body  40  (i.e., at or between the front and rear ends  42 ,  44 ) through which the cover layer  38  can extend. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the cover layer  38  can be formed of a material (e.g., the TPE described above) that is substantially translucent. The cover layer  38  can be less opaque than the body  40  such that the body can be viewed through the cover layer  38 . The body  40  can accordingly be provided with indicia (e.g., a product name, logo, or other markings) that can be visible through the cover layer  38 . In some embodiments, the cover layer  38  can be tinted to provide an aesthetically pleasing color to the cover layer  38  while maintaining its translucence. It is to be appreciated that the cover layer  38  can comprise any of a variety of suitable additional or alternative materials. Some examples of suitable materials are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0143942; 2009/0035524; 2009/0039688; 2009/0142551; 2011/0233973; and 2011/0256353 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,704, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the cover layer  38  can include a base surface  88  having a plurality of projections  90  extending therefrom. Each of the plurality of projections  90  can have an upper surface  92  that is substantially planar. In one embodiment, the projections  90  are shown to be substantially frusto-pyramidal shaped (i.e., a pyramidal shape missing its top portion such that the upper surface  92  and the lower surface of the shape are parallel), but in other embodiments, the projections  90  can be any of a variety of suitable alternative shapes with substantially planar upper surfaces. In such an embodiment, the upper surface  92  can reside in an imaginary plane (e.g., P 3  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) that is substantially perpendicular to a radial line (e.g., R 1  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) extending from the centerline C 2 . 
     The projections  90  can be distributed along the cover layer  38  in a pattern that enhances gripping of the base portion  24  by a user&#39;s hand. Each of the projections  90  can define a height relative to the base surface  88 . In some embodiments, at certain locations along the cover layer  38 , the height of the projections  90  can be different from each immediately adjacent projection  90  to provide a desired gripping contour/profile at that location. Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a plurality of projections  90  is shown that are distributed longitudinally along the cover layer  38  (e.g., intersected by an imaginary plane in which the centerline C 2  resides). One of the projections  90  is shown to have a height H 1  that is greater than another projection  90  having a height H 2 . The respective heights of the projections  90  that are interposed therebetween can gradually diminish in the direction of arrow A 1 , such that the gripping contour defined by those projections  90  tapers in the direction of arrow A 1 . Another of the projections  90  is shown have a height H 3  that is greater than another projection  90  having a height H 4 . The respective heights of the projections  90  that are interposed therebetween can gradually diminish in the direction of arrow A 2 , such that the gripping contour defined by those projections  90  tapers in the direction of arrow A 2  (e.g., towards the rear end  44  of the body  40 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a plurality of projections  90  is shown that are distributed radially along the cover layer  38  (e.g., intersected by an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the centerline C 2 , such as, for example, imaginary plane P 2 ). One of the projections  90  is shown to have a height H 5  that is greater than other projections  90  having respective heights of H 6  and H 7 . The respective heights of the projections  90  that are interposed between the projection  90  having the height H 5  and the projections having the heights H 6  and H 7  can gradually diminish in the direction of arrows A 3  and A 4 , such that the gripping contour defined by those projections  90  tapers in the direction of the arrows A 3  and A 4  towards a top of the body  40  such that the cover layer  38  feels thicker along the bottom of the body  40 . It is to be appreciated that the projections  90  can be configured to achieve any of a variety of different contours along the cover layer  38 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, the cover layer  38  can be oval-shaped. For example, the cover layer  38  can have a maximum height H 8  measured along the imaginary plane P 1  and a maximum width W 1  measured along the imaginary plane P 2 . The ratio of the maximum height H 8  to the maximum width W 1  can be a ratio of less than 2, preferably a ratio between 2 and 1, and most preferably a ratio of about 15 to about 13.5, respectively (e.g., or a ratio of about 1.11). In some embodiments, the body  40  can additionally or alternatively be oval-shaped. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the body  40  can have a maximum height H 9  measured along the imaginary plane P 1  and a maximum width W 2  measured along the imaginary plane P 2 . The ratio of the maximum height H 9  to the maximum width W 2  can be less than about 2, and preferably about 2 to about 1, and most preferably a ratio of about 15 to about 13.5, respectively (e.g., or a ratio of about 1.11). It is to be appreciated that the maximum height and width of the cover layer and/or the body can be measured along any of a variety of locations around the base portion  24  such that the ovular shape of the cover layer and/or body can be any particular orientation. 
     One example of a method for assembling the handle  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 14  and will now be described. First, the rod  34  can be installed in the right shell  30  by inserting the rod  34  into the right compartment  66  ( 200 ). Next, the attachment end  50  of the head  22  can be installed in the right shell  30  by aligning the protrusions  60  and the posts  62  with the slots  52  and the through holes  56 , respectively, of the right shell  30  ( 205 ,  210 ) and pressing the attachment end  50  into position ( 215 ). The clip member  36  can then be installed onto the right shell  30  ( 210 ) by compressing the clip member  36  such that the recesses  79  and  81  on the clip member  36  engage the projections  83  and  84 , respectively, on the right shell  30  to couple the clip member  36  to the right shell  30 . The left shell  32  can then be positioned over the right shell  30  ( 225 ) such that the protrusions  60  and the posts  62  align with the slots  54  and the through holes  58 , respectively, of the left shell  32 . The right and left shells  30 ,  32  can then be compressed together (e.g., manually or via automation) ( 230 ) which can cause the recesses  79  and  81  on the clip member  36  to engage the projections  83  and  84 , respectively, on the left shell  32  and can cause the enlarged portions  64  of the posts  62  to extend through the through holes  56 ,  58  of the first shell  30  and the second shell  32 , respectively. The body  40  can then be coated with the cover layer  38  ( 235 ). The coating may be an overmolded, or otherwise applied, to the body  40  in such a manner that the cover layer  38  is formed to the body  40 . The cover layer may be formed with protrusions. 
     Examples/Combinations 
     A. A handle for a razor cartridge, the handle comprising:
         a head having a cartridge engaging end and an attachment end;   a body having a front end and a rear end and comprising a first shell and a second shell that are releasably coupled together, wherein the body defines a hollow interior and the front end is coupled with the attachment end;   a rod is disposed in the hollow interior of the body, the rod defining a centerline; and   a cover layer at least partially surrounding the body, wherein:
           the first shell and the second shell cooperate to form a seam that is substantially parallel with the centerline of the rod;   an imaginary plane bisects the head into left and right portions that are substantial mirror images of each other;   the centerline resides in the imaginary plane; and   the seam resides in the imaginary plane.   
               

     B. The handle according to Paragraph B, wherein the rod comprises one or more of steel, stainless steel and aluminum. 
     C. The handle according to any of Paragraphs A and B, wherein:
         the first shell and the second shell each define one or more through holes; and   the cover layer extends into each of the through holes.       

     D. The handle according to Paragraph C, wherein the through holes are disposed at the rear end of the body. 
     E. The handle according to any of Paragraphs A-D further comprising a clip member coupled with the rear end of the body. 
     F. The handle according to Paragraph E, wherein the clip member is substantially U-shaped. 
     G. The handle according to any of Paragraphs E and F, wherein the clip member has a pair of arm members that are each substantially the same length. 
     H. The handle according to any of Paragraphs E-G, wherein:
         the clip member has a plurality of first retention features;   the body has a plurality of second retention features; and   each of the first retention features interacts with one of the second retention features to facilitate coupling of the clip member to the rear end of the body such that the first and second shells are held together at least partially by the clip member.       

     I. The handle according to Paragraph H, wherein the first retention features are recesses and the second retention features are projections. 
     J. The handle according to any of Paragraphs A-I, wherein:
         the first and second shells cooperate to define a channel at the rear end; and   the clip member is disposed in the channel.       

     K. The handle according to Paragraph J, wherein the cover layer extends up to but not into the channel. 
     L. The handle according to any of Paragraphs J and K, wherein the channel and the clip member are substantially U-shaped. 
     M. The handle according to any of Paragraphs A-L, wherein:
         the first and second shells are formed of a first material;   the cover layer is formed of a second material; and   the first material and the second material are different.       

     N. The handle according to Paragraph M, wherein the second material comprises thermoplastic elastomer. 
     O. The handle according to any of Paragraphs M and N, wherein the second material has a durometer value of between about 15 and about 20. 
     It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. 
     All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the Specification, Examples, and Claims, are by weight and all numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy afforded by the art, unless otherwise specified. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
     All documents cited in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION are, in the relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term or in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “one or more.” 
     The foregoing description of embodiments and examples of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the disclosure and various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. In some embodiments, the drawings can be understood to be drawn to scale. The scope of the disclosure is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the disclosure be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methods claimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented and may be performed in a different order or in parallel.