Patent Publication Number: US-2023134854-A1

Title: Deployable transfer member for a lavatory

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/815,092, entitled “Deployable Transfer Member for a Lavatory,” filed Mar. 11, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a lavatory, such as within a commercial aircraft, and more particularly to a lavatory having a deployable transfer member. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes one or more lavatories within an internal cabin. 
     Space within a commercial aircraft is limited. Notably, a lavatory within a commercial aircraft is typically relatively small. A larger lavatory would necessarily occupy more space within a commercial aircraft, and may prevent additional passenger seating within an internal cabin. Aircraft operators typically prefer to have additional passenger seating within an internal cabin, as the additional passenger seating leads to increased revenues. 
     Persons of reduced mobility (such as individuals having disabilities, injuries, or a reduced ability to move) may find the confined space of a lavatory within a commercial aircraft relatively difficult to approach and maneuver therein. Such individuals may have difficulty moving within the lavatory, such as between an entrance and a toilet, and between a toilet and a sink. 
     Accordingly, certain manufacturers have designed larger lavatories that are specifically designed for persons of reduced mobility. However, in expanding the size of the lavatory, space for other components (such as passenger seating) within an internal cabin is necessarily reduced. 
     Persons of limited ability who use wheelchairs may use a separate board to transfer from a wheelchair to a toilet. The board is typically a separate and distinct device. However, such a separate and distinct board may be lost. Further, individuals may opt not to use the board due to the extra steps of retrieving the board and positioning it between a wheelchair and a toilet, particularly within the confined space of a lavatory of an aircraft. Further, during use, a wheelchair may inadvertently move, thereby causing the board to shift or fall, which may cause discomfort or even injury to the individual. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for a system and method for allowing individuals to independently more easily and efficiently use an existing lavatory, such as within an internal cabin of a commercial aircraft. A need exists for a lavatory that is easily accessible by persons of reduced mobility. Further, a need exists for a safe, readily accessible, consistent, independent, and easy-to-use system and method for transferring between different areas within a lavatory. 
     With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lavatory including a toilet, a wall proximate to the toilet, and a transfer member moveably secured to the wall. The transfer member is moveable between a stowed position away from the toilet, and a deployed position. At least a portion of the transfer member in the deployed position is supported by at least a portion of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory is within an internal cabin of a vehicle. 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member includes a bench segment, and a toilet segment. The toilet segment is supported by the at least portion of the toilet when the transfer member is in the deployed position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the lavatory also includes a sink. The bench segment includes a front end proximate to an entrance of the lavatory. The bench segment extends toward the sink when the transfer member is in the deployed position. The front end is proximate to a door of the lavatory when the transfer member is in the deployed position. The toilet segment is wider than the bench segment. 
     In at least one embodiment, the toilet segment includes a front end including a front arcuate support including a first arcuate support prong having a first arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge. The toilet segment also includes an intermediate body connected to the front end. The intermediate body includes an inwardly-curved recess having a second arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge. The toilet segment also includes a rear end including a rear arcuate support including a second arcuate support prong having a third arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge. 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member in the stowed position is folded upright against the wall. 
     In at least one embodiment, the lavatory also includes one or more hinges that pivotally couple the transfer member to the wall. 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member includes a first securing device, and the wall includes a second securing device. The first securing device couples to the second securing device when the transfer member is in the stowed position to securely retain the transfer member in the stowed position. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of providing a lavatory. The method includes moveably securing a transfer member to a wall proximate to a toilet. Said moveably securing includes allowing the transfer member to be moved between a stowed position away from the toilet, and a deployed position. The method also includes supporting at least a portion of the transfer member in the deployed position by at least a portion of the toilet. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle including an internal cabin, and a lavatory within the internal cabin, as described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective internal view of a lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective top view of a lavatory having a transfer member in a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of the lavatory having the transfer member in the stowed position. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective top view of the lavatory having the transfer member in a deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a top view of the lavatory having the transfer member in the deployed position. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top view of an individual seated on a bench segment of the transfer member in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a top view of the individual seated on a toilet within the lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating a transfer member within a lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a flow chart of a method of providing a lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition can include additional elements not having that condition. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lavatory including a deployable transfer member. The transfer member is moveably coupled to a portion of the lavatory, such as a wall of the lavatory. The transfer member is configured to be moved between a stowed position, such as upright against the wall, and a deployed position, in which an individual may slide over the transfer member onto a toilet within the lavatory. In the stowed position, the transfer member may be upright against the wall. In the deployed position, the transfer member is horizontal or otherwise parallel to a floor within the lavatory, allowing an individual to sit on the transfer board and move (such as slide) between different positions. In at least one embodiment, the transfer member extends between an entrance of the lavatory (such as proximate to a door) and a toilet. The transfer member is or otherwise includes a smooth panel, board, bracket, rail, assembly, and/or the like. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of using a lavatory, including approaching an entrance of a lavatory, deploying a transfer member, moving (for example, sliding) along the transfer member to a toilet and from the toilet back toward the entrance, and stowing the transfer member. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for increased accessibility and mobility within a confined space of a lavatory, such as within a commercial aircraft. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lightweight and low-cost transfer member. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lavatory having a deployable transfer member that provides airline operators an attractive, optional, accessible feature that can be integrated into new or existing aircraft. The transfer member may be specifically configured for unique certification requirements (for example, stress, flammability, etc.), such as promulgated by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and sanitary construction requirements promulgated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member is permanently attached to a wall of a lavatory. As such, an individual is able to readily see the transfer member, and is more likely to use the transfer member (as compared to a separate and distinct board that may be lost). 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member moveably couples to a wall of the lavatory, such as through a rotary damper barrel hinge, such as approved by the FAA for use within an aircraft lavatory. 
     The transfer member is hinged and stowed neatly against a wall when not in use. The transfer member is moved into a deployed position, such as by being folded down over a toilet seat. In the deployed position, at least a portion of the transfer member sits directly on top of a portion of a toilet seat. As such, the toilet seat supports the transfer board and the weight of an individual seated on the transfer member. Because the toilet seat supports the transfer member in the deployed position, the transfer member need not include additional supports, such as bracing struts. Alternatively, the transfer member may include one or more deployable braces or other such support. 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member has a contoured, smooth radial profile, that encourages and assists flow transfer between different positions within a lavatory (such as a first position adjacent to a lavatory door and opposite to wash basin sink and a second position on a toilet). 
     Overall, embodiments of the present disclosure provide persons of reduced mobility with additional options that provide dignified independence for lavatory use. Embodiments of the present disclosure allows persons of reduced mobility to transfer from an on-board wheelchair, for example, to the transfer member in a deployed position through an opened door of the lavatory. Once inside the lavatory, the door is closed and locked by the individual, while seated on the transfer member. The individual may then slide over the transfer member onto the toilet. The deployable transfer member allows persons of reduced mobility full independence to use the toilet and wash their hands. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft  10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft  10  includes a propulsion system  12  that includes engines  14 , for example. Optionally, the propulsion system  12  may include more engines  14  than shown. The engines  14  are carried by wings  16  of the aircraft  10 . In other embodiments, the engines  14  may be carried by a fuselage  18  and/or an empennage  20 . The empennage  20  may also support horizontal stabilizers  22  and a vertical stabilizer  24 . 
     The fuselage  18  of the aircraft  10  defines an internal cabin  30 , which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like. At least one of the lavatories within the internal cabin  30  includes a deployable transfer member, as described herein. 
     Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, and the like. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective internal view of a lavatory  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lavatory  100  is an example of an enclosed space or chamber, such as within the internal cabin of the aircraft  10 , shown in  FIG.  1   . The lavatory  100  may be onboard an aircraft, as described above. Optionally, the lavatory  100  may be onboard various other vehicles. In other embodiments, the lavatory  100  may be within a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. The lavatory  100  includes a base floor  101  that supports a toilet  102 , cabinets  104 , and a sink  106  or wash basin. The lavatory  100  may be arranged differently than shown. The lavatory  100  may include more or less components than shown. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective top view of the lavatory  100  having a transfer member  130  in a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of the lavatory  100  having the transfer member  130  in the stowed position. Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the lavatory  100  includes a side wall  108  extending upwardly from the base floor  101 . The side wall  108  may be orthogonal (for example, perpendicular) to the base floor  101 . The side wall  108  and the base floor  101  also connect to a rear wall  110 . The toilet  102  is proximate the rear wall  110 . For example, the toilet  102  may outwardly extend from the rear wall  110 . Optionally, the lavatory  100  may be re-oriented such that the side wall is a rear wall, and vice versa. 
     The toilet  102  includes a bowl  112  and a seat  114  moveably secured to the bowl  112 . A cover or lid  116  may also be moveably secured to the bowl  112 . The seat  114  includes a seating rim  118  that defines a central opening  120  that is in fluid communication with an internal chamber  122  of the bowl  112 . 
     As described herein, the lavatory  100  includes the toilet  102 , a wall proximate to the toilet  102  (such as the side wall  108 ), and the transfer member  130  moveably coupled to the wall. The transfer member  130  is configured moveable between a stowed position away from the toilet  102 , and a deployed position. At least a portion of the transfer member  130  in the deployed position is supported by the toilet  102 . 
     The transfer member  130  is moveably secured to the side wall  108 . The side wall  108  is proximate to the toilet  102 . For example, the side wall  108  may be within 24 inches or less of the toilet  102 . The transfer member  130  is securely attached to the side wall  108 . That is, the transfer member  130  is not a separate and distinct board that is susceptible to being lost, and/or not used due to not being readily seen and available. The transfer member  130  includes a main body  132 , which may be formed of plastic, metal, composite material, and/or the like. The transfer member  130  may be a panel, board, rail, block, assembly, and/or the like. 
     The main body  132  of the transfer member  130  includes a bench segment  134  connected to a toilet segment  136 . The bench segment  134  and the toilet segment  136  may be integrally molded and formed together. That is, the transfer member  130  may be integrally molded and formed as a single piece, such as of metal, plastic, composite, and/or the like. 
     The bench segment  134  includes a first or leading end  138  proximate to an entrance  141  of the lavatory  100 . A door  143  is disposed at the entrance  141 . The first end  138  connects to a bench body  140  that extends toward the rear wall  110  and the toilet segment  136 . The bench body  140  connects to a second or rear end  142  that connects to the toilet segment  136 . 
     The toilet segment  136  includes a front end  144  including a front arcuate support  146 . The front arcuate support  146  has a width  148  that is greater than a width  150  of the bench segment  134 . The front arcuate support  146  includes an arcuate support prong  152  having an arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge  154 . 
     The front end  144  connects to an intermediate body  156  that includes an inwardly-curved recess  158 . Like the front arcuate support  146 , the recess  158  includes an arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge  160 . 
     The intermediate body  156 , in turn, connects to a rear end  162  including a rear arcuate support  164 . The rear arcuate support  164  includes an arcuate support prong  165  having an arcuate, smooth, and blunted exposed edge  166 . 
     Alternatively, the toilet segment  136  may not include the front arcuate support  146  and/or the rear arcuate support  164 . For example, in at least one embodiment, when the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position (as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   ), the toilet segment  136  may be supported on the seat  114  only by the intermediate body  156 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the transfer member  130  is in a stowed position. In the stowed position, the transfer member  130  is folded upright against the side wall  108 . For example, in the stowed position, a first or upper surface  168  of the transfer member  130  is proximate to the side wall  108 . In at least one embodiment, the first surface  168  may abut directly against the side wall  108  and/or be parallel to the side wall  108 . Further, in the stowed position, a second or lower surface  170  (which is opposite from the first surface  168 ) of the transfer member  130  is exposed and readily viewable by an individual within the lavatory  100 . In the stowed position, the transfer member  130  may be perpendicular to the surface of the base floor  101 . For example, the base floor  101  may be horizontal, and the transfer member  130  in the stowed position may be vertical. 
     The transfer member  130  is movably coupled to the side wall  108 . For example, the transfer member  130  is pivotally coupled to the side wall  108 . In at least one embodiment, the transfer member  130  is moveably coupled to the side wall  108  by one or more hinges  172 . In at least one embodiment, the hinges  172  may be or otherwise include rotary damper barrel hinges. The transfer member  130  is configured to be moved between the stowed position, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , and a deployed position, as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . 
     In at least one embodiment, the transfer member  130  may also include one or more securing devices  174  configured to securely couple to one or more reciprocal securing devices  176  mounted on the side wall  108 . For example, the securing devices  174  and  176  may be magnets, latches, hooks and loops, and/or the like. The securing device  174  couples to the securing device  176  when the transfer member  130  is in the stowed position to securely retain the transfer member  130  in the stowed position. The securing devices  174  and  176  may be at various locations, such as proximate to the rear wall  110 , the front end of the side wall, or the like. Optionally, the transfer member  130  and the side wall  108  may not include securing devices. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the transfer member  130  may be devoid of support struts, brackets, or the like that would otherwise connect to and/or extend from the second surface  170 . Alternatively, one or more deployable struts, braces, or the like may be coupled to the transfer member  130 , and configured to provide a bracing support in relation to the side wall  108 . As described herein, the seat  114  of the toilet  102  supports the transfer member  130  (and a weight of an individual seated on the transfer member  130 ) when the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position. 
     The transfer member  130  is secured to an outer surface of the side wall  108 . As such, an existing lavatory may be effectively retrofit with the transfer member  130 . As another example, a new lavatory may be formed with the transfer member  130 . In at least one embodiment, the side wall  108  may include a recessed pocket that receives the transfer member  130  in the stowed position. In such an embodiment, the transfer member  130  in the stowed position may not extend past an exposed interior surface  177  of the side wall  108 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective top view of the lavatory  100  having the transfer member  130  in a deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  6    illustrates a top view of the lavatory  100  having the transfer member  130  in the deployed position. 
     In order to move the transfer member  130  into the deployed position, an individual grasps a portion of the transfer member  130  (such as at exposed edges), and pivots or folds the transfer member  130  downwardly in the direction of arc A. For example, the transfer member  130  pivots in the direction of arc A about one or more pivot axis  173  of the hinges  172 . When the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position, the bench segment  134  extends toward the sink  106 . For example, a front edge  135  of the bench segment  134  is closer to the sink  106  in the deployed position than when the transfer member  130  is in the stowed position. 
     The transfer member  130  continues to be pivoted in the direction of arc A, until the toilet segment  136  abuts against a portion of the seat  114  of the toilet  102  (such as lateral segment closest to the side wall  108 ). As such, the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position. 
     In the deployed position, the front arcuate support  146  of the toilet segment  136  is supported by a front lateral segment  190  of the seat  114 , the intermediate body  156  proximate to the recess  158  is supported by a lateral segment  192  of the seat  114 , and the rear arcuate support  164  is supported by a rear lateral segment  192  of the seat  114 . The exposed edges  154 ,  160 , and  166  conform to an inner edge  196  of the seat  114 . As such, the toilet segment  136  may not extend over the central opening  120  of the seat  114 . 
     Because the toilet  102  supports (such as directly via the seat  114 ) the weight of the transfer member  130  in the deployed position, the toilet  102  also supports a weight of an individual seated on the transfer member  130  in the deployed position. As such, the transfer member  130  can be formed of lighter materials, as the transfer member  130  does not support an entire weight of a seated individual. 
     In the deployed position, as shown, the bench segment  134  extends toward the sink  106 . The width  150  of the bench segment  134  in the deployed position is sized to provide sufficient seating area for an individual, while at the same allowing for movement of legs within the lavatory  100 . For example, the width  150  of the bench segment  134  is sized so that the bench segment  134  (in the deployed position) does not extend to a central longitudinal plane  199  that extends through a center  201  of the toilet  102 . 
     In the deployed position, the transfer member  130  may be parallel to a surface of the base floor  101 . For example, in the deployed position, the transfer member  130  may be horizontal. 
     An individual may sit on the bench segment  134  and move onto the toilet segment  136 , such as by sliding. The outer, exposed surfaces of the transfer member  130  are smooth, with rounded, blunted exposed edges. As such, the individual may easily slide over the transfer member  130  without fear of clothing being snagged, skin being pinched, or the like. The individual may slide from the transfer member  130  over and onto the seat  114  of the toilet  102  in the direction of arrow B. When the individual is seated over the toilet  102 , the toilet  102  supports the weight of the individual, as the toilet segment  136  is supported by the seat  114 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a top view of an individual  210  seated on the bench segment  134  of the transfer member  130  in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  8    illustrates a top view of the individual  210  seated on the toilet  102  within the lavatory  100 . Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the individual  210  approaches the lavatory  100  from outside the entrance  141 . With the door  143  open, for example, the individual  210  grasps the transfer member  130  in the stowed position, and moves the transfer member  130  into the deployed position. The individual  210  then sits on the bench segment  134 , and the door  143  is closed with the individual  210  in the lavatory  100 . When the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position, and the individual  210  is seated on the bench segment  134  facing the sink  106 , the individual  210  is close to a handle  212  of the door  143 . That is, at least a portion of the bench segment  134  is proximate to the door  143  (such as within 12 inches or less) when the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position, thereby allowing an individual seated on the bench segment  134  to easily reach the door  143 , the handle  212 , and a lock  214 . As such, the individual  210  seated on the bench segment  134  may readily engage the lock  214  to ensure that the door  143  is locked. 
     The individual  210  may then slide over the transfer member  130  in the direction of arrow B from the bench segment  134  onto the toilet segment  136  and the toilet  102 . The individual  210  then readies for toilet use, and subsequently uses the toilet  102 . After use of the toilet  102 , the individual  210  adjusts clothing, for example, and slides from the toilet segment  136  back onto the bench segment  134  in the direction of arrow B′ to face the sink  106 . The bench segment  134  provides the individual  210  with a comfortable seating position at which the individual  210  can wash hands  216  with water from a faucet  107  over the sink  106 . 
     After the individual  210  finishes washing hands  216 , the individual may unlock and open the door  143 , and slide off the bench segment  134  in the direction of arc C out of the entrance  141 . The transfer member  130  may then be moved into the stowed position. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating the transfer member  130  within with lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 9   , at  300 , the transfer member  130  is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position. At  302 , the individual  210  sits on the bench segment  134  of the transfer member  130  in the deployed position. At  304 , the individual  210  moves over (such as by sliding) the bench segment  134  onto the toilet segment  136  over a portion of the toilet  102 . When toilet use is complete and the individual  210  has readjusted clothing, the individual  210  then moves over the toilet segment  136  back to the bench segment  134  at  306 . After hand washing, the individual  210  unlocks and opens the door  143  at  308 . Then, at  310 , the individual  210  moves over and off the bench segment  134  out of the entrance of the lavatory  100 . The transfer member  130  is then moved from the deployed position to the stowed position at  312 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a method of providing a lavatory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 8  and  10   , the method includes moveably securing, at  400 , the transfer member  130  to a wall (such as the side wall  108 ) proximate to the toilet  102 . The moveably securing  400  includes allowing, at  402 , the transfer member  130  to be moved between the stowed position away from the toilet  102 , and the deployed position. The method also includes supporting, at  404 , at least a portion of the transfer member  130  in the deployed position by at least a portion of the toilet  102 . 
     In at least one example, said supporting includes supporting a toilet segment  136  of the transfer member  130  by the at least portion of the toilet  102  when the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position. In at least one example, the method also includes extending a front end of the bench segment  134  of the transfer member  130  toward the sink  106  when the transfer member  130  is in the deployed position. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes folding the transfer member  130  upright against the wall when the transfer member  130  is in the stowed position. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes pivotally coupling the transfer member  130  to the wall by one or more hinges  172 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the method also includes coupling the first securing device  174  of the transfer member  130  to the second securing device  176  of the wall when the transfer member  130  is in the stowed position to securely retain the transfer member  130  in the stowed position. 
     As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for allowing individuals to independently more easily and efficiently use an existing lavatory, such as within an internal cabin of a commercial aircraft. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lavatory that is easily accessible and useable by persons of reduced mobility. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a safe, readily accessible, consistent, independent, and easy-to-use system and method for transferring between different areas within a lavatory. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can 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 the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.