Patent Publication Number: US-10772428-B2

Title: Therapy stool having an adjustable height and a tiltable seat

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and made a part of this specification. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a therapy stool having a height-adjustable seat, wherein the seat is also tiltable to provide a range of motion. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Balls, including yoga balls, are sometimes used for therapy purposes. Balls, when used for seating, provide the seated individual with a range of movement. However, when used as seats, balls lack the ability to be height adjusted. Further, balls fail to provide a flat sitting surface, which is important for therapy and core training. Finally, balls are unstable for seating purposes and are prone to rolling around when in use. 
     T-shaped stools or “T-stools” are also sometimes used for therapy purposes. T-stools provide the seated individual with a range of movement. Moreover, some T-stools are height-adjustable. Further, T-stools, unlike balls, have a flat sitting surface. However, T-stools, like balls, are unstable for seating purposes and are prone to falling over when in use. 
     A need therefore exists for a height-adjustable therapy chair or stool that provides the seated individual with a range of movement and a flat sitting surface, and that can be adjusted such that it can be stable for seating purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Accordingly, a height-adjustable therapy stool has been developed that provides the seated individual with a range of movement and a flat sitting surface, and that has adjustable stability for seating purposes. 
     The methods and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. 
     In some embodiments, a stool comprises a seat component comprising a seat and a ball. The seat has a height. The ball has a diameter and is configured to depend from the seat. The ball is part of a ball and socket mechanism. The ball and socket mechanism enables the seat to be tiltable by a maximum degree of tiltability. A stem component comprises a tubular member. A socket of the ball and socket mechanism is located within an internal region of the tubular member. A height adjustment ring member engages with the tubular member. A stability adjustment ring member at least partially surrounds the tubular member. The tubular member has at least one threaded external region. The height adjustment ring member is configured to be attached to a region of the tubular member that is not threaded. Rotation of the height adjustment ring member adjusts the height of the seat. The stability adjustment ring member is configured to be rotatably coupled to a region of the tubular member that is threaded. Rotation of the stability adjustment ring member adjusts the degree of tiltability of the seat. A base component comprises a pedestal. The pedestal has a threaded internal region configured to allow the tube to be rotatably coupled to the pedestal. 
     In some embodiments, the height of the seat is adjustable between 10 and 20 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the diameter of the ball is between 10 and 14 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the leveling feet can be used to level the stool relative to a ground surface. 
     In some embodiments, the leveling feet can be used to adjust the height of the seat. 
     In some embodiments, a stool has a seat that has an adjustable height and an adjustable degree of tilt. The stool comprises a base. The base includes an internally threaded bore. A central tubular member has a lower portion that is externally threaded. The externally threaded lower portion is received within the internally threaded bore of the base. A height adjustment member is connected to the central tubular member and is fixed against rotation about a vertical axis relative to the tube. An upper portion of the central tubular member is externally threaded. A tilt adjustment member has an internal thread and is rotatable relative to the externally threaded upper portion of the tube. The tilt adjustment member has a control surface configured to bear against a seat. The seat has a seating surface and a depending ball. The depending ball is captured within a socket defined within the central tubular member by at least one socket block and the ball and socket defines a coupling between the seat and the central tubular member that allows tilting of the seat relative to a vertical axis that extends through a center of the socket. 
     In some embodiments, rotation of the tilt adjustment member in a first direction advances the control surface toward the seat and rotation of the tilt adjustment member in a second direction. 
     In some embodiments, rotation of the central tubular member in a first direction increases a height of the seat and rotation of the central tubular member in a second direction decreases the height of the seat. 
     In some embodiments, an interaction of the ball and the socket define a maximum range of tiling of the seat relative to the vertical axis that extends through the center of the socket. 
     In some embodiments, the seat has a flat top surface. 
     In some embodiments, the tilt adjustment member has an upper surface that is configured to contact a bottom surface of the seat. 
     In some embodiments, the base comprises at least adjustable one mounting foot. 
     In some embodiments, the height adjustment member is secured to the central tubular member using a shaft that extends through at least a portion of both of the height adjustment member and the tube. 
     In some embodiments, the shaft also secures the at least one socket block in place within the central tubular member. 
     In some embodiments, an end of the shaft includes a toggle or a handle. 
     In some embodiments, a stool comprises a base and a seat with the seat being connected to the base via means for adjusting a seat tilt relative to the base and means for adjusting a height of the seat. 
     In some embodiments, the means for adjusting a seat tilt relative to the base comprises a ball and socket connection and an adjustment member that moves toward and away from the seat. 
     In some embodiments, the means for adjusting a height of the seat comprises an internally threaded socket defined within the base and a central tubular member having an externally threaded portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Throughout the drawings, reference numbers have been reused to indicate general correspondence between reference elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a side sectioned view of a stool having a limitable range of motion and an adjustable height that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is another side view of the stool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another side view of the stool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the stool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another stool that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a right elevation view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 10  is a left elevation view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of the stool of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 12  is a sectioned view taken along the line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-4  show various views of a stool  100  that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the stool  100  comprises three main components: a seat component  102 , a stem component  104 , and a base component  106 . The stem component  104  connects the seat component  102  to the base component  106 . As used herein, the term “component” is intended to encompass groups of elements that together define a functional module.  FIGS. 10-17  show various views of another stool  100  that also is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure. As will be described, the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-12  differs from the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  mainly in the structures used to manipulate a height of the seat and to adjust a maximum tilt angle of the seat. Desirably, at least two of the three main components can be easily separated from each other for transportation and/or cleaning, for example. In some configurations, the three main components can be easily separated from each other for transportation and/or cleaning, for example. In the illustrated configurations, the seat component  102  can be quickly and simply removed from the stem component  102  for transportation and/or cleaning, for example. 
     With reference to now to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the seat component  102  generally comprises a seat  110  and a mounting ball  116 . The illustrated seat  110  has a generally flat sitting surface  112 . In the illustrated configuration, the sitting surface is generally circular. In some configurations, the sitting surface  112  is generally circular with a diameter of 12 inches. However, other suitable diameters are possible keeping in mind a desire to support the ischial tuberosity of a population up to about 14 years of age. Desirably, the sitting surface  112  is large enough to accommodate the ischial tuberosity of children up to the age of about 14 years but not significantly larger. For example, the diameter of the sitting surface  112  can be between 10 inches to 14 inches. Moreover, although the sitting surface  112  is generally flat, in some embodiments, the sitting surface  112  may have a slight curvature. For example, the sitting surface  112  may be slightly concave or convex depending on the material used. The sitting surface  112  preferably is padded. Any suitable sitting surface can be used. In some configurations, the sitting surface is positioned atop a seat frame  113 . The seat frame  113  can be formed of any suitable, preferably rigid, material. In some configurations, the seat frame  113  is formed of a suitable plastic material. As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, in some configurations, a base material  114  supports a cushion  117  that is covered by an outer covering  118 . The cushion  117  can be any suitable material and, in some configurations, is a foam pad. The base material  114 , which can be a material such as plywood or another laminate product, can be secured to the seat frame  113  in any suitable manner. For example, in some configurations, the base material is secured to the seat frame  113  using threaded fasteners  119 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the stem component  104  comprises a tubular component  120 . The tubular component  120  in the illustrated configuration is at least partially threaded. That is, the illustrated tubular component  120  comprises an external, male screw thread pattern along segments of its external surface. In the illustrated configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the tubular component  120  comprises an upper threaded portion  121  and a lower threaded portion  123  that are separated by an unthreaded portion  125 . In some configurations, the upper threaded portion  121  and the lower threaded portion  123  have the same type of threading. In some configurations, the upper threaded portion  121  and the lower threaded portion  123  have opposing hands of threading. In some configurations, the upper threaded portion  121  has a shorter axial length than the lower threaded portion  123 . In some configurations, the upper threaded portion  121  and the lower threaded portion  123  have the same length. In some configurations, the entire tubular member  120  can be threaded and the unthreaded portion  125  is omitted. In some configurations, only one threaded region is provided. Other configurations are possible. 
     As illustrated, the stem component  104  also comprises a stability adjustment member  122  and a height adjustment member  124 . The members  122 ,  124  facilitate adjustment of the seat component  102  in desired ways. While the members  122 ,  124  are illustrated as two ring members in  FIGS. 1-4 , it is possible to use handles, levers, posts, pegs, handgrips, or the like in addition to or as an alternative to the members  122 ,  124 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the stability adjustment member  122  can comprise a collar  138  with one or more levers  140  extending generally radially outward. In the illustrated configuration, the collar  138  and the levers  140  are integrally formed. In other configurations, the levers  140  can be formed separate of the collar  138  and connected or secured to the collar  138  in any suitable manner. As also shown in  FIG. 5 , the height adjustment member  124  comprises one or more handles  142  that extend radially outward relative to the tubular component  120 . Thus, in some configurations, one ring shaped member  122  and one other type of member  124  can be used in some configurations. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the height adjustment member  124  can be attached or joined to a segment of the external surface of the tubular component  120 . In the illustrated configuration, the height adjustment member  124  is secured to the unthreaded portion  125 . The height adjustment member  124  can adjust at least a portion of the stem component  104  relative to the base component  106 . In the illustrated configuration, the height adjustment member  124  is used to rotate the tubular member  120  relative to the base component  106 . As such, the height adjustment member  124  is fixed against rotation relative to the tubular member  120 . With reference to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 12 , a shaft  127  can extend through a matching set of bores that are formed in the height adjustment member  124  and the tubular member  120 . The illustrated shaft  127  includes a handle end  129  and a toggle  131  that reduces the likelihood of the shaft  127  becoming dislodged during use. Other suitable assemblies, techniques or components also can be used to secure the height adjustment member or member  124  against significant rotation relative to the tubular member  120 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 12 , the shaft  127  extends through the tubular member  120  and carries one or more handles  142 , which can serve as the height adjustment member  124 . In particular, the shaft  127  extends through the tubular member  120  and, therefore, is fixed to the tubular member  120  such that the shaft  127  can be used to cause rotational movement of the tubular member  120  about a center axis of the tubular member  120 . To improve aesthetics, to provide a more comfortable grip, and to reduce the likelihood of the shaft  127  disengaging from the tubular member  120 , the illustrated configuration features one handle  142  at each end of the shaft  127 . The handles  142  have a larger cross section relative to the shaft  127 . One or more of the handles  142  is designed to be removable from the shaft  127 . In the illustrated configuration, pop-pins are used to removably connect the handles  142  to the shaft  127 . In other words, the shaft has an opening that receives a spring biased pin  143 . The spring biased pin  143  is biased to project from the opening by a leaf spring  146  or the like. The pin  143  extends through a corresponding hole in the handle  142  to secure the handle against inadvertent disconnection from the shaft  127 . In some configurations, the handles  142  comprise a recessed region  148  surrounding the hole that receives the pin  143 . Other coupling arrangements also can be used. 
     With to reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , at least a portion of a pedestal  130  of the base component  106  comprises an internal bore  133 . The internal bore  133  can comprise a female screw thread pattern  131 . The female screw thread pattern  131  meshes with the male thread of the lower threaded portion  131 . The meshing of the threads allows the tubular member  120  of the stem component  104  to be translated relative to the pedestal  130  when the tubular member  120  is rotated relative to the pedestal  130 . The height adjustment member  124 , which is attached or joined to the tubular member  120 , facilitates rotation of the tubular member  120  relative to the pedestal  130 . That is, the height adjustment member  124  of  FIGS. 1-4  has a handle grip region  144  (see  FIG. 4 ) that enables the member  124  and, hence, the tubular member  120  to be manually rotated by human force. The height of the seat  110  can be adjusted using the height adjustment member  124 . The height of the seat  110  is measured from a ground surface to a center point of the sitting surface  112  of the seat  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the height adjustment member  124  adjusts the height of the seat  110  by causing axial movement of the tubular member  120  relative to the pedestal  130 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the seat  110  has a height that is adjustable between 14 and 18 inches. However, other suitable height ranges are possible. For example, the height of the seat  110  can be between 12 and 20 inches. A suitable height is one in which the seated individual&#39;s leg angle (i.e., the bend at the knee) is at approximately 90 degrees with the individual&#39;s feet flat on the floor while seated. However, other leg angles may be appropriate depending on the particular needs of the seated individual. 
     The stability adjustment member  122  is coupled to a segment of the external surface of the tubular member  120  that is threaded. In the illustrated configuration, the stability adjustment member  122  is coupled with the upper threaded portion  121 . The stability adjustment member  122  is capable of rotating relative to the tubular member  120 . In particular, the stability adjustment member  122  includes an axially extending portion  150 . The axially extending portion  150  includes an internally threaded surface  152 . The internally threaded surface  152  meshes with the upper threaded portion  121  of the tubular member  120 . Rotation of the stability adjustment member  122  results in axial translation of the stability adjustment member  122  along the tubular member  120 . 
     To facilitate rotation of the stability adjustment member  122 , the stability adjustment member  122  can include one or more handle regions  148  (see  FIG. 4 ). In the illustrated configuration, the one or more handle regions  142  extend from the axially extending portion  150 . In some configurations, the handle region  148  comprises four holes. That is, the handle region  148  of the stability adjustment member  122  has four holes. The holes aid in gripping and rotating the member  122 . In other embodiments, however, the handle region  148  can each comprise less than or more than four holes. Moreover, instead of providing holes in the handle region  148 , other configurations can be provided to aid in gripping and rotating the member  122 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5-12 , the handle region  148  can take the form of one or more levers  140 . The levers  140 , as discussed above, can project radially outward from the collar  138  of the stability adjustment member  122 . 
     When translated upwardly, the stability adjustment member  122  is configured to make contact with at least a portion of a lower surface  115  of the seat component  102 . The closer the stability adjustment member  122  comes to the lower surface  115  of the seat component  102 , the less freedom of movement is afforded to the seat component  102 . When fully seated against the lower surface  115  of the seat component  102 , the adjustment member  122  prevents any significant movement of the seat component  102 . Thus, axial movement of the stability adjustment member  122  relative to the seat component  102  alters the amount of movement afforded to the seat component. While the stability adjustment member  122  is illustrated as a ring, other components can be used keeping in mind a desire to have a portion of the stability adjustment member or ring  122  contact at least a portion of the seat component  102  to reduce the range of motion relative to the tubular member  120 . 
     Moreover, in the illustrated configuration, when the stability adjustment member  122  is in contact with the lower surface  115  of the seat component  102 , the stability adjustment member  122  has at least a portion remaining engaged with the upper threaded portion  121  of the tubular member  120  and at least a portion that is no longer in contact with the tubular member  120  (i.e., the stability adjustment member  120  is only partially engaged with the tubular member  120 ). In some configurations, when the stability adjustment member  122  is fully engaged with the seat component, about ½ inch to ⅝ inch of the stability adjustment member  122  remains engaged with the tubular member  120 . In some configurations, the portion of the stability adjustment member  122  that remains engaged with the tubular member  120  is between ⅜ inch and 1 inch. Other configurations are possible. In some configurations, the travel of the stability adjustment member  122  is limited at the upper end by the lower surface of the seat  115  and at the lower end by the shaft  127 . Other configurations also can be used to limit the range of movement of the stability adjustment member. 
     Because the degree of tilt capable by the seat component  102  can be adjusted by the stability adjustment member  122 , it is possible to provide a graduated scale or other reference markings that can be used to record the position of the stability adjustment member relative to the seat. In some configurations, the graduated scale is a vertical scale. In some configurations, the graduated scale is a rotational scale. Any suitable technique can be used. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 1 , the pedestal  130  has an enlarged lower region  134  and a region  136  of generally constant diameter. As discussed above, the pedestal  130  has an internally threaded bore, which comprises the female screw thread pattern  131  configured to allow the tubular member  120  to be coupled to the pedestal  130  while having the tubular member  120  being capable of rotation to induce axial travel. In the illustrated embodiment, a majority of the female screw thread pattern  131  is disposed within the region  136 . In the illustrated embodiment, the female screw tread pattern  131  also extends into the enlarged lower region  134 . Other configurations also are possible. 
     The larger diameter lower region  134  can be larger in diameter (or have one or more diameters that are larger in diameter) than the upper region  136 , which has a relatively constant diameter. The larger lower region  134  enhances stability of the stool  100 . In some configurations, the lowermost portion of the lower region  134  has the largest diameter of the pedestal  130 . The diameter of the pedestal desirably accomplishes two main goals: large enough to enhance stability and small enough to allow the user&#39;s feet to sit flat on the floor while the knees are bent at a 90 degree angle and the sitting bones are positioned squarely on the seat. Other configurations, including those having recess or cutouts, also can be used to accomplish these goals. Moreover, in some configurations, a foot accommodating region can be integrated into the stool  100 . In the illustrated configuration, the largest diameter of the lower half of the pedestal  130  is between 6 inches and 20 inches. In some configurations, the largest diameter of the lower half of the pedestal is between 10 inches and 18 inches. In some configurations, the largest diameter of the largest diameter of the lower half of the pedestal is 14 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one or more leveling feet  132  of the base component  106  are rotatably connected to a bottom surface of the enlarged lower region  134  of the pedestal  130 . The leveling feet  132  can be used to level the stool  100  relative to the ground. The leveling feet  132  can also be used to make minor adjustments to the height of the seat  110  relative to the ground. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the bottom surface of the leveling feet  132  can have grips to help reduce the likelihood of slippage of the stool  100  relative to the ground surface when the stool  100  is in use. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the seat  110  of the seat component  102  and the tubular member  120  of the stem component  104  are coupled via a ball and socket mechanism. As discussed above, the ball  116  of the ball and socket mechanism is attached or joined to the bottom surface  115  of the seat  110 . In the illustrated configuration, a neck-like connector  118  connects the ball  116  to the seat  110   
     The connector  118  can be attached to the seat in any desired manner. In some configurations, the connector  118  is connected with a threaded connection such that the connector can be removed from at least one of the ball  116  and the seat  110 . In some configurations, the connector  118  can be integrally formed (i.e., formed as a single component, such as through molding) with at least one of the ball  116  and the seat  110 . In some configurations, at least a portion of the seat  110  can be integrally formed with the ball  116  and the connector  118 . 
     The connector  118  suspends the ball from the bottom of the seat  110 . The connector  118  can have any suitable size. In some configurations, the connector  118  is sized in relation to the ball  116 . The distance from the center of the ball  116  to a lower surface  115  of the seat  110  desirably is as small as possible. In some configurations, the distance is 2½ inches. In some configurations, the distance is between bout 0 and 5 inches. In some configurations, the connector  118  spaces the ball  116  away from the bottom surface  115  of the seat  110  a distance that places the ball  116  within the upper half of the tubular member  120 . In some configurations, the connector  118  spaces the ball away from the bottom of the seat  110  a distance that places the ball  116  within the upper quarter of the tubular member  120 . In some configurations, the ball  116  is mounted directly to the bottom of the seat  110 . Placing the ball  116  as close to the seat as possible has been discovered to provide improved tilt performance for the stool  100 . 
     The socket  119  of the ball and socket mechanism is configured to be located within an upper internal region of the tubular member  120 . In some configurations, a lower portion of the socket is integrally formed within the tubular member  120 . In some configurations, the lower portion of the socket is formed separate from the tubular member  120  and secured in place within the tubular member  120 . The upper portion of the socket can be defined by two or more blocks  126  that at least partially surround the upper portion of the ball  116 . Using two or more blocks  126  is advantageous when the ball  116  (and/or the mounting connector  118 ) is integrally formed with at least a portion of the seat  110 . In some configurations, a single block  126  can be used when the ball  116  (and/or the connector  118 ) is removable from the seat  110 . In some configurations, the two or more blocks can be secured together such that they define a single block once secured together. 
     In some configurations, the blocks  126  can be secured in position within the tubular member  120  by the shaft  127 . In other words, the blocks  126  can include openings through which the shaft  127  can extend. In this manner, the blocks  126  are secured within the end of the tubular member  120  against axial movement along the tubular member  120  so long as the shaft  127  is inserted through the tubular member  120 . The blocks  126 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , need not completely enclose the perimeter of the ball  116  yet surround a sufficient portion of the ball  116  to secure the ball  116  against misplacement from the socket  119  during use. 
     The ball and socket mechanism enables the seat  110  to be tiltable by up to 20 degrees in all directions about a vertical axis. Preferably, the ball and socket mechanism enables the seat  110  to be tiltable up to 15 degrees in all directions about a vertical axis. In some configurations, the degree of tilting provided to the seat  110  is limited by the connector  118  contacting the blocks  126 . In such configurations, the inner surface closest to the connector  118  are angled and the connector  118  contacts the inner surface of the blocks. In some configurations, the inner surface is conical or frustoconical in configuration. Enabling the seat  110  to be tiltable aids in providing the seated individual with an increased range of motion. 
     As described above, the degree of tilt below the maximum angle can be adjusted using the stability adjustment member  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the stability adjustment member  122  in a first direction acts to reduce the degree to which the seat  110  can be tilted while rotation of the stability adjustment member  122  in a second direction acts to increase the degree to which the seat  110  can be tilted up to the maximum angle. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ball  116  has an approximately 1½ inch diameter. However, other suitable diameters are possible. For example, the diameter of the ball  116  can be between ¾ and 5 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that if the diameter of the ball  116  is too small, the seat  110  will be unstable. That is, the seat  110  will tilt with even the slightest movement of the seated individual. On the other hand, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that if the diameter of the ball  116  is too large, the seat  110  will have limited tiltability. In other words, the degree of friction created between the ball and the socket increases with the increasing size of the ball. 
     Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states. 
     Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. 
     Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure. 
     It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein. 
     Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 
     Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. 
     Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise. 
     The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” 
     Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world. 
     The aspects of the invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. 
     Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims.