Patent Abstract:
A gridable light panel with a reduced edge profile that permits a high percentage of the image to be visible within the viewable image area. When viewed from a distance, the frame edge is substantially invisible so that adjacent images appear to be a single image. The frame structure includes front supports along an inner surface that capture edges of a light diffuser panel. Inner edges of the front supports surround a viewable image area. Rear supports are located along the rear surface of the light diffuser panel. The rear supports extend into the viewable image area in an overlapping region. An image is secured to the front surface of the light diffuser panel.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/971,167, entitled Gridable Light Panel, filed Mar. 27, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to a fine line gridable light panel with a reduced edge profile that permits a high percentage of the image to be visible within the viewable image area. When viewed from a distance, the frame edge is substantially invisible so that adjacent images appear to be a single image. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Light panels are widely used in commercial places, such as factories, offices, hospitals, schools, and stores for informational and advertising purposes. Two of the primary lighting panel structures are direct-lit backlight modules and edge-lit modules. 
         [0004]    Direct-lit light panels provide more uniform light compared with the typical edge-lit light panel, especially for large-scale applications. The fluorescent tubes used in some direct-lit light panels, however, result in a thicker profile than an edge-lit light panel with a comparable lighted surface. Light-emitting diode or LED light sources have been incorporated into direct-lit light panels to reduce the profile, but require extra cost to convert the dot light sources generated by an LED array to a uniform surface light source. 
         [0005]    Edge-lit light panels that use LED&#39;s as the light source permit a thin profile, but the edge structure that houses the LED&#39;s can create a shadow or uneven lighting along the perimeter of the light panel. This edge effect is compounded when multiple light panels are arranged in an array, creating a dark gap between adjacent images.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is directed to a gridable light panel having a thin-edge frame with a reduced edge profile. The frame structure includes front supports along an inner surface that capture edges of a light diffuser panel. Inner edges of the front supports surround a viewable image area. Rear supports are located along the rear surface of the light diffuser panel. The rear supports extend into the viewable image area in an overlapping region. An image is secured to the front surface of the light diffuser panel. 
         [0007]    A protective layer or lens is optionally secured to the front surface of the image by the front supports. Transparent removal tabs can optionally be attached to the lens to facilitate removal for replacing the image. A transparent adhesive is used to attach the removal tab to a rear surface of the lens. The removal tabs are bent about 90 degrees and extend past the front support so as to be easily grasped. The unique design of the lens, combined with the transparent removal tab, allows 2-dimensional graphic images to be easily inserted and replaced without tools and without removing the frame from its display position. 
         [0008]    The present fine line gridable light panel is designed to display both illuminated and non-illuminated graphics, as well as three-dimensional images. Illuminated and non-illuminated graphics preferably share the same frame allowing any combination of illuminated and non-illuminated images to be positioned adjacently with a minimal gap between images. The images may be printed or displayed on a variety of substrates including films, plastics, papers, magnetized materials, and fabric. Three-dimensional versions may be constructed of a variety of materials that include metals, plastics, wood and composites thereof. 
         [0009]    The front supports on the present thin edge frame permit adjacent images to be positioned close together. The front supports preferably have a width of less than about 0.150 inches, and more preferably less than about 0.100 inches. As a result, adjacent images can be located less than about 0.300 inches apart, and more preferably less than about 0.200 inches apart. When viewed from a distance, the fine line of the frame edge is substantially invisible so that adjacent images appear to be a single image. 
         [0010]    The front supports also permit the images to be substantially fully visible within the viewable image area, both vertically and horizontally. The front supports extend onto the  front surface of the light diffuser panel less than about 0.100 inches, and preferably less than about 0.070 inches, and more preferably less than about 0.040 inches. As a result, the present thin edge frame permits at least 97%, and more preferably at least 98% of the image to be visible within the viewable image area (depending upon the overall size of the image). For example, a standard frame typically has a border of about one inch to hold a graphic in place that will obscure over 16% of a 22″×28″ image. The present fine line gridable light panel allows 99.35% visibility of the same 22″×28″ image. In the preferred embodiment, less than about 3%, and preferably less than about 2% of a 24″×24″ the image is obscured by the front supports. 
         [0011]    The rear supports extend into the viewable image area in an overlapping region. By minimizing the length of the rear support required to optimally position the lens, diffuser and light panel within the frame, the resulting shadow is less visually impactful. This design results in a bright and even illumination over the entire image to within a few millimeters of the edge of the graphic. The overlapping region preferably has a width of less than about 0.300 inches, and more preferably about 0.250 inches. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the rear supports are light transmitting insert secured to inner surface of the frame structure. In another embodiment, the light transmitting structures include one or more apertures are formed in the rear supports. The light transmitting structures formed in the rear supports transmit light to the viewable image area in the overlapping region with an intensity at least 25% greater than a light intensity exhibited in an overlapping region of a rear support without light transmitting structures. 
         [0013]    The present fine line gridable light panel can be single-sided or double-sided, and can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. In a single sided application the frame depth is less than about 1.5 inches, and preferably less than about 1.25 inches. For a double-sided application the frame depth is less than about 2.0 inches, and preferably less than about 1.875″. In the horizontal configuration, the gridable light panels can operate as shelves. The light source can optionally illuminate the shelf (and any image located in the light panel) and project light from the underside of the shelf.  
         [0014]    The gridable light panel can be supported by a backer panel. A power supply for the light source is preferably mounted to the backer panel. In another embodiment, the backer panel is configured to support a plurality of gridable light panels. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, mounting brackets for the gridable light panels also serve as connectors to a power source for the light source. The light panel is powered simply by inserting the mounting brackets into receptacles on an electrified support track. This “plug and play” approach allows the light panels to be quickly and easily removed and replaced. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a gridable light panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of the light panel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the light panel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2C  is a rear view of the light panel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the light panel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A-5B  illustrate various light transmitting structures of alternative frame members in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a light panel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are perspective views of an array of light panels in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an array of light panels of differing sizes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of an interface of two light panels in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two light panels in a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 13A-13C  is a two-sided light box with unitary frame members in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate an embodiment of the present light panel used as a shelf in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14C  illustrates support brackets that mate with a corresponding support track to provide power to the light panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate transparent lens removal tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an edge-lit gridable light panel  50  with a reduced edge profile in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Frame members  52  are secured together by corner locks  54  to form frame structure  56  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) for the light panel  50 . Optional frame cleats  58  and wall cleats  60  can be added to mount the light panel  50  to another surface. The frame members  52  are preferably extruded structures made from a variety of metals, plastics, ceramics, or combinations thereof. All of the features noted above are packaged within a frame depth  53  of less than about 1.5 inches, and preferably less than about 1.125″ for the single-sided frame. For a double-sided application (see  FIG. 12 ) the frame depth  224  is less than about 2.0 inches, and preferably less than about 1.875″. 
         [0034]    A stack  62  of panels  64 A,  64 B,  64 C,  64 D (“ 64 ”) are secured within the frame structure  56 . The stack  62  includes back panel  64 A behind light distribution panel  64 B. The back panel  64 A is preferably highly reflective, such as for example an aluminum panel with a polished white surface or reflective surface located behind the light distribution panel  64 B. 
         [0035]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the panels  64 A,  64 B are held in intimate contact by the frame structure  56  within lighting recess  66 . Light source  68 , such as a strip of LED lights, is positioned within the lighting recess  66  to transmit light  70  into edge  72  of the light distribution  panel  64 B. In one embodiment the light source  68  is attached to the edge  72  of the light distribution panel  64 B, such as by a mechanical fastener, adhesive bonding, or the like. 
         [0036]    The light diffusion panel  64 C and the optional lens  64 D are retained in image recess  78  in the frame structure  56  in front of the light distribution panel  64 B. The image recess  78  is sized to provide space for image  80  between the panels  64 C and  64 D. In the illustrated embodiment, gap  76  exists between the panels  64 B and  64 C. The image  80  may be an illuminated graphic, a non-illuminated graphic, or a three-dimensional image. Illuminated and non-illuminated graphics preferably share the same frame allowing both to be positioned adjacently with a minimal gap between images. The image  80  may be printed or displayed on a variety of substrates including films, plastics, papers, magnetized materials, and fabric. Three-dimensional images  80  may be constructed of a variety of materials that include metals, plastics, wood and composites thereof. 
         [0037]    The image recess  78  includes front support  84  that retains the panels  64 C,  64 D in the frame structure  56  by extending onto the major surfaces  67 C,  67 D. Inside perimeter edge  85  of the front support  84  defines a viewable image area  92  that is less than the major surface  67 D of the panel  64 D (measured parallel to the surface  92 ). In an alternate embodiment, the light diffusion panel  64 C is coupled directly with bottom surface  79  of the image recess  78 , such as by an adhesive, two-sided tape, or a friction or interference fit. 
         [0038]    Width  86  of the front support  84  is preferably minimized to minimize the gap between adjacent images (see e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) and to reduce obstruction of the image  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, the width is preferably less than about 0.150 inches, and more preferably less than about 0.100 inches. As a result, adjacent images can be located less than about 0.300 inches apart, and more preferably less than about 0.200 inches apart. 
         [0039]    The front supports  84  also permit the image  80  to be substantially fully visible within the viewable image area  92 . In one embodiment, the front supports  84  have a width  86  of about 0.100 inches. When nominal wall thickness  90  of the frame member  52  of about 0.060 inches is subtracted, the front support  84  preferably extends into perimeters  65 C,  65 D of the panels  64 C,  64 D by about  0 . 040  inches or less (measured parallel to the front surface  92 ). The front supports  84  preferably extend onto the viewable image area  92  less than  about 0.100 inches, and preferably less than about 0.070 inches, and more preferably less than about 0.040 inches. As a result, at least 97%, and more preferably at least 98% of the image  80  is visible within the viewable image area  92  (depending upon the overall size of the image  80 ). For example, a standard light frame typically has a border of about one inch to hold a graphic in place that will obscure over 16% of a 22″×28″ image. The present fine line gridable light panel  50  allows 99.35% visibility of the same 22″×28″ image  80 . In the preferred embodiment, less than about 3%, and preferably less than about 2% of a 24″×24″ the image  80  is obscured by the front supports  84 . 
         [0040]    The rear supports  82 , on the other hand, have a width  96  that extends into the viewable image area  92  in overlapping region  94 . This overlapping region  94  has the potential to create a shadow behind the image  80  in the viewable image area  92 . (See  FIG. 2A ). The unobstructed portion  95  of the viewable image area  92  does not experience any shadowing due to the rear supports  82 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear support  82  has a width  96  of about  0 . 250  inches, and preferably less than  0 . 300  inches. 
         [0041]    By minimizing the length of the rear support  82  required to optimally position the lens  64 D, the diffuser  64 C, and light distribution panel  64 B within the frame  52 , the resulting shadow is less visually impactful. This design results in a bright and even illumination over the entire image  80  to within a few millimeters of the edge of the graphic  80 . The overlapping region  94  preferably has a width of less than about 0.300 inches, and more preferably about 0.250 inches. 
         [0042]    In the preferred embodiment, the lens  64 D is flexible polymeric sheet that can be removed from the frame structure  56  by bending, so that the image  80  can be serviced. In one embodiment, the lens  64 D is a 0.060 inch thick sheet of PETG or PET-G (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified available from Eastman Chemicals. 
         [0043]    The light distribution panel  64 B acts as a light guide and a light diffusing or light spreading structure. The light distribution panel  64 B can be made from a variety of material, such as semitransparent or translucent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), sold under the tradenames Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite and Perspex. Other materials include polystyrene,  polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyester, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyacrylic resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination thereof. 
         [0044]    A variety of light distribution panel  64 B may be used in the present light panel  50 . In one embodiment, the light diffusion panel  64 A includes a filler that scatters and diffuses light. For example, a mineral filler particle like vitriolic barium having a mesh size of  300  and constituting an approximate 5% wt. of the thermoplastic can be added. Barium sulfate is a white pigment powder that can be used as filler in plastics and may act as a diffuser for a light source. The particle size is approximately  50  microns. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, a variety of structures can be formed on one or both major surfaces  74 A,  74 B (“ 74 ”) of the light diffusion panel  64 A, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,902 (Wang, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,818 (Morbieu et al.) and U.S. Pat. Publication Nos. 2010/0002437 (Pang et al.); 2011/0169429 (Ing et al.); and 2014/0007474 (Varveris), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0046]    While the light source  68  is preferably light emitting diodes (LED), other light sources may be used, as including electroluminescent ceramics, electroluminescent wire, organic light emitting diode (OLED), neon, xenon and halogen lights. The light source  68  may be a single light source or a plurality of light sources. The LED&#39;s on the light source  68  may be arranged in any order or shape desired. The light source  68  preferably includes connectors for interconnecting several light sources to an electrical power source. The light source  68  may be flat, round or other shape and may be flexible or rigid. 
         [0047]    The light source  68  may include a laminate structure with two or more layers. Suitable laminates for the light strip include films covering or partially covering the light strip having a surface relief pattern to enhance contrast or focus or disperse light. In another embodiment a binary phase grating may be used in the laminate structure for a larger viewing angle or a blazed phase grating for a narrower viewing angle. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4A  is an end view of an alternate frame members  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extrusion  100  is formed with recess  102  sized to receive light transmitting insert  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the insert  104  includes both  the rear support  82  and support  106  for the light recess  66 . The insert  104  can be co-extruded with the frame member  100  or added as a discrete component, such as by adhesive bonding. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4B  is an end view of an alternate frame member  120  formed with recess  122  sized to receive a rear support  82  made from a light transmitting material. Again, the rear support  82  can be co-extruded with the frame member  120  or added as a discrete component. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5A  is an end view of a two-part frame members  250  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Side portion  252  is preferably extruded from a clear polymeric material, such as polycarbonate, while the rear portion  254  is preferably extruded from a light weight metal, such as aluminum. As a result, all of the structures  262 A,  262 B,  262 C are transparent. Rear portion  254  includes recess  256  that receives protrusion  258  on the side portion  252 . The rear portion  254  can be attached to the side portion  252  by a variety of techniques, such as adhesives, friction fit, and the like. External surface  260  of the side portion  252  preferably include a light impervious coating, such as chrome, that prevents light from escaping through the frame members  250 . Leading edge  264  of the front support is also preferably coated. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5B  is an end view of an alternate frame member  270  extruded from a transparent polymeric material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Selected surfaces  272  of the extrusion  270  are preferably coated with a light impervious coating to prevent light from escaping. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate frame member  130  in which the rear support  82  is post-processed to include a plurality of light transmitting apertures  132 . In one embodiment, divergent lenses  134  are optionally inserted into some or all of the apertures  132 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate frame member  140  in which the rear support  82  is post-processed to include both apertures  142  and edge recesses  144  to facilitate light transmission to the viewable image area  92 . 
         [0054]    Using the embodiments disclosed herein, light transmitted to the viewable image area in the overlapping region exhibits an intensity at least  25 % greater than a light intensity exhibited in an overlapping region of a rear support without any of the light transmitting structures discussed above.  
         [0055]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a light panel assembly  150  including a light panel  50  and backer panel  152  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The backer panel  152  includes power supply  154  and junction box  156  that electrically couples with the light panel  50 . The power supply  154  includes an AC/DC power adapter that converts AC power to DC power and supply such DC power to the light source  68 . 
         [0056]    Wall cleat  60  is attached to the backer panel  152  using fasteners  158 . Fame cleat  58  is attached to the rear of the light panel  50  in a location so that the outer perimeter  160  of the frame structure  56  is generally aligned with outer perimeter  162  of the backer panel  152 . The backer panel  152  can be attached to any other structure using a variety of well-known techniques. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an array assembly  170  for a plurality of light panels  50  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Backer panel  172  is sized to receive a plurality of light panels  50  and includes one or more junction boxes  174  for providing electrical power to each of the panels  50 . The light panels  50  can be attached to the backer panel  172  using the frame cleat and wall cleat discussed above, magnets, or a variety of other mechanical structures. 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate array assembly  180  with light panels  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188  of differing sizes and shapes, including non-rectangular shapes. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view illustrating an interface  200  of two light panels  50 A,  50 B (“ 50 ”) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Rear supports  202 A,  202 B (“ 202 ”) are preferably one of the light transmitting structures disclosed herein. Front supports  204 A,  204 B (“ 204 ”) are abutted in a back-to-back arrangement to minimize edge-to-edge gap  206  between adjacent images  208 A,  208 B (“ 208 ”). In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent viewable image areas  92 A,  92 B (“ 92 ”) are separated by a gap  210  of less than about 0.300 inches, and preferably less than about 0.250 inches. 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pair of light panels  220 ,  222  arranged in a back-to-back configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The light panels  220 ,  222  preferably have an overall thickness  224  of less than about 2.0 inches, and preferably less than about 1.875 inches.  
         [0061]      FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrates an alternate two-sided light box  350  with unitary frame members  352 A- 352 D in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Corner clips  354  are attached along inside perimeter to opposing frame member  352 A,  352 C using fasteners  356 . Fasteners  358  engage with the corner clips  354  to attach opposing frame members  352 B,  352 D, to complete the two-sided light box  350 . The frame members  352  are preferably extruded structures made from a variety of metals, plastics, ceramics, or combinations thereof. 
         [0062]    The frame members  352  include center structures  360  that engage with the corner clips  354  and the fasteners  356 ,  358 . On each side of the center structure  360  are stacks  351 A,  351 B of panels  364 A- 364 D held by the frame members  352 , as discussed in connection with  FIG. 3 . Light recesses  362  containing LED lights  374  (see  FIG. 13A ), highly reflective panels  364 A, and light distribution panels  364 B and light diffusion panels  364 C and lens  364 D are retained in image recesses  366  in the frame structure  352  between front supports  368  and rear supports  370 . 
         [0063]    In the illustrated embodiment, opposite sides of the center structure  360  are preferably symmetrical so a single frame member  352  can support the same light box structure on each side. In an alternate embodiment, the frame members are asymmetrical so different variations of the light boxes are positioned on each side. The resulting two-side light box  350  preferably has a compact shape with an overall thickness  372  less than about  2 . 0  inches. 
         [0064]    The present two-sided light box  350  is also gridable, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The center structure  360  of the frame member  352  includes recess  380  positioned along outside surface  382 . The recess  380  preferably includes a base  384  that is wider than the opening  386 . 
         [0065]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 13B , coupling structure  390  can be slid longitudinally into adjacent recesses  380 A,  380 B of adjacent frame members  352 A,  352 B to interconnect adjacent light boxes  350  (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). The coupling structure  390  preferably has a cross-sectional profile that corresponds to the shape of the adjacent recesses  380 A,  380 B. The coupling structure  390  can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, and the like.  
         [0066]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate and embodiment of the present light panel  400  configured for use as a lighted shelf  402 . In the illustrated embodiment, support structure  404  includes a hollow support track  406  with an opening  407  configured to mate with corresponding support brackets  408  on the lighted shelf  402 . For example, the support track  406  can be configured with an internal low-voltage electrode. An electrical contact on the support brackets  408  electrically couples with the electrode when the lighted shelf  402  is mounted to the support structure  404 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 14C  illustrates a vertical application of the support structure  404  with the powered support track  406 . The illustrated light panel  420  includes the support brackets  408  extending perpendicular from rear surface  422  to facilitate vertical mounting. Electrical contacts  424  on the support brackets  408  electrically couple with electrodes  426  on the support track  406  when the light panel  420  is mounted. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate transparent removal tabs  450  attached to the lens  452  to facilitate insertion and removal from the fine line frame  454  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Removal tabs  450  are attached to rear surface  456  of the lens  452  with a transparent adhesive  458 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 15B , distal portions  460  of the removal tabs  450  fold around edges  462  of the lens  452  and extend beyond the fine line frame  454 . The transparent removal tabs  450  and transparent adhesive  458  are substantially invisible. 
         [0069]    The distal portions  460  can be used to both insert the lens  452  into the fine line frame  454  and for removal of the lens  452 . The unique design of the lens  452  (discussed above), combined with the transparent removal tabs  450 , allows the graphic images to be easily inserted and/or replaced without tools or removing the frame from its display position. 
         [0070]    Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges  which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. 
         [0071]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the various methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. 
         [0072]    The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
         [0073]    Other embodiments are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this 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 disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. 
         [0074]    Thus the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other  than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6