Abstract:
A switch for controlling delivery of electrical power to a plurality of vehicle lighting systems, such as headlamps and parking lamps, as well as specialized vehicle lighting systems, such as a fog lamps, and one or more automatic mode settings. The switch has a first circuit contact system for controlling delivery of electrical energy to one or more combinations of the vehicle lighting systems. A second circuit contact controls delivery of electrical energy to the specialized vehicle lighting system. Manipulation of a switch control selects the control states of the first and second circuit contact systems. The first circuit contact system is urged in a rotational direction of travel, as the second circuit contact system is urged in an axial direction of travel. A control state limiter is provided to limit the second circuit contact system to the first control state when the first circuit contact system is in a predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding the selectable control states. Thus, for example, the vehicle&#39;s fog lamps, cannot remain “on” when the headlamps and parking lamps have been turned “off.”

Description:
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is continuation-in-part, and claims the benefit of the filing date, of Provisional Application for Letters Patent No. 60/143,563, filed on Jul. 13, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This inventions relates generally to switches for electric lighting systems in vehicles, and more particularly, to a switch that controls headlamps and fog lamps of a vehicle, with one or more automatic mode settings. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Current automotive styling trends toward decreasing vehicle size while increasing useable space in the passenger compartment have resulted in reduction of the available space behind the instrument panel. A further trend in modern vehicle design, however, is to increase the complexity of vehicle lighting packages by including, for example, fog lamps, driving lamps, daytime running lamps, and the like, as well as automatic modes of operation, such as variable or fixed shut-off delay periods. There is, therefore, a need for a vehicle lighting control switch that provides to the operator a simple arrangement by which headlamps, fog lamps, parking lights, running lights, and automatic on-off modes of operation can be controlled. 
     In addition to the foregoing, the prior art has not been able to achieve adequate compactness in view of the desired functionality. More specifically, there is a need for a compact switching arrangement that controls the headlamps and parking lights of a vehicle, provides for multiple automatic on-off modes of headlamp operation, and permits complete control over fog lamp operation while achieving preclusion of leaving the fog lamps in the “on” condition when the head lamp switch is placed in the “off” position. 
     One of the areas that contributes significantly to the bulkiness of conventional lighting switches is the translucent lighting bezel and the associated elements that propagate illumination light from a light source of the switch itself to a plurality of graphics on the instrument panel that identify the various positions of the lighting switch. In a known arrangement, a light guide is arranged to receive light from a source, the source light being propagated to graphical elements deposited on a sheet that overlies the switch and which is visible by the operator. This known arrangement results in reduced transmission of light through the graphic, which generally is light transmissive. Further, known arrangements are expensive to manufacture as the light guide is produced as a separate component from an applique on which the graphic is printed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     OBJECTS 
     It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a compact switch that can be operated to control the headlamps, fog lamps, and parking lights of a vehicle, as well as at least one automatic mode of operation. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a vehicle lighting switch that prevents the vehicle fog lamps from remaining illuminated when the switch is in the “off” position. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide an electric switch for the lighting of vehicle wherein the added functionality of fog lamp control does not add any significant bulk to the electric switch. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a light transmissive bezel arrangement that illuminates appropriate graphic symbols that are visible to the operator without increasing the bulk of the switch. 
     It is additionally an object of this invention to provide a light transmissive bezel arrangement that distributes a high proportion of received light to predetermined portions of a graphical display region. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a light transmissive bezel arrangement that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide an electric switch arrangement for the lighting system of vehicle a wherein there is provided an indication whether the fog lamp of the vehicle has been activated. 
     SUMMARY 
     The foregoing and other objects are achieved by this invention which provides, in accordance with a first apparatus aspect thereof, a vehicle switch arrangement for controlling delivery of electrical power to a plurality of vehicle lighting systems. In accordance with the invention, a first circuit contact system having a plurality of selectable control states is arranged to control delivery of electrical energy to corresponding ones of predetermined combinations of first and second vehicle lighting systems. A second circuit contact system having first and second selectable control states for controlling delivery of electrical energy to a specialized vehicle lighting system. There is additionally provided a manipulable switch control arrangement coupled to the first and second circuit contact systems for selecting the control states of the first and second circuit contact systems, the first circuit contact system being urged in a first direction of travel into the selectable control states, and the second circuit contact system being urged in a second direction of travel into the corresponding first and second selectable control states. A control state limiter arrangement limits the second circuit contact system to the first control state when the first circuit contact system is in a predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding selectable control states. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the first direction of travel is rotational, and the second direction of travel is axial. The control state limiter arrangement comprises a cam that is positioned in predetermined relation to the predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding selectable control states of the first circuit contact system. In a highly practicable embodiment, the first control state of the second circuit contact system and the predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding selectable control states of the first circuit contact system correspond to respective “off” conditions for the correspondingly associated first and second vehicle lighting systems and the specialized vehicle lighting system. Such is particularly useful in an embodiment of the invention wherein the specialized vehicle lighting system is a vehicle fog lamp system. 
     In a further embodiment, there is provided an illuminated indicator system for providing visual indication of the selectable control states of the first circuit contact system. There additionally is provided a manipulation portion coupled to the manipulable switch control arrangement for facilitating operation of the vehicle switch arrangement by an operator. The illuminated indicator system is disposed intermediate of the manipulation portion and the manipulable switch control arrangement. In such an embodiment, a first source of illumination issues light, and is disposed so as to cause the light to be propagated through the illuminated indicator system. In a still further embodiment, there is further provided a further illuminated indicator system for providing visual indication of the selectable control states of the second circuit contact system. Thus, the present invention is particularly useful in the context of vehicle lighting systems of the type that employ fog lamp systems. 
     In a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second circuit contact system includes a contact carrier arranged to be axially displaceable in response to the manipulable switch control arrangement and a first electrical contact element coupled to the contact carrier and arranged to be axially displaceable therewith. The contact carrier is disposed within a guideway that is useful to define the axial second direction of travel. Additionally, a second electrical contact element is coupled to the guideway for establishing an electrical connection with the first electrical contact element in response to the axial displacement of the contact carrier. A resilient biasing element is arranged within the guideway for urging the contact carrier axially within the guideway. However, an axial displacement limiter prevents the contact carrier from being expelled from the guideway in response to the urging by the resilient biasing element. In a practicable embodiment of the invention, the displacement limiter is provided with a stop protuberance extending laterally outward from a determined one of the contact carrier and the guideway. Additionally, there is provided a stop recess extending laterally inward into the other of the determined one of the contact carrier and the guideway. Preferably, the stop protuberance extends laterally outward from the contact carrier, and the stop recess is disposed in a corresponding wall of the guideway. 
     The first electrical contact is arranged, in a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, to exert a resilient biasing force against the guideway in a direction that urges the stop protuberance and the stop recess into engagement. This ensures that the contact carrier will not disengage from the guideway, thereby facilitating assembly of the apparatus. 
     In accordance with a further apparatus aspect of the invention, there is provided a contact arrangement for an electrical switch arrangement. The contact arrangement is provided with a contact carrier that is arranged to be axially displaceable. A first electrical contact element is coupled to the contact carrier and is arranged to be axially displaceable therewith. Additionally, the guideway defines the axial second direction of travel, and a second electrical contact element is coupled to the guideway for establishing an electrical connection with the first electrical contact element in response to the axial displacement of the contact carrier. 
     In one embodiment that is particularly suited for controlling vehicle lighting, there is provided a rotary element for urging the contact carrier axially within the guideway. The rotary element is axially displaceable for effecting a corresponding axial displacement of the contact carrier in relation to the guideway. 
     In one embodiment that is particularly suited for controlling vehicle lighting, there is provided a rotatory element for urging the contact carrier axially within the guideway. The rotatory element is axially displaceable for effecting a corresponding axial displacement of the contact carrier in relation to the guideway. 
     In accordance with a still further apparatus aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle switch arrangement for controlling delivery of electrical power to a plurality of vehicle lighting systems. A first circuit contact system has a plurality of selectable control states for controlling delivery of electrical energy to corresponding ones of predetermined combinations of first and second vehicle lighting systems. A second circuit contact system is provided with first and second selectable control states for controlling delivery of electrical energy to a specialized vehicle lighting system, which may, in certain embodiments, be a vehicle fog lamp system. A switch control arrangement is coupled to the first and second circuit contact systems for selecting the control states of the first and second circuit contact systems. The first circuit contact system is urged in a first direction of travel into the selectable control states, and the second circuit contact system being urged in a second direction of travel into the corresponding first and second selectable control states. Additionally, a manipulable portion is coupled to the switch control arrangement for facilitating manipulation of the switch control arrangement by an operator. A control state limiter arrangement is provided to limit the second circuit contact system to the first control state when the first circuit contact system is in a predetermined one of the plurality of corresponding selectable control states. A first illuminated indicator system illuminates a visual indication of the selectable control states of the first circuit contact system, and a translucent light guide, that is disposed intermediate of the manipulable portion and the switch control arrangement, propagates therethrough a light issued by the first illuminated indicator system. 
     In one embodiment of this further aspect of the invention, there is provided a second illuminated indicator system for providing visual indication of the selectable control states of the second circuit contact system. The second illuminated indicator system issues a light that also is propagated through the translucent light guide. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second directions of travel are orthogonal to one another. As previously noted, a guideway limits displacement of the second circuit contact system to a predetermined axial path. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded representation of a specific embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a partially phantom schematic representation of the front surface of a switch arrangement in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a partially fragmented representation of the switch arrangement of FIG. 3 in assembled condition; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the switch arrangement of the present invention, further showing an enlarged view of a selected portion; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the switch body of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line A—A; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line B—B; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line C—C; 
     FIG. 10 is a plan representation of the underside of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 10 taken along section line D—D; 
     FIG. 12 is a plan representation showing the top side of the light transmitting bezel and certain details of the light transmitting light guide; 
     FIG. 13 is a side representation of the light transmitting light guide; 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the various positions of a switch arrangement constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a logic table that illustrates the various logic states of a specific illustrative embodiment; 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the switch arrangement of the present invention, further showing an enlarged view of a selected portion; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 16, taken along section A—A; 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 16, as seen from the bottom of that figure; and 
     FIG. 19 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 16, as seen from the rear of that figure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric representation of a switch arrangement  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. As will be described, switch arrangement  10  is actuated by an operator (not shown) via a switch knob  11 , which forms a manipulable portion, having an axial portion  12  that protrudes through an aperture  14  of a light-transmitting bezel  15 . In this embodiment, switch knob  11  is formed, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, of an acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS) plastic. Bezel  15  is formed of polycarbonate (PC). The light-transmitting bezel has integrated therewith a light-blocking applique  17  that is provided with a plurality of translucent graphical elements  20 . Thus, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the light that is propagated through light-transmitting bezel  15  is not visible to the operator via light-blocking applique  17  except at the translucent graphical elements. In this embodiment, translucent graphical elements  20  correspond to symbols for parking lamps, headlamps, fog lamps, and “off” position, and a plurality of automatic mode positions. 
     Switch knob  11  and light-transmitting bezel  15  are arranged to communicate with a switch body  30  such that axial portion  12  of the switch knob enters an aperture  31  in the switch body. The switch body in this embodiment, is formed of ABS. Switch body  30  is provided with an additional aperture  33  through which is accommodated a light source, as will be described below. 
     A first holder  35  is centrally disposed within switch body  30  and is provided with a aperture  36  therethrough that engages with axial portion  12  of switch knob  11 . First holder  35  is formed of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and has associated therewith a detent element  38  that is urged radially outward of the first holder by a resilient biasing force exerted by a spring  39 . 
     A second holder  40  is axially engaged with first holder  35  and has integrally formed therewith a plurality of detent lobes  42  that engage axially with a detent ball  45  that is resiliently urged in the direction of detent lobes  42  by operation of a spring  46 . In this embodiment, second holder  40  is formed of PBT. A contact  50  formed of silver-plated BeCu is fixedly coupled to second holder  40  so as to be rotatable therewith. Contact  50  communicates electrically with an electrical terminal arrangement  52  that is arranged in insulator  55 . In addition, a carbon resistor  57  communicates electrically with electrical terminal arrangement  52 , as shown. 
     Interposed between insulator  55  and second holder  40  is a third holder  60  that is urged axially toward second holder  40  by operation of a compression spring  62 . The compression spring provides a resilient bias force against a force that would be transferred to third holder  60  by first holder  35 , which is coupled to switch knob  11 . Third holder  60  is shown to have a compression spring  63  extending radially (laterally) therefrom so as to urge a contact  67  in a radially outward direction. Light-transmitting bezel  15  receives its light from a light source  70 . As shown, light source  70  is arranged to extend through aperture  72  of insulator  75  so as to have its light-emitting end  74  be disposed proximal to the underside (not shown) of the light-transmitting bezel. 
     In this specific embodiment, switch knob  11  is partially hollow (not shown) so as to accommodate therewithin a bezel stop  80  on light-transmitting bezel  15 . The interior portion of switch block  11  is configured to communicate against bezel stop  80  so as to preclude rotatory travel beyond predetermined angular displacement. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . Elements of structure that previously have been discussed are similarly designated. FIG. 1 additionally shows certain illustrative dimensions of switch arrangement  10 . For example, switch knob  11  has an axial dimension of 16 mm in this specific illustrative embodiment. Switch body  30  has an axial dimension of 29 mm in this embodiment, while the switch body in combination with insulator  55  has an axial dimension of 48.3 mm. The figure additionally shows that light-transmitting bezel  15  is molded to have a front surface thickness of approximately 3 mm, the overall height of the bezel above the switch being approximately 6 mm. 
     FIG. 2 additionally shows that light-transmitting bezel  15  and switch body  30  engage with one another by means of resilient engaging elements  82  and  83 . Referring for the moment to FIG. 1, it is seen that latching elements  85  on insulator  55  engage with corresponding square-shaped apertures on switch body  30 . 
     FIG. 2 additionally shows light-blocking applique  17  to be integrally molded with lighttransmitting bezel  15 . The applique may, for example, be subjected to ink transfer, silk screening, or any other suitable process for applying the graphic thereon, and may by molded into the light transmitting bezel. This enables precise placement of the light-blocking applique such that efficient transmission of light through the bezel is achieved. 
     FIG. 3 is a partially phantom schematic representation of the front surface of switch arrangement  10  showing switch knob  11  pointing to “off” position  90 . The figure additionally shows that the knob can be manipulated to a parking light position  91 , a headlamp position  92 , a fog lamp position  93  (where the knob must be pulled), a first automatic position  94  and a second automatic position  95 . Switch knob  11  is shown overlying bezel stop  80  which, as previously indicated, limits the extent of angular rotation of the switch knob. When the fog lamp is activated by pulling switch knob  11 , an LED  115  is illuminated, as will be described below. 
     In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, each of the possible knob positions is angularly distanced by 27° relative to each other. 
     FIG. 4 is a partially fragmented representation of switch arrangement  10  in assembled condition. Elements of structure that previously have been described are similarly designated. In addition, this figure shows a radially extending arrangement that facilitates the turning on of the fog lamps in response to the pulling of switch knob  11 . The electrical contact arrangement for actuating the fog lamp (not shown) is shown in greater detail in the magnified portion of FIG.  4 . As shown, third holder  60  (see, also FIG. 1) is urged against first holder  35  by operation of spring  62  when switch knob  11  is in the inserted position, as shown. In this condition, detent element  38  is disposed on the right hand side of internal circumferential protuberance  100  that is formed on the circumferential inner surface of switch body  30  (shown in phantom in FIG.  1 ). However, when switch knob  11  is pulled toward the left in this figure, detent element  38  is drawn to the other side of circumferential protuberance  100 , thereby permitting third holder  60  to be urged toward the left hand side by spring  62  along track  104  that is shown to be engaged with engagement element  103 . In this pulled condition, third holder  60  with contact  67  causes the fog lamp circuit, via a stationary contact  110 , to close, whereupon the fog lamp is illuminated and a corresponding indication is produced, as will be described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15. 
     Irrespective of the rotational or axial position of switch knob  11 , second holder  40 , and contact  50  attached thereto, continue to be urged toward electrical terminal arrangement  52 , thereby maintaining electrical communication between the electrical terminal arrangement and contact  50 . Thus, switch arrangement  10  will continue to perform the functions indicated at any of the rotary positions mentioned hereinabove in connection with FIG. 3, irrespective of whether knob  11  is pulled out or pushed in. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of switch arrangement  10  showing a magnified region where contact  67  on third holder  60  makes electrical contact with terminal  110  (see, also FIG. 4) and a terminal  111  of electrical terminal arrangement  52 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of switch body  30  of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. In this figure, a portion of the top surface of the switch body has been removed to show internal circumferential protuberance  100  that is formed on the circumferential inner surface of the switch body. The internal circumferential protuberance is shown in this figure to be substantially annular, centered about the center of aperture  31 . As previously noted in connection with FIG. 1, aperture  33  receives light source  70  (not shown in this figure), its light-emitting end  74  (not shown in this figure) being proximal in the view of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line A—A. This figure shows the relationship between apertures  31  and  33  and internal circumferential protuberance  100 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line B—B. This figure also shows the relationship between apertures  31  and  33  and internal circumferential protuberance  100 . Additionally, there is shown a further aperture  120  (also shown in FIG. 6) that accommodates LED  115  (not shown in this figure). 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken along section line C—C. This figure shows a larger cross-sectional view of internal circumferential protuberance  100 . 
     FIG. 10 is a plan representation of the underside of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.  6 . In addition, this figure shows the underside of internal circumferential protuberance  100 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 10 taken along section line D—D. This figure shows a partially fragmented plan view of a return lobe  122  that serves to return switch knob  11  from the pulled to the original (i.e., not pulled) position when the switch knob is rotated, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, to the “off” position. This ensures that the fog lamp does not inadvertently remain activated when it is desired to deactivate all vehicle lamps. 
     FIG. 12 is a plan representation showing the top side of light transmitting bezel  15  and certain details of a light guide  125 . As shown in the enlarged detail, which corresponds to a view of approximately 5.0 mm, there are provided a plurality of protuberances  127  that function as small prisms. These prisms are shown in greater detail in the further enlarged detail view which shows that in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the small prisms have a triangular configuration, the base angles therefor being 45° and 30°, respectively. These small prisms significantly enhance the portion of the light from light-emitting end  74  of light source  70  (not shown in this figure) that is delivered to translucent graphical elements  20  (not shown in this figure). 
     FIG. 13 is a side representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of light guide  125 . This figure shows one of a variety of possible light guide configurations that can be employed in the practice of the invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the various positions of a switch arrangement constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Terminals  1  through  10  are coupled to electrical terminal arrangement  52 , as previously described, and ultimately are connected to an electronic module (not shown) that supplies electrical energy to the various lamps (not shown). The figure shows a fog indicator LED  115 , the current through which is limited by a resistor  116 . Both of these elements of structure are shown in the exploded diagram of FIG.  1  and the function of the LED is further described in connection with FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 15 is logic table that illustrates the various logic states of the specific illustrative embodiment described herein. In this table, the various functional states are correlated to terminals, as represented hereinabove with respect to FIG.  14 . Fog indicating LED  115  is shown in both figures as not being energized by electrical interconnection within switch arrangement  10 , but instead receives a signal from the electronic module (not shown) that indicates that the fog lamp has been energized. Thus, LED  115  provides a true indication of whether the fog lamp has been activated. 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the switch arrangement of the present invention, further showing an enlarged view of a selected portion. Elements of structure that are analogous to elements described hereinabove are similarly designated. 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of FIG. 16, taken along section A—A. As shown in the enlargement in FIG. 16, a contact carrier  150  (which is functionally similar to third holder  60  in FIG. 1) has coupled thereto a electrical contact  152 . In a vehicle lamp switch embodiment of the invention, electrical contact  152  controls the flow of electrical energy to the vehicle&#39;s fog lamps (not shown in this figure). Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, it is seen that contact carrier  150  is disposed within a guideway  155  that has an internal volume  157  that accommodates the-contact carrier. The contact carrier is displaceable axially along the interior of guideway  155 . However, it is urged outward of the guideway (i.e., toward the left in FIG. 17) by a resilient biasing element in the form of a spring  158 . 
     Displacement of contact carrier  150  is limited to preclude the contact carrier from being expelled from the guideway by a limiter arrangement. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, contact carrier  150  is provided with a protuberance  160  that engages with an elongated recess  162  in the interior wall of guideway  155 . Engagement between protuberance  160  and recess  162  is maintained by the application of a resilient biasing force from a spring  164  which is interposed between contact carrier  150  and electrical contact  152 . In operation, the force that is applied by electrical contact  152  against the internal wall of guideway  155  urges the protuberance and the recess into engagement, whereby outward displacement of contact carrier  150  is precluded when the protuberance is urged against a stop  164 . 
     FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 16, as seen from the bottom of that figure, and FIG. 19 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 16, as seen from the rear of that figure. Elements of structure that are analogous to elements described hereinabove are similarly designated. It is seen in FIG. 18 that contact carrier  150  has an axially extended portion  170  that extends outward of guideway  155 . The outermost tip of extended portion  170  communicates with third holder  35  (FIG. 1) to receive an inward axial force that corresponds to the “off” condition of the vehicle&#39;s fog lamps (not shown in this figure). FIG. 19 shows a portion of electrical terminal arrangement  52  (see, FIG. 1) that supplies electrical energy to light source  70  (not shown in this figure). 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.