Abstract:
A supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system to increase the convenience of simultaneously transporting pets and provisions. Max Pet Carrier Systems is a versatile supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system having a wearable pack with shoulder straps and an attachable pet carrier with a removable tote strap. By enclosing a pet within a carrier and attaching the carrier to a pack, a user is able to quickly and efficiently pack and transport the pet and any necessary supplies. Such a convenient transport system is especially useful in emergency evacuation situations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/783,071, filed Mar. 14, 2013 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of transport devices and more specifically relates to supply backpacks or go-bag with detachable pet carriers. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many individuals in modern society enjoy the companionship of one or more pets. Often pets become beloved members of an owner&#39;s family, making their health and safety top priorities for owners. Traveling can be stressful for a pet, making the pet unpredictable and difficult to control. An upset pet often causes an owner unwanted difficulties when transporting the pet. Gathering supplies needed to care for both a pet and its owner can be time-consuming, and a risk exists in potentially forgetting or misplacing an item necessary to the comfort and/or survival of the pet, the owner, or both. Emergency situations such as those requiring evacuations tend to escalate anxiety associated with collecting and transporting beloved pets and important supplies, thereby increasing the likelihood of forgetting a critical element. In such an emergency situation, individuals having to simultaneously control a pet, transport supplies, and flee to safety often find themselves in a precarious position. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,617,797; 2011/0278338; 7,594,569; 6,286,461; 2007/0095872; 6,701,871; 7,210,426; 8,505,789; and 2012/0292355. This prior art is representative of transport devices. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a hands-free supply backpack or go-bag with a detachable pet carrier should be versatile, durable, user-friendly and, yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system to increase the convenience of simultaneously transporting pets and provisions and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known transport device art, the present invention provides a novel supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide convenient simultaneous transport of pets and provisions. 
     A supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system is disclosed herein preferably comprising: a pack and at least one carrier. The pack comprises an outer shell, an interior volume, and a plurality of adjustable and removable carrying straps. The carrier comprises an outside casing, an inner void, and a plurality of adjustable and removable tote straps. Ideally, a pet may be secured within a carrier, and the carrier may be secured to the pack in order for a user to conveniently protect and transport the pet and various supplies. 
     The packs outer shell is defined by: a forward wall, a rear wall, a right wall, a left wall, a bottom surface, and a top surface—the joining of which effectively defines the interior volume. In preferred embodiments, the forward wall of the pack is releasably engageable with at least one of: the rear wall, the right wall, the left wall, the top surface, and/or the bottom surface in such a manner as to essentially seal the pack. Alternatively, the forward wall may be disengaged in order to allow a user access to the interior volume of the pack. For storage purposes, the pack comprises a plurality of both interior storage compartments and exterior anchoring elements. 
     The carrier&#39;s outside casing is defined by: a front face, a back face, a right face, a left face, a bed, and an upper face—the joining of which effectively defines the inner void. The upper face and/or front face of the carrier are each releasably engageable with at least one of: the back face, the right face, the left face, and/or the bed in such a manner as to essentially seal the carrier. Alternatively, the upper face and/or front face may be disengaged in order to allow a user access to the inner void of the carrier. Ideally, the carrier is removably attachable to the pack via at least one connector—the bed of the carrier having an attacher, and the top surface of the pack comprising a lip having a receiver. The lip effectively secures and stabilizes the carrier atop the pack. 
     The carrier comprises a plurality of ventilation apertures for providing fresh air and viewing portals for a pet enclosed therein. In order to calm and protect a pet enclosed within the carrier, these ventilation apertures may be covered and/or sealed by at least one of a plurality of retractable flaps attached to at least one of: the front face, the back face, the right face, the left face, and alternately the upper face of the carrier. In order to secure any retracted flap, the carrier additionally comprises a plurality of fasteners. 
     A method of using the supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system is also described herein preferably comprising the steps of: securing a pet within a carrier; connecting the carrier to a pack; and wearing the pack for a period of use. The method preferably further comprises the steps of: removing the carrier from the pack; releasing the pet from the carrier; and reconnecting the carrier to the pack for storage until further use. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a transport device system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Max Pet Carrier Systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show perspective views illustrating a supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views illustrating the supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-4C . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a transport device and more particularly to a Max Pet Carrier System as used to improve the convenience of simultaneously transporting pets and provisions. 
     Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference, there are shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  perspective views illustrating supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  preferably comprises: pack  105  and at least one carrier  155 , wherein carrier  155  is preferably removably attachable to pack  105  so as to allow a user to secure a pet within carrier  155  and secure carrier  155  to pack  105  in a manner that provides protection and transport of the pet for a duration of at least one use. Within this particular embodiment, supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  preferably comprises a single carrier  155  removably attachable to pack  105 . In other embodiments, a plurality of carrier(s)  155  may be used to secure multiple pets. Also within this embodiment, pack  105  preferably comprises outer shell  110  having a cushioned back support; interior volume  145 ; and a plurality of carrying strap(s)  150 . Also within this embodiment, carrier  155  preferably comprises outside casing  160 ; inner void  195 ; and a plurality of tote strap(s)  198 . 
     Within this particular embodiment shown, each carrying strap  150  and each tote strap  198  may preferably be both adjustable and removable from pack  105  and carrier  155 , respectively. In other embodiments, each carrying strap  150  and each tote strap  198  may be permanently affixed to pack  105  and carrier  155 , respectively. Alternately, a mix of permanently-affixed and releasably-attachable carrying strap(s)  150  and tote strap(s)  198  may be used, according to the preferences and needs of a user. 
     Carrying strap(s)  150  of the present embodiment may preferably comprise: at least one padded waist belt; and dual cushioned shoulder belts arranged in a manner so as to allow a user to wear one or both carrying strap(s)  150  over one or both shoulders in order to facilitate transport of pack  105 . Tote strap(s)  198  of the present embodiment may preferably comprise: a single cushioned shoulder belt; and at least one, but preferably two, hand-held handles. Within the present embodiment, each tote strap  198  may preferably be releasably attachable to carrier  155  via clips, lobster clasps, snaps, buttons, or similar attachment means. In other embodiments, each carrying strap  150  and each tote strap  198  may comprise any of a number of various types of straps, belts, hand-held handles, chest straps, retractable straps, and the like. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing and attaching straps and handles of transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Carrying strap(s)  150  and tote strap(s)  198  of the present embodiment may preferably be releasably attachable to pack  105  and carrier  155 , respectively, in such a manner as to allow the configuration of the attachment of carrying strap(s)  150  and tote strap(s)  198  to be altered according to the needs and preferences of a user. Additionally, pack  105  may preferably comprise any number of bedding belt(s)  115 . Pack  105  of the present embodiment preferably comprises two bedding belt(s)  115  to effectively secure bedding such as sleeping bags, blankets, foam pads, and the like to pack  105  for transport. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other strap and belt arrangements such as, for example, ties, elastomeric bands, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  of the present embodiment preferably accommodates small pets, and in other versions it may accommodate medium and/or large pets. Also within the present embodiment, tote strap(s)  198  may preferably be attached to carrier  155  to facilitate transport of carrier  155  independently of pack  105  and may be removed from carrier  155  when carrier  155  is connected to pack  105 . In this way, carrier  155  may be independently used to transport a pet in a motor vehicle, in an airplane cabin, on public transit vehicles, and the like. In other embodiments, supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  may comprise pack  105  having integral carrier  155  as opposed to a removably-attachable carrier  155 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  may preferably comprise: pack  105  having top surface  220  and carrier  155  having bed  225 . Bed  225  of carrier  155  may preferably be removably coupleable to top surface  220  of pack  105  via at least one connector  200  having attacher  205  and receiver  210 . In the present embodiment, connector  200  may preferably comprise snaps. Ideally, bed  225  of carrier  155  preferably comprises attacher  205 , and top surface  220  of pack  105  may preferably comprise lip  215  having receiver  210 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other connecting and fastening arrangements such as, for example, side-release buckles, frame-and-prong buckles, hook-and-loop fasters, zippers, buttons, hook-and-eye closures, etc., may be sufficient. 
     In preferred embodiments, lip  215  essentially extends vertically from top surface  220  of pack  105  in a manner so as to effectively provide stability to the joining of carrier  155  and pack  105 . Ideally, lip  215  matches bed  225  of carrier  155  in shape and may preferably be incrementally larger than bed  225  of carrier  155  in such a manner as to accommodate bed  225  of carrier  155  within the confines of lip  215 . In this way, carrier  155  may be friction-fit within lip  215  when carrier  155  is attached to pack  105 . In other embodiments, lip  215  may be collapsible and/or removable from pack  105  when carrier  155  is not attached to pack  105 . In other embodiments, carrier  155  may be joined to pack  105  in alternate orientations/positions such as: beneath pack  105 ; along the left or right sides of pack  105 ; within pack  105 ; and the like. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing and connecting transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Pack  105  and carrier  155  may preferably comprise waterproof nylon to protect both pets and supplies contained therein. Alternatively, water-resistant and non-waterproof materials may be used to construct pack  105  and carrier  155 . In some embodiments, both pack  105  and carrier  155  may comprise molded rubber bases to protect the waterproof nylon from wear and tears. Both pack  105  and carrier  155  preferably comprise safety reflectors affixed to at least one, but preferably all, exterior surfaces of both pack  105  and carrier  155  to enhance the safety of a user. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material component arrangements such as, for example, canvas, cotton, polyester, plastic, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing and waterproofing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     Pack  105  may comprise outer shell  110 , which is preferably defined by forward wall  305 , rear wall  310 , right wall  315 , left wall  320 , bottom surface  325 , and top surface  220 . The joining of forward wall  305 , rear wall  310 , right wall  315 , left wall  320 , bottom surface  325 , and top surface  220  preferably defines interior volume  145 . Forward wall  305  of pack  105  may preferably be releasably engageable with at least one of: rear wall  310 , right wall  315 , left wall  320 , bottom surface  325 , and top surface  220 . As such, the disengagement of forward wall  305  essentially creates an access point that allows a user access to interior volume  145  of pack  105 . Forward wall  305  may preferably be releasably engaged using a zipper. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening and securing arrangements such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, hook-and-eye closures, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Interior volume  145  of the present embodiment may comprise a single chamber to provide storage for a user&#39;s supplies. In other embodiments, interior volume  145  may comprise a plurality of chambers. In some embodiments, an engagement of forward wall  305 , rear wall  310 , right wall  315 , left wall  320 , bottom surface  325 , and top surface  220  may be interrupted in a plurality of locations in such a manner as to create a corresponding number of access points into a single chamber and alternately into a plurality of chambers of interior volume  145 . Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Pack  105  preferably comprises a plurality of storage compartment(s)  335  within interior volume  145  for storing and transporting supplies of various shapes and sizes. Pack  105  may also comprise storage compartment(s)  335  along any exterior surface of pack  105 . Additionally, pack  105  preferably comprises a plurality of anchoring element(s)  340  along any exterior surface of pack  105  to secure supplies to pack. Pack  105  may also comprise anchoring element(s)  340  within interior volume  145 . In preferred embodiments, pack  105  may also comprise an assortment of standard supplies with pre-assigned storage compartment(s)  335  each sized and shaped to accommodate its corresponding standard supply article. First aid kits, flashlights, space blankets, and the like may constitute the aforementioned standard supplies. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening and securing arrangements such as, for example, mesh pockets, straps, clips, snaps, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing and compartmentalizing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Within this particular embodiment, pack  105  preferably assumes the size and shape of standard transport devices typically worn on the back of a user. In other embodiments, however, pack  105  may assume any of a plurality of alternate shapes and sizes, such as: duffle bag, messenger bag, suitcase, and the like. Similarly, carrier  155  of the present embodiment preferably assumes the shape of a small cube. In other embodiments, however, carrier  155  may assume any of a plurality of alternate shapes and sizes. In alternate embodiments, pack  105  and carrier  155  may comprise: wheels; telescoping handles; plastic, lightweight metal, foam, or inflatable support frames; and/or any similar enhancements to the function of supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100 . Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , perspective views illustrating supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     Carrier  155  may comprise outside casing  160 , which is preferably defined by front face  405 , back face  410 , right face  415 , left face  420 , bed  225 , and upper face  425 . The joining of front face  405 , back face  410 , right face  415 , left face  420 , bed  225 , and upper face  425  preferably defines inner void  195 . Upper face  425  and front face  405  may preferably be releasably engageable with at least one of: back face  410 , right face  415 , left face  420 , and bed  225 . As such, the disengagement of upper face  425 , separately from or in combination with front face  405 , essentially creates an access point that allows a user access to inner void  195  of carrier  155  to insert, tend to, and remove a pet from carrier  155 . Upper face  425  and front face  405  may preferably be releasably engaged using a zipper. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening and securing arrangements such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, hook-and-eye closures, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Bed  225  of carrier  155  may preferably be concave in shape and comprise at least one removable liner  435 . Liner  435  may preferably comprise an absorbent core, thereby essentially providing comfort to a pet enclosed within carrier  155  and effectively containing excretions made by the pet enclosed within carrier  155 . Liner  435  may comprise a single layer and may alternately be multi-layered. Liner  435  may be disposable and alternately reusable in order to meet the needs and preferences of a user. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other absorbent article arrangements such as, for example, cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfiber, cellulose wadding, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of absorbent articles as described herein, methods of constructing absorbent articles will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Carrier  155  preferably comprises a plurality of ventilation aperture(s)  440 , which essentially act in a capacity of fresh air openings and viewing portals for a pet enclosed in carrier  155 . In the present embodiment, front face  405 , back face  410 , right face  415 , and left face  420  may each have at least one ventilation aperture  440 . Alternatively, upper face  425  may also comprise at least one ventilation aperture  440 . Characteristics of ventilation aperture(s)  440  such as size, shape, number, position, orientation, and the like are variable in order to suit the needs and preferences of a user. In preferred embodiments, ventilation aperture(s)  440  may exist as mesh-covered openings in carrier  155 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other window opening arrangements such as, for example, uncovered openings, bar-covered openings, etc., may be sufficient. 
     In preferred embodiments, carrier  155  may comprise a plurality of retractable flap(s)  445 . At least one flap  445  may preferably be attached to front face  405 , back face  410 , right face  415 , left face  420 , and alternately upper face  425 , in a manner so as to correspond to any ventilation aperture(s)  440  existing within carrier  155 . In some embodiments, flap(s)  445  may be removably connected to carrier  155  to be stored when not in use. When in an extended state, each flap  445  may essentially cover and/or seal any corresponding ventilation aperture(s)  440 . When in a retracted state, each flap  445  may essentially expose any corresponding ventilation aperture(s)  440 . In either an extended or a retracted state, each flap  445  may preferably be secured by at least one fastener  450 . Fastener(s)  450  of the present embodiment may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastening and securing arrangements such as, for example, ties, clips, snaps, buttons, etc., may be sufficient. 
     To enhance storage capabilities of supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100 , carrier  155  may comprise storage compartment(s)  335  and/or anchoring element(s)  340  within inner void  195  or along outside casing  160 . In some embodiments, carrier  155  may be collapsible for storage. In yet other embodiments, carrier  155  may comprise integral expandable pockets to add to the overall size and capacity of carrier  155 . In still other embodiments, carrier  155  may comprise securing means within inner void  195  to tether a pet enclosed within carrier  155  to prevent escape of the pet when upper face  425  and/or front face  405  are disengaged. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of transport devices as described herein, methods of constructing transport devices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  may be sold as kit  240  comprising the following parts: at least one pack  105 ; at least one carrier  155 ; at least one carrying strap  150 ; at least one tote strap  198 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
       FIG. 5  is flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  for supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-4C . 
     A method of using (at least hereby enabling method of use  500 ) a supply backpack with detachable pet carrier system  100  preferably comprises the steps of: step one  501  securing a pet within carrier  155 ; step two  502  connecting carrier  155  to pack  105 ; step three  503  wearing pack  105  for a period of use. The method of use  500  preferably further comprises the steps of: step four  504  removing carrier  155  from pack  105 ; step five  505  releasing the pet from carrier  155 ; and step six  506  reconnecting carrier  155  to pack  105  for storage until further use. 
     It should be noted that step two  502 , step four  504 , and step six  506  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.