Patent ID: 12214719

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and figures are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. In certain instances, however, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way.

Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods, and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure.

PART NUMBERS

10Vehicle12Apparatus14Mount Unit16Base Plate18Enclosure20Lid22Fasteners24Short Pivotal Arm Assembly26First Indicator28First Hinge Unit30Fixed Portion32Swing Portion34First End36Second End38Fasteners40Retracted Position42Deployed Position44Long Pivotal Arm Assembly46Second Indicator48Lights50Channel52Wiring54Second Hinge Unit56Anchor Portion58Moving Portion60First End62Second End64Arm66First Segment68Second Segment70Frame Members72Open Section74Plastic Connectors76Stored Position78Extended Position80Drive Unit82Linear Actuator84Body86Piston88Operable Link90Control Unit92First Controller94Second Controller96Quick Release Electrical Connector98Coupling Unit100Sensor102Bar Shaped Extension Portion104Electroluminescent Paint Coating
Overview

As seen inFIGS.1-5, embodiments of a selectively deployable indicator arm apparatus12mountable to a vehicle10generally comprise a mount unit14, a short pivotal arm assembly24secured to the mount unit14, a long pivotal arm assembly44secured to the mount unit14, a drive unit80operable to move either of the pivotal arm assemblies24,44, and a control unit90providing for selective operation of the drive unit80. In embodiments, the short pivotal arm assembly24generally comprises a first indicator26and the long pivotal arm assembly44generally comprises a second indicator46, each indicator26,46pivotal between positions based on operation of the drive unit80. In embodiments, the long pivotal arm assembly44pivots the second indicator46between a stored position76and an extended position78and the short pivotal arm assembly24pivots the first indicator26between a retracted position40and a deployed position42. In embodiments, the second indicator46is disposed further away from the mount unit14, and the vehicle10it is mounted to, when in the extended position78than the first indicator26when in the deployed position42. In embodiments, the drive unit80operates to pivot one or both of the indicators26,46based on user selections received by the control unit90.

Thereby, the apparatus12secured on a vehicle10can selectively provide for the first indicator26to be pivoted to the deployed position42, alone or in conjunction with the second indicator46being pivoted to the extended position78. Pivoting out of both the first indicator26and the second indicator46provides superior notice because the second indicator46is disposed further from the vehicle10in its extended position78. However, a user may select to only pivot out the first indicator26, to still provide notice, in instances where there is not enough room to pivot both the first indicator26and second indicator46out. Accordingly, the apparatus12is more useful than just the standard stop arm or extended stop arm alone and provides for a greater variety of applicability and standardization or arm assemblies in a fleet of vehicles10.

Elements

While various features and elements have been described in reference to particular embodiments and variations above, it is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is hereby intended. Thereby, elements and features might be utilized in any combination and for any embodiment to which it is particularly useful. To further promote understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, additional discussion related to particular elements of the present discussion is provided below.

Mount Unit

In embodiments, the apparatus12comprises a mount unit14as shown inFIGS.3,5-8, and10. The mount unit14comprises at least one base plate16, in various embodiments. Multiple base plates16helps provide modularity to the apparatus12. For example,FIGS.3and5-6show a mount unit14comprising two base plates16, one base plate16upon which a drive unit80operably connected to the second hinge unit54of the long pivotal arm assembly44and one having an enclosure18housing a drive unit80and portions of a control unit90. In one embodiment, the mount unit14comprises three base plates16as shown inFIG.7, a base plate16having an enclosure18housing a portion of the control unit90and a drive unit80for the short pivotal arm assembly24, a base plate16having a drive unit80for the long pivotal arm assembly44, and a base plate having an enclosure18having a portion of the control unit90corresponding to the drive unit80for the long pivotal arm assembly44. The use of multiple base plates16allows for the removable attachment of portions of the apparatus12to a vehicle10. Indeed, as shown inFIG.7, the wiring for the portion of the control unit90corresponding to the drive unit80for the long pivotal arm assembly44is affixed through quick release electrical connectors96to facilitate the addition, removal, and replacement the enclosure18and portions therein. Although the present figures show the portion of the control unit90corresponding to the drive unit80for the long pivotal arm assembly44as either in the enclosure18with the portion for the short pivotal arm assembly24or in a separate enclosure18, there are also embodiments where such portion of the control unit90is disposed on a base plate16having the drive unit80for the long pivotal arm assembly44. That is, there may be two enclosures18, one for each drive unit80and portion of the control unit90associated with a particular pivotal arm assembly24,44.

In embodiments, enclosures18may be affixed to one or more of the base plates16associated with the mount unit14. Each of these enclosures18house portions of the apparatus12, and may include a removable portion, such as a lid20to provide easy access. In embodiments, each base plate16or enclosure18may further include fasteners22to affix the portions of the enclosure18to the base plate16. In embodiments, each base plate16or enclosure18may also include fasteners22to affix the such portions to the vehicle10. These fasteners22may comprise bolts, clips, or mating portions such that each portions may be securely affixed and, in embodiments, removably affixed.

Short Pivotal Arm Assembly

In embodiments, the apparatus12comprises a short pivotal arm assembly24that includes a first indicator26and a first hinge unit28to pivot the first indicator26from a retracted position40, as shown inFIG.1, to a deployed position42, as shown inFIGS.2-5. To facilitate the pivoting of the first indicator26, the first hinge unit28comprises a fixed portion30and pivotally attached swing portion32as shown inFIGS.6-10. In embodiments, the first indicator26is affixed to the swing portion32, such as through fasteners38. Indeed, in embodiments, the swing portion may be affixed at a first end34to the fixed portion30, such as by an axle or pins that allow pivoting, and at a second end36to the first indicator26. In embodiments, the first end34and second end36are opposed to one another.

In further embodiments, portions of the short pivotal arm assembly24may be removably affixed to portions of the mount unit14, such as a base plate16. Additionally, portions of the short pivotal arm assembly24may be affixed together. For example, the first indicator26may be removably affixed to the swing portion32of the first hinge unit28. Moreover, the swing portion32of the first hinge unit28may be removably attached to the fixed portion30thereof. Accordingly, portions of the short pivotal arm assembly24may be removed, replaced, or changed to accommodate different uses. In embodiments, each of these portions may be affixed together through fasteners38, similar in nature to the fasteners22associated with the mount unit14.

In embodiments, the first indicator26may be disposed in a plane parallel to the vehicle10or mount unit14when in the retracted position40, such as inFIG.1. In further embodiments, the first indicator26may be disposed in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle10or mount unit14when in the deployed position42, such as inFIGS.2-5.

Long Pivotal Arm Assembly

In embodiments, the apparatus12comprises a long pivotal arm assembly44that includes a second indicator46and a second hinge unit54to pivot the second indicator46from a stored position76, as shown inFIGS.1-3, to an extended position78, as shown inFIGS.4-5. To facilitate the pivoting of the second indicator46, the second hinge unit54comprises an anchor portion56and pivotally attached moving portion58as shown inFIGS.6-8and10. In embodiments, the second indicator46is affixed to the moving portion58, such as through fasteners38. Indeed, in embodiments, the moving portion58may be affixed at a first end60to the anchor portion56, such as by an axle or pins that allow pivoting, and at a second end62to the second indicator46. In embodiments, the first end60and second end62are opposed to one another.

In further embodiments, portions of the long pivotal arm assembly44may be removably affixed to portions of the mount unit14, such as a base plate16. Additionally, portions of the long pivotal arm assembly44may be affixed together. For example, the second indicator46may be removably affixed to the moving portion58of the second hinge unit54. Moreover, the moving portion58of the second hinge unit54may be removably attached to the anchor portion56thereof. Accordingly, portions of the long pivotal arm assembly44may be removed, replaced, or changed to accommodate different uses. In embodiments, each of these portions may be affixed together through fasteners38, similar in nature to the fasteners22associated with the mount unit14.

In embodiments, the second indicator46may be disposed in a plane parallel to the vehicle10or mount unit14when in the stored position76, such as inFIGS.1-3. In further embodiments, the second indicator46may be disposed in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle10or mount unit14when in the extended position78, such as inFIGS.4-5.

In embodiments, the long pivotal arm assembly44comprises an arm64, as inFIGS.1-5, whereby the second indicator46is disposed in the extended position78a distance further from the vehicle10or mount unit14than the first indicator26in the deployed position42. That is, in embodiments, the arm64ensures that the second indicator46is held further out from the vehicle10than the first indicator26, as inFIGS.4-5, to provide enhanced notice. In embodiments, the arm64comprises an outline of interconnected frame members70, as inFIG.11, defining an open section72in a portion thereof through which the first indicator26can pass when pivoting into the deployed position42, as inFIG.2. In additional embodiments, the arm64can comprise multiple segments affixed together, such as a first segment66, defining the open section72, and a second segment68. In embodiments, each of the segments66,68may be removably affixed together so that one of them may be replaced. In specific embodiments, the first segment66and the second segment68may be connected together through shearable (breakable) plastic connectors74providing the ability for the second segment68to break away from the first segment66when impacted with enough force. Thereby, a collision with the second segment68, such as by a car, would allow that segment68to break away reducing the damage to the apparatus12, as a result.

In further embodiments, some of the frame members70may be adjustable lengths to provide the ability of the arm to be adjustably sized. Thereby, the second indicator46may be disposed an adjustable distance away from a vehicle10or mount unit14to accommodate variation and increase usefulness of the apparatus12. Moreover, replaceable portions of the arm64may have variable shape and designs of interconnected frame members70to accommodate different indicator options or purposes. For example, an apparatus12may utilize a larger second indicator46, requiring a first segment66or second segment68having varied supporting cross bar designs for the interconnected frame members70.

In certain embodiments, the second indicator46comprises a bar shaped extension portion102, affixed to the second hinge unit54, as inFIG.15. In embodiments, the bar portion102may be affixed at one end to a moving portion58of the second hinge unit54and at an opposite end thereof to a specific sign portion. That is, the second indicator46may have a bar shaped extension portion102and a specific sign portion attached thereto protruding from the second hinge unit54, in at least one embodiment. In a separate embodiment, as inFIG.15, the second indicator46comprises the bar shaped extension portion102alone. The bar shaped extension portion102, just as with any indicator26,46, may have various lights48and painted or reflective portions to enhance visibility. Moreover, any of the other portions of the apparatus12, such as the first indicator26, second indicator46, or arm64, may include LEDs, electroluminescent paint coatings104, or other types of lights.

Lights

In embodiments, the apparatus12includes lights48disposed one or both of the first indicator26and second indicator46, as inFIGS.1-5. The lights48provide enhanced notice of the indicators and their intended communication by providing illumination of a respective indicator. These lights48may be affixed to the exterior of each indicator26,46, such as along one or both flat opposed planar surfaces of an indicator26,46or may be disposed adjacent to an edge of one or both indicators26,46. In one embodiment, the lights48may be disposed within an indicator26,46and provide illumination outward from an internal portion thereof through one or both flat opposed planar surfaces.

In embodiments, the lights may be battery powered and include a wireless receiver to activate and control illumination thereof. However, in embodiments wiring52may be disposed between a light48and a control unit90to activate and control illumination thereof. In embodiments, this wiring may be disposed within portions of the apparatus12to provide protection thereto. For example, wiring52for lights48disposed on a second indicator46may be disposed through channels50formed into or within frame members70of the arm64. In embodiments, the lights48may be removably affixed to one or both of the indicators26,46such that a defective light may be removed and fixed or replaced. Indeed, wiring52may incorporate one or more quick connectors96to provide for easy removal and replacement. Moreover, in certain embodiments, it is also foreseen that the entire arm64may have lights48integrated therein or attached thereto to provide even more enhanced notice.

In further embodiments, the lights48may be disposed along or affixed to any portion of the apparatus12. For example, the bar extension portion102, shown inFIG.15, may have lights48installed thereupon. In certain embodiments, the lights48may be LED or electroluminescent in nature. However, in certain embodiments, portions of the apparatus12, such as a second indicator46that is a bar shaped extension portion102, may comprise an electroluminescent paint coating104, in the alternative to or in addition to other lights48. In embodiments, the electroluminescent paint coating104may be one or many coatings and, when part of an electrified circuit, provide illumination from portions have the electroluminescent paint coating104. A control unit90may be in operable communication with the electrified circuit, prompting illumination of the electroluminescent paint coating104, in embodiments. In at least one embodiment, the coatings may comprise a colored paint coating, over the electroluminescent paint coating104, so that the illumination from portions of the apparatus12may have a particular color.

Drive Unit

In embodiments, the apparatus12includes at least one drive unit80to provide movement of one or both indicators26,46associated with the apparatus12as inFIGS.1-10. In various embodiments, the apparatus10includes two drive units80, one associated with each pivotal arm assembly24,44. Each drive unit80may be removably affixed to a base plate16of a mount unit14in embodiments. Indeed, each drive unit80may be affixed to a separate base plate16from another in embodiments. In at least one embodiment, a drive unit80may be disposed within an enclosure18to provide protection thereto. However, in embodiments, a drive unit80may be disposed outside of an enclosure, particularly if such drive unit80is weather resistant. In still further embodiments, a drive unit80may be removably affixed to a base plate16of a mount unit14to allow for removal or replacement thereof.

In additional embodiments, each drive unit80may be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, or electric in nature and may interconnect with a respective system of a vehicle10to provide it operable power. However, it is foreseen that a drive unit80might utilize virtually any of a variety of types to generate motion in an indicator26,46through a respective assembly and specific mechanics of an operable link therebetween. In embodiments, a control unit90may be in operable communication with a drive unit80in a wired or wireless fashion. Moreover, the wiring, for power or communication, may incorporate quick release electrical connectors96to facilitate installation and repair in embodiments.

In specific embodiments, the drive unit80may be a linear actuator82having a piston86that extends and retracts into a body84to transmit work into pivotal arm assembly24,44, such as through a hinge unit28,54and an operable link88. Indeed, linear actuators utilized82may be of an electromechanical or electrohydraulic nature. Moreover, the linear actuator82may be disposed in an arrangement where a piston86extending from the body84thereof moves towards or away from a pivotal arm assembly24,44in various embodiments. In further embodiments, the extension of a piston86away from a body84can cause movement of the first indicator26towards the deployed position42or the second indicator46towards the extended position78. However, in embodiments, the retraction of the piston86into the body84can cause movement of the first indicator26towards the deployed position42or the second indicator46towards the extended position78. The specific movement of each indicator26,46with respect to an action of the drive unit80can depend upon the arrangement of the drive unit relative to the respective pivotal arm assembly and the operable link88thereto.

Operable Link

In embodiments, each drive unit80provides movement through an operable link88, as inFIGS.1-7. The operable link88may merely be a rod pivotally connected to a piston end and to a hinge unit28,54in embodiments, such as inFIGS.1-7. However, in certain embodiments, the operable link88can comprise one or more of a connecting rod, a torque drive link, a hinge shaft, and a drive bracket, as inFIG.8. Thereby, the operable link88provides a force from the drive unit80, such as from a piston86, to a portion of a hinge unit, such as the swing portion32or moving portion58, prompting its pivotal movement. The operable link88, in embodiments, is capable of providing durability by reducing stress to portions thereof due to the operable link's88design and construction. Moreover, the operable link's design and construction can be based on the location, design, and arrangement of the drive unit80and respective hinge unit in embodiments. In certain embodiments, the operable link88may be constructed with portions designed to split, shear, or break under a predefined amount of force to reduce or prevent damage to a respective drive unit80or pivotal arm assembly24. Indeed, the control unit90may be capable of monitoring power consumption or force to determine if such portions split, shorn, or broke and providing feedback to a user, such as through a light in communication with the control unit90.

Control Unit

In embodiments, the apparatus12further includes a control unit90as inFIGS.1-3,5-8and10. The control unit accepts user input or signals indicating user selections and, through operable communication therewith, provides signals to a drive unit80. In embodiments, the control unit90may include a separate first controller92for a drive unit80associated with the short pivotal arm assembly24and second controller94for a drive unit80associated with the long pivotal arm assembly44. The control unit90may be configured to allow a user to prevent operation of one or more of the drive units80for at least a temporary period of time in embodiments. In embodiments, the control unit90is in operable communication with the lights48associated with each pivotal arm assembly24,44. Moreover, the control unit90may be configured, in embodiments, to provide feedback on operations to a user, such as through a graphical user interface or lights. For example, the control unit90may be capable of monitoring power consumption or force to determine the operation of a drive unit80. In embodiments, each portion of a control unit90may be disposed within an enclosure18to ensure protection thereof.

In further embodiments, the control unit90may be disposed in wired or wireless operable communication with one or more of drive units80, lights48, or user input devices, such as switches, buttons, dials, or the like. Moreover, the control unit90may be connected, in a wired or wireless manner, with other systems associated with the apparatus12. For example, the control unit90may be in operable communication with a coupling unit98, as discussed below, or with a sensor100, as also discussed below. Indeed, the control unit90may utilize signals from a sensor100, in addition to user inputs, to generate signals for the drive unit80or coupling unit98. In wired embodiments, portions of the control unit90wiring may include quick release electrical connectors96allowing for easier installation and repair.

Coupling Unit

In various embodiments, the apparatus may include a coupling unit98as inFIG.10. The coupling unit98connects portions of each pivotal arm assembly such that movement in one assembly also generate movement in the other in embodiments. For example, the coupling unit98ofFIG.10would join an operable link associated with the second hinge unit54of the long pivotal arm assembly44to the piston86of a linear actuator82that is already affixed to an operable link associated with the first hinge unit28of the short pivotal arm assembly24. In embodiments, the coupling unit98is selectively engageable, such as by being in operable communication with a control unit90to extend or retract a portion thereof to engage a portion of the drive unit80. AlthoughFIG.10shows a coupling unit98having a protrusion that mates with a recess on a piston86, it is foreseen that the coupling unit98could engage and operable link88affixed to a drive unit80or to a pivotal arm assembly, in embodiments. Moreover, embodiments of the coupling unit98may utilize other mating features than a protrusion and recess in embodiments. For example, the coupling unit98could utilize a clamping feature to engage a portion of the apparatus. Moreover, whileFIG.10shows the coupling unit98in communication with a control unit90associated with a drive unit80, the coupling unit98could be in communication with a user input directly. Moreover, it is foreseen that the coupling unit98may be in wired or wireless communication with a control unit90or user input device in embodiments. In embodiments, utilization of a coupling unit98may allow for the use of a single drive unit80.

Sensor

In embodiments, the apparatus12may include one or more sensors100, as inFIG.1. The one or more sensors100may provide the control unit90signals that may be utilized in operation of the apparatus12. For example, the apparatus12might include an electric drive unit80and a current sensor and the control unit90may stop operation of that drive unit80based on the signals of the current sensor, such as in the case where movement of an indicator is prevented by damage or obstruction and the signals indicate the drive unit80is drawing more current than normal to move a respective indicator. In other embodiments, sensors100may include one or more of a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, a laser sensor to also determine if an obstruction or problem exists. For example, a laser sensor might be placed and utilized to determine when an obstruction or object is too close to the vehicle10to move the second indicator46of the long pivotal arm assembly44an extended position78. Additionally, an accelerometer might be used in embodiments to indicate that an indicator26,46in an extended or deployed position needs to be moved back to a stored or retracted position.

Heating Element

In further embodiments, the apparatus12also includes a heating element disposed in thermal communication with one or more of the drive units80and operably linked to a control unit90and a temperature sensor100in communication with the control unit90, where the control unit90is configured to operate the heating element in response to the signal from the temperature sensor100. For example, the heating element may be operated when the temperature sensor100signals a temperature below a set threshold, such as −5 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating element might be any type, shape, and structure known in the art. However, in at least one embodiment, the heating element might be a flexible sheet to allow for use in a confined area, such as within elements of the present apparatus12.

Indicators

While the indicators26,46shown inFIGS.1-5are identifiable as stop signs, it is also foreseen that different types of and messages on signs might be utilized. For example, a utility vehicle might have a sign that notifies drivers to get over or go around the utility vehicle. Indeed, while the first embodiment discloses an apparatus that is particularly useful for school buses, in other embodiments, the vehicle may be a public transportation, utility, emergency, train, subway, golfcart, trailer, or even a spaceship vehicle. For example,FIG.14shows various signs which might be one or more of the first indicator26or second indicator46and may be illuminated.

While various features and elements have been described in general above, it is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is hereby intended. Thereby, elements and features might be utilized in any combination and for any embodiment to which it is particularly useful.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present inventive subject matter. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are described herein with reference to plan and perspective illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the inventive subject matter. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the inventive subject matter should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of objects illustrated herein, but should include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the objects illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present inventive subject matter. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present inventive subject matter belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. The term “plurality” is used herein to refer to two or more of the referenced items. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the inventive subject matter and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive subject matter being set forth in the following claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms herein disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.