BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of types of currently available feminine hygiene pads have adhesive side extensions (often known as "wings") for wrapping over and around the inside leg opening edges of the user's underpants and adhering to the underside thereof, for purposes of maintaining the pad in position within the underpants and providing enhanced protection against soiling of the underpants proximate the leg openings. These may be deemed by users to have a shortcoming.

The side extensions are typically formed of integral extensions of topsheet and/or backsheet material, and have a patch or layer of exposable adhesive deposited thereon for purposes of adhering the side extensions to the outer/underside surface of the underpants. Being formed of topsheet and/or backsheet material, the side extensions are typically relatively low basis weight, low caliper materials. As a consequence, the side extensions are typically very thin and pliable, and may be susceptible to being mis-folded along unintended fold lines, mis-applied, crumpled, bunched and/or stuck to themselves, in the processes of unpackaging and applying the product to the inside of underpants. This can lead to loss of utility of the side extensions and even of the entire pad, and resulting user frustration and dissatisfaction with the product. Any improvement which would reduce or eliminate such occurrences while preserving the utility of the side extensions and the comfortableness of the product in use would benefit the users/consumers and provide competitive advantage to the manufacturer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a feminine hygiene pad.

Figs. 2A-2C are schematic lateral cross sections of alternative examples of a feminine hygiene pad. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent core of a feminine hygiene product, illustrating the method herein for identifying left and right core ¼ length chord lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

"Inboard," with respect to the location of a first feature with respect to the location of a second feature of a feminine hygiene pad, means that the first feature lies closer to the longitudinal axis of the pad than the second feature, in plan.

"Outboard," with respect to the location of a first feature with respect to the location of a second feature of a feminine hygiene pad, means that the first feature lies farther from the longitudinal axis of the pad than the second feature, in plan.

"Outward-facing" or "garment-facing," with respect to a surface or web component of a feminine hygiene pad, means the surface or web component on the outside of the pad, or on the surface facing away from the wearer, when the pad is in use. "Wearer-facing," with respect to a surface or web component of a feminine hygiene pad, means the surface or web component on the inside of the pad, on the surface facing toward the wearer, when the pad is in use. (With respect to side extensions, the outward-facing or garment facing surfaces are identified with the side extensions extended laterally outward, as they are shown in Figs. 2A-2C, prior to folding or wrapping. In Figs. 2A-2C, all outward/garment-facing surfaces are at the bottoms in the figures, and all wearer-facing surfaces are at the tops of the figures.)

"Lateral" and forms thereof refer to a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad in plan.

"Longitudinal" and forms thereof refer to a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad in plan.

"x-direction" means a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad in plan. "y-direction" means a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feminine hygiene pad in plan.

"z-direction" means a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the x- and y- axes.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2A-2C, a feminine hygiene pad 10 of the type contemplated herein typically includes a topsheet 11, a backsheet 12, and an absorbent core 13 disposed therebetween. Examples of feminine hygiene pads contemplated include pads adapted for wear at the crotch region inside the user's underpants, marketed and sold as useful for receiving, containing and absorbing exudates resulting from menstruation, and/or for receiving, containing and absorbing urine for users experiencing mild urinary incontinence, including the relatively thin, low caliper pads sometimes known as panty shields, light-duty pads and the like.

The topsheet 11 may be formed from any generally soft, compliant, and porous material which is comfortable against human skin and through which bodily exudates can pass. Examples of materials suitable for forming topsheets include nonwovens and apertured polymeric films, known and disclosed in the arts of designing and manufacturing feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers and disposable absorbent pants.

Backsheets are generally configured to hinder or prevent bodily exudates from passing entirely through the pad and soiling a user's underwear or outer garments. Material forming the backsheet 12 may be designed, selected and/or assembled so as to be substantially liquid impermeable under normal conditions of use, and may be formed from polymer films or film/nonwoven laminates. Material forming the backsheet 12 may be designed, selected and or assembled so as to be vapor permeable while being liquid impermeable under normal conditions of use, to help render the article more breathable. Examples of vapor permeable materials include microporous films, apertured formed films, and nonwovens, also known and disclosed in the arts of feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers and disposable absorbent pants. Any of such materials may include an additive (e.g., wax or surfactant) or treatment to increase their hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.

The absorbent core 13 may be formed from any of the materials known to those of ordinary skill in the arts of design and manufacture of feminine hygiene pads, disposable diapers and disposable absorbent pants. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plies of creped cellulose wadding, fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers (sometimes known as "airfelt"), a mass or batt of fibers, airlaid webs or fibers, a web of polymeric fibers, and a blend of polymeric fibers. The absorbent core may also comprise high capacity materials such as polyacrylate particles (often referred to as "superabsorbents" or absorbent gelling materials (AGM)), and high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) foams such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550, 167; 5,387,207; 5,352,711 ; and 5,331 ,015.

Optionally, one or more intermediate layers between the topsheet and backsheet may be included. In one configuration, an intermediate layer may be disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Such layers are included in many known absorbent article designs and may be identified as "secondary topsheets," "surge layers," "acquisition layers," "distribution layers," "transport layers," "wicking layers" and the like. An intermediate layer may serve to facilitate rapid acquisition of bodily exudates entering through the topsheet and distribution of the same across and into the absorbent core, and/or to temporarily hold bodily exudates as a means for managing large loading volumes or fast loading rates. Non-limiting examples of surge layers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,063 and 5,879,343. In another configuration, an intermediate layer may be disposed between the absorbent core and the backsheet. In this location, an intermediate layer may provide any number of benefits including, for example, structural integrity, flexibility, body shaping, and bodily exudates management.

Absorbent articles of the present invention may be individually wrapped. The wrapping material may help provide cleanliness and discretion when they are carried outside of the home. The wrappers generally at least partially enclose the absorbent article, and preferably, substantially completely enclose the article. In some examples, the wrapper is configured to accept a used article to facilitate disposal of the same. The wrappers may be constructed from numerous materials, including, for example, polymeric films, fibrous materials (including nonwovens and wovens), paper, card stock, and combinations thereof. In one particular example, the wrappers are constructed from flexible, polymeric films. The polymeric films may be based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, or blends of the same. One example of a material is a 32 gauge polypropylene film. The materials may be a single layer or more than one layer. The wrappers may be formed from a single feedstock of material that is manipulated into a container, such as by folding, or may be formed from multiple feedstocks that are joined together to ultimately form the finished wrapper.

Feminine hygiene pad 10 may include one or more main adhesive patch(es) 14, disposed about the longitudinal axis 200 of the pad, underlying the absorbent core and disposed on the garment/outward facing side of the backsheet 12. Main adhesive patch(es) 14 may be provided to enable the user to affix the pad to a suitable location within the underpants, such that the adhesive will cause the pad to remain in place during wear. Preferably, the main adhesive patch(es) 14 do not extend away from the longitudinal axis laterally beyond the longitudinal edges 15 of the absorbent core 13, to maintain a relatively uniform surface on the bottom on the pad for affixing to the underpants. The adhesive material may be selected so as to be suitable for securing the pad in place on the inner surface of the underpants material during wear conditions, but also to allow removal of the pad from the underpants following wear, without any substantial damage to the underpants material. The pad 10 may be supplied with a removable coversheet applied over the main adhesive patch(es) 14, to protect the patch surface(s) from contamination and prevent it (them) from premature/unwanted contact and adhesion with other surfaces prior to placement of the pad within the underpants for use. Alternatively, the pad may be supplied within a wrapper that is removably adhered to the main adhesive patch(es) 14, whereupon removal of the pad from the wrapper exposes to main adhesive patch(es) 14 for use.

Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2A-2C, feminine hygiene pad 10 may include a pair of respective left and right side extensions 100. Each side extension 100 may also include a side extension adhesive patch 108. When so provided with a suitably- sized pad, and the pad 10 is applied to a suitable location within the user's underpants between the leg openings, the respective left and right side extensions each will extend laterally over an inside edge of a respective left or right leg opening in the underpants, and may be wrapped thereover and around toward the underside/outside surface of the underpants in the crotch region, between the leg openings. The side extension adhesive patch 108 may then be used to affix each extension 100 to the underside/outside surface of the underpants material. When so affixed, the side extensions 108 serve two purposes: First, by covering the edges of the underpants at the insides of the leg openings, they provide added protection against soiling of the underpants by exudates, about the inside portions of the leg openings. Second, the affixed side extensions provide an additional mechanism for holding the pad in place within the underpants, during wear. The pad 10 may be packaged and/or supplied with one or a plurality of removable coversheets applied over the side extension adhesive patches 108, to protect the patches' surfaces from contamination and prevent premature/unwanted contact and adhesion with other surfaces prior to placement of the pad within the underpants for use. In some examples, a single removable coversheet may be provided to cover all of the adhesive patches 108 and 14 included with the pad 10.

In some examples, side extensions 100 may be formed of integral, continuous extensions of one or more materials forming the topsheet 11 and/or backsheet 12. In some examples the side extensions 100 may be formed of integral, continuous extensions of each of the materials forming the topsheet 11 and backsheet 12, laminated together by adhesive, thermal bonding or a combination thereof. In other examples, side extensions 100 may be formed of discrete sections of one or more materials that have been affixed to the main structure of the pad along longitudinal sides thereof.

For purposes of wearer comfort as well as economy of materials usage in manufacture, the materials forming the side extensions 100 (e.g. , topsheet and/or backsheet materials) may be relatively low-caliper, low basis weight materials. As a consequence, these materials may be quite thin and pliable. As such, they may be easily crumpled, or misfolded along lines other than most suitable for wrapping about the leg opening edges of the underpants. If this occurs when the side extension adhesive patches 108 are exposed, the side extensions may become stuck to themselves, or may be misplaced, compromising their utility and causing user frustration and dissatisfaction.

However, if a structure is provided that will promote linear folding or flexure along a single suitable fold or flexure location, and help prevent crumpling, the utility of the side extensions may be preserved and/or improved. Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2A-2C, a supplementary structure 105 may be included and added to each of the side extensions 100, thereby creating a supplemented zone 107 on the side extension. Supplementary structure 105 may be formed of any material that provides added basis weight and/or rigidity to the supplemented zone. Supplementary structure 105 may be formed of and/or include one or added layers of nonwoven web material, polymer film material, or even cellulose/pulp-based paper material, distinct from the layer(s) forming the side extension 100 in the longitudinal flexure zone 103 thereof. It may also be formed of and/or include an added or supplemental deposit of adhesive material, such as hot melt adhesive material otherwise used to laminate and hold other layers of the side extensions together. In this latter example, the supplemental adhesive material would be distinct from the adhesive material used to form the side extension adhesive patches 108, and would be disposed at a location within the side extension structure such that it is physically isolated from contact with external surfaces when the pad is in use (thus being differentiated from side extension adhesive patch 108 and main adhesive patch 14). A supplementary structure 105 may be disposed on the outside surface of the backsheet 12 material, or otherwise on the outward/garment-facing surface of the side extension 100 (as reflected in Fig. 2A), on the outside surface of the topsheet 11 material, or otherwise on the wearer-facing surface of the side extension 100 (as reflected in Fig. 2C), or between the topsheet 11 material and backsheet 12 material, or otherwise between wearing-facing and outward/garment-facing layers forming the side extension 100 (as reflected in Fig. 2B). Supplementary structure 105 may be affixed, adhered or bonded to, or between, the layer(s) forming the side extension 100 via adhesive such as hot melt adhesive, via a pattern of thermal bonds, mechanical bonds, thermal embossing, or a combination thereof.

The following geometric references are identified and used herein as follows: The outboard-most portion of each side extension is outboard zone 104. Outboard zone 104 is the portion of the side extension that lies laterally outboard of longitudinal flexure zone 103. The outboardmost extent of longitudinal flexure zone 103 is demarcated by inboard supplementary structure tangent line 102, which lies tangent to supplementary structure 105 on the inboardmost edge thereof, and parallel to the nearest ¼ length chord line 101. Referring to Fig. 3, left and right ¼ length chord lines 101 are identified by dividing the length L of the absorbent core 13 equally into four equal sub-lengths ¼ L, and identifying intersections 110 between the lateral one-quarter and three-quarter length-dividing lines and the respective left and right longitudinal edges of the absorbent core 13. Each of the left and right ¼ length chord lines 101 is the line proximate the left or right longitudinal edge of the absorbent core, that connect the intersections 110 on that edge. (Identification of the ¼ length chord lines in this manner provides for suitable demarcation of inboardmost extents of longitudinal flexure zones 103, for varied shapes of absorbent cores. It will be appreciated that the left and right ¼ length chord lines may be, but are not necessarily, parallel to each other - depending upon the shape of the absorbent core.) Thus, referring again to Fig. 1, the longitudinal flexure zone 103 for each of the left and right sides is the zone between the ¼ length chord line 101 on that side, and the proximate inboard

supplementary structure tangent line 102. Correspondingly, the outboard zone 104 of each side extension is that portion of the side extension lying laterally outboard of the proximate inboard supplementary structure tangent line 102.

The supplementary structure 105 (and resulting supplemented zone 107) may be suitably sized and located so as to promote formation of an orderly, linear fold or flexure of the side extension 100 substantially along the longitudinal direction, within longitudinal flexure zone 103. (For purposes herein, the supplemented zone 107 is deemed to be coextensive in plan profile, plan dimensions and plan surface area, with those of the supplementary structure 105.)

Simultaneously, it may desirable to prevent crumpling and/or unwanted folding of the side extensions 100 along lines or areas other than longitudinal flexure zones 103. Further, the longitudinal flexure zone 103 should be wide enough to provide a sufficient area of relatively highly flexible material to wrap about the leg opening edge of the underpants, including any elastic and/or trim materials forming a leg band in the underpants, to accommodate the curvature of the leg opening edge, and to accommodate a range of underpants leg opening spacings.

Accordingly, it may be desired that each longitudinal flexure zone 103 be at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm, and even more preferably at least 5 mm wide, but no greater than 15 mm, more preferably no greater than 12mm, and even more preferably no greater than 10 mm wide, where its width is the distance between lines 101 and 102. For similar reasons it may be desired that the inboard supplementary structure tangent line (demarcating the inboardmost extent of the supplementary structure 105) be disposed entirely laterally outboard of the nearest left or right longitudinal side edge 15 of the absorbent core 13, in x-direction. To preserve the effects of the structure on promoting folding or flexure consistently through the longitudinal flexure zone 103, it may be preferred that the longitudinal flexure zone 103 have a substantially uniform structure and/or have a substantially uniform basis weight throughout. For purposes of promoting flexibility, it may be desired that the material(s) forming the longitudinal flexure zone 103 have a basis weight that is limited, to a quantity that is less than that of the supplemented zone 107. Thus, it may be desired and effective for purposes described herein that a basis weight of the supplemented zone 107 be at least 10 percent, more preferably at least 15 percent, still more preferably at least 20 percent, and even more preferably at least 25 percent, greater than a basis weight of the longitudinal flexure zone 103. Alternatively or in combination with such relationship, it may be further desired that the basis weight of the longitudinal flexure zone be no greater than 75 gsm, more preferably no greater than 70 gsm, and even more preferably no greater than 65 gsm.

To help prevent crumpling and/or folding in unsuitable areas, it may be desired that the supplementary structure 105 and resulting supplemented zone 107 occupy at least 60 percent, more preferably at least 75 percent, and even more preferably at least 85 percent, of the plan surface area of outboard zone 104. For similar reasons it may be desired that the supplemented zone 107 of each side extension be continuous and singular, rather than, e.g., divided into more than one discrete sub-region by the presence of more than one discrete supplementary structure 105.

It may be desired that the side extensions 100 be limited in overall lateral width. This may be desired to further reduce the likelihood of crumpling, folding or flexing along unwanted locations. Additionally, it may be deemed desirable that the side extensions do not substantially overlap and/or adhere to each other beneath the wearer's underpants when the pad is applied therewithin, which may complicate removal from the underpants following use. Accordingly, it may be desired that the outboard zone 104 of each side extension 100 have a width WS no greater than one-half the width WC of the absorbent core 13, where the width WC of the absorbent core is measured along the x-direction at the length midpoint (see Fig. 3); and where the width WS of the outboard zone 104 of each side extension is measured along the x-direction and is the distance between the inboard supplementary structure tangent line 102 and the outermost edge of the side extension, along the lateral axis 201 (see Fig. 1).

Another feature that may be incorporated to promote folding or flexing only along the longitudinal flexure zone 103, and discourage folding or flexing in outboard zone 104, may be an appropriate aspect ratio for the supplementary structure 105 and resulting supplemented zone 107. In this regards, it may be desired that the supplementary structure have an aspect ratio of length (measured in the y-direction) to width (measured in the x-direction) greater than 1.0, more preferably at least 1.5, and more at least 2.0.

In order to help prevent flexure or formation of a fold between supplemented zone 107 and the portion of the side extension bearing the side extension adhesive patch 108, it may be desired that the surface area of the side extension adhesive patch 108 be disposed at least partially within the supplemented zone 107. It may be more preferable that the surface area of adhesive patch 108 be disposed mostly, or even more preferably entirely within the supplemented zone 107.

Although, as explained above, providing a supplementary structure 105 to increase basis weight and/or rigidity of a supplemented zone 107 may provide the benefits described, the supplemented zone 107 should not be so rigid and/or bulky as to become a potential source of wearer discomfort. The side extensions 100 should be flexible enough to comfortably accommodate curvature about the wearer's body, and comfortably accommodate wearer movement, during wear/use of the pad 10, and should not be perceived during wear as a localized bulk beneath the underpants.

Accordingly, it may be desired that the supplemented zone 107, while having a basis weight greater than that of the longitudinal flexure zone 103, have a basis weight no greater than 125 gsm (grams per square meter), more preferably no greater than 100 gsm, and even more preferably no greater than 80 gsm. Alternatively, or in combination, it may be desired that the supplemented zone 107, while having a flexural rigidity greater than that of the longitudinal flexure zone 103, have a flexural rigidity no greater than 200 μΝ/m, more preferably no greater than 150 μΝ/m, and even more preferably no greater than 100 μΝ/m, when measured using the Flexural Rigidity Measurement Method set forth below.

In some examples, the pad 10 may be provided with a visible indicium that readily visibly demarcates the outboard zones 104 of the side extensions 100. This can serve to provide an intuitive signal to the user/consumer that the side extensions 100 may be easily wrapped over the inside leg edges of the underpants, further promoting neat and wrapping thereabout as designed, and avoiding folding or wrapping along unsuitable areas. In one example, the supplemented zone 107 may be imparted with a color that visually contrasts with the coloring of the longitudinal flexure zone. The color may be imparted via, e.g. , printing, or by tinting or pigmenting materials used to form the layer components of the supplemented zone 107. In a more particular example, the supplementary structure 105 may be imparted with the visually contrasting color, thereby imparting the contrasting color to the supplemented zone. (Herein, a visually contrasting color is identified according the Visual Contrast method set forth below. In another example, the side extensions 100 and/or layer(s) thereof, and/or the longitudinal flexure zones 103, may each be imprinted with one or more visible lines extending along the longitudinal direction, thereby suggesting a line or longitudinally extending zone along which folding and/or flexibly wrapping are suitable.

Providing supplementary structure to a side extension including an adhesive patch as described herein has the effects of creating natural longitudinal flexure zone about which the side extension can reliably, easily and neatly flex and/or fold in a manner well-suited for wrapping about a proximate leg opening edge of the user's underpants. The supplementary structure can also add rigidity to the outboard and adhesive portions of the side extension. These effects substantially reduce chances that the side extension will be mis-folded, mis-applied, crumpled or bunched, or stuck to itself, during unpackaging and applying the product within the underpants. As a result, consumer/user satisfaction with the pad product may be improved, and the manufacturer and/or seller thereof may accordingly realize competitive advantage.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Flexural Rigidity Measurement Method

Flexural rigidity of a sample of material taken from the longitudinal flexure zone and/or from the supplemented zone may be tested according to a method described in B. P. Saville, Physical Testing of Textiles (1999) (Section 10.1.3 - Hanging loop method), using the "pear" loop technique. Sample size may be selected as appropriate according to the dimensions of the longitudinal flexure zone and supplemented zone of the subject product.

Visual Contrast

The color difference measurement is based on the CIE L*a*b* color system (CIELAB). A flat bed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24 bit color at 1200 dpi and has manual control of color management (a suitable scanner is an Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson America Inc., Long Beach CA) is used to acquire images. The scanner is calibrated against a color reflection target compliant to ANSI method IT8.7/2-1993 using color management software (a suitable package is MonacoEZColor available from X-Rite Grand Rapids, MI) to construct a scanner profile. The resulting calibrated scanner profile is opened within an imaging program that supports sampling in CIE L*a*b* (a suitable program is Photoshop S4 available from Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, CA) to measure bonded and unbonded areas. Turn on the scanner for 30 minutes prior to calibration. Place the IT8 target face down onto the scanner glass and close the scanner lid. Open the MonacoEZColor software and select acquire image using the Twain software included with the scanner. Within the Twain software deselect the unsharp mask setting and any automatic color correction or color management options that may be included in the software. If the automatic color management cannot be disabled, the scanner is not appropriate for this application. Acquire a preview scan at 200 dpi and 24 bit color. Insure that the scanned image is straight and first outer surface facing side-up. Crop the image to the edge of the target, excluding all white space around the target, and acquire the final image. The MonacoEZColor software uses this image to compare with included reference files to create and export a calibrated color profile compatible with Photoshop. After the profile is created the scan resolution (dpi) can be changed, but all other settings must be kept constant while imaging samples.

Provide respective same-sized, rectangular samples of each subject portion of the product, i.e. , the supplemented zone and the longitudinal flexure zone, of the largest length and width that are available. Precondition the samples at about 23 °C + 2 C° and about 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

Open the scanner lid and place the first sample onto the scanner glass with the first outer surface facing the glass. Cover the sample with the white background (in this test method white is defined as having L* > 94, -2 < a* < 2, and -2 < b* < 2) and close the lid. Acquire and import a scan of the first sample into Photoshop at 600 dpi and 24 bit color. Assign the calibrated scanner profile to the image and change the mode to Lab Color ("Lab Color" in Photoshop corresponds to the CIE L* a* b* standard). Select the "eyedropper" color selection tool. Set the sampling size of the tool to include as many pixels as possible within an area of the sample 2mm by 2mm square. Using the eyedropper tool measure and record L*a*b* values in 10 different 2mm by 2mm square areas (not having apertures) in the sample image. Average the 10 individual L*a*b* values and record as Li, ai, and bi respectively.

Repeat the steps in the paragraph above for the second sample, and record the averaged values as L2, Ά2 and b2. Calculate and report the color difference (delta E*) between the bonded and unbonded areas using the following equation: delta E ^* = V(L ^* - L ) ² + (a ^* - a ^* ) ² + (b ^* - b{) ² and report to the nearest 0.01 units. A total of three substantially identical samples of each layer are measured for each sample set. Average the three delta E* values and report to the nearest 0.1 unit.

It is expected that the person of ordinary skill in the relevant art is capable of making any suitable adjustments in sampling and/or data collection necessary to the method, according to the dimensions of the subject product, to make a relevant comparison between the respective colors of the longitudinal flexure zone and of the supplemented zone, to determine whether the visual contrast specified herein is present.

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular examples of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.