REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following two applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:

1) U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/545,445 filed on August 14, 2017; and

2) U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/637,871 filed on July 13, 2018.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to improved foam mattresses with an elastomer endoskeleton.

BACKGROUND

[0003] One of the primary goals of a mattress is to provide the support necessary to enable optimal ergonomic conditions for sleep. The human body's spine must stay in a neutral position when sleeping to prevent stress on joints and muscles. In a side-sleeping position, the spine should be straight when viewed from the side, exhibiting no lateral flexion. In the back-sleeping and stomach-sleeping positions, the spine should be slightly relaxed from its neutral standing position (relaxation is due to gravity unloading of the spine): there should be no

kyphosis/lordosis of the lumbar or thoracic spine and no flexion/extension of the cervical spine. Similarly, the body should exhibit no anterior shoulder collapse in the back-sleeping position. Figure 1 shows an optimal spine position 110; Figure 2 shows a non-optimal spine position 120.

[0004] Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult for a mattress to address all these ergonomic requirements across all body types and all sleeping positions (e.g. side, stomach, back) because the body requires different levels of support and pressure relief from head-to-toe and from sleeping position to sleeping position. Nonetheless, the vast majority of mattresses offer a uniform feel head-to-toe and do not account for the unique pressure and support requirements at different parts of the body. Mattresses with strict uniform firmness throughout the mattress cannot achieve the optimal spinal alignment due to the body's variable surface area and weight.

[0005] Previous solutions to solve this problem (and their drawbacks) include the following:

[0006] A. Zoned Convolution: Convolution cutting (e.g. egg crate cutting) creates two convolute cut pieces from a single starting piece. Paired, shaped rollers deform the initial foam and force the deformed foam through a fixed, flat cutting blade. Traditional convolute cutting creates an 'egg crate' appearance which softens the foam through material removal. Other shapes (e.g. waves, circles, zig-zags) can be created by varying the roller shape. A single roller can be machined with different zones to create differences in the convolute cut head-to-toe. But the degree of variability in firmness is quite limited due to the limitations of the manufacturing method (50% of the removed material goes to each of the opposing pieces; depth of cuts cannot be varied, etc.), so the observed variation head to toe is quite minimal (typically <10% variation in firmness in the convolute cut foam layer, less in the full mattress).

[0007] The downsides of this method also include limited variation and the fact that material removal diminishes mattress durability (due to fact that less material is absorbing wear and tear from use). Further, the downside of this approach is that due to constraints in the convolution, the degree of variation is very limited. The mechanical transition from layer to layer is also limited due to the shapes that can be created in convolution. The process also decreases mattress durability because it relies on material removal to soften the original foam.

[0008] B. Zoned Contour: Contour cutting involves the cutting and removal of foam using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) saw. This manufacturing process allows the shape of the cuts (including depth, width and shape) to be varied tremendously. Firmness variations of >20% can be achieved through the removal of large amounts of material. But such removal of material can have significant detrimental impact on the durability of the mattress. Further, the process decreases mattress durability because it relies on material removal to soften the original foam.

[0009] C. Zoned Foam: Zoning foam involves the placement of foams of different densities, firmness and/or support factors at different points head-to-toe in the mattress. This increases assembly time and labor costs, so is typically limited to 3-zones. Further, the process is labor intensive and costly. It creates room for error in alignment. And the smoothness of transitions from one zone to the next is limited because the variation is created by blocks of foam that end abruptly at the abutting block.

[0010] D. Variable Spring Firmness: Springs of different spring constant can be placed at different points of the mattress. Spring constant variation can be varied by adjusting alloy, wire diameter, coil count and/or coil diameter, amongst other things. This is most often used to create a border to increase edge support for sitting. But it can also be used to create variable zones of support for sleeping. A downside is that it is limited to spring-based mattresses.

[0011] E. Foam Springs: Cut and formed foam springs that create variable firmness similar to metal springs but with more limited design freedom. The shape of the spring doesn't create any appreciable spring effect other than that inherent in the foam itself. But the forming of the foam spring requires the creation of a lot of void space in the mattress. This forces more wear and tear through the foam that is present, leading to premature softening relative to solid foam. The firmness variation created by the foam springs is also limited to the diameter of the spring itself. Thus, any fine adjustments in firmness head-to-toe is limited by the spring diameter (typically 4- 6").

[0012] F. Molded foam cylinders: This is forming a mattress core using molded foam cylinders of different firmness. But as with foam springs, the assembly of molded cylinders creates a lot of air space, leading to more wear and tear being absorbed by less material relative to solid foam. They also are typically 4-6" in diameter, limited in the ability to vary firmness.

[0013] G. Foam Interlocking: This is interlocking contour cut foam shapes (puzzle piece-like) to create variable firmness in a mattress. But this process leads to increased waste.

[0014] H. 3D printing: In this method, an injection head selectively injects polymer into a foam base. But this is a very slow and very expensive manufacturing process and unproven at scale. The printed features are very fine. Further, the molten plastic must flow into the

porous/permeable foam, which is an uncontrolled process. Thus, final polymer shape is difficult to control.

SUMMARY

[0015] Proposed herein is the inclusion of a shaped elastomer (an "endoskeleton") that variably impacts the mattress firmness head-to-toe. The elastomer fills voids cut into the foam using contour cutting or spherical cap-shaped cutouts. The elastomer is poured as a hot liquid into the voids, and cools to a solid elastomer. The specific incarnation involves the creation of a set of parallel inclusions at the center of the mattress or a set of spherical cap-shaped cutouts that help prop up the hip area to maintain proper spinal alignment by firming the center of the mattress. The depth, width, shape, spacing, elastomer durometer, and location (both head-to-toe and depth in the mattress) may be varied to impact firmness in any desired manner. The inclusion allows near-infinite control over firmness and support at any point in the mattress. The mattress may also include a series of horizontal-oriented cutouts that are cut into various portions of the mattress layers. These cutouts may extend along the width of the mattress and may be placed at portions of the top and portions of the bottom of the mattress. The mattress may also include a series of vertical-oriented holes that cut through one or more layers of the mattress, including the top two layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an optimal spine position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a non-optimal spine position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a mattress having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 4 is a closeup view of a mattress layer having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 5 is a simulated view of a human lying on a mattress having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of a mattress having an endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels, in accordance with some embodiments. [0023] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a mattress having an endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 8A is an overhead view of the bottom side of a mattress layer with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 8B shows a plurality of cross-sections of the mattress layer shown in Figure 8A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 8C is a close-up view of the bottom side of the mattress layer shown in Figure 8A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A mattress with variable support head-to-toe is required to enable proper ergonomics. The ergonomic requirements must also be balanced with other performance requirements of the mattress, many of which are in tension to providing good ergonomics, including:

[0030] A. Pressure Relief: Provide the softness necessary to keep pressure (as measured in pounds per square inch) to minimum levels, eliminating/minimizing pressure points that can cause discomfort and/or disrupt blood flow. This is usually accomplished by distributing the body weight over the maximum surface area possible to reduce pressure.

[0031] B. Thermal Comfort: Allow body heat and moisture (sweat or humidity) to move away from the body (heat can move through conduction, convection or radiation; moisture can move through wicking or evaporation, which is tied to convection). [0032] C. Position Realignment: Allow the body to easily change positions throughout the night. Pure memory foam mattresses struggle here since sleepers get "stuck" in the cavities that form under the body and it take a lot of energy to move up and out of the cavity into a new position.

[0033] D. Partner Isolation: Minimize the transfer of movement/motion from one partner to the next, so that a partner's position changes do not impact the sleep of the other partner.

[0034] E. Durability: Maintain all the performance characteristics of the new mattress over the full lifetime of the mattress. This is typically measured in changes in firmness (Does the mattress get softer in the areas where the sleeper spends most of their time?) and changes in height (Do valleys or dimples form in the mattress surface?). The performance characteristic that most commonly degrades is the ergonomics due to changes in firmness. It is important to note that all mattresses will show changes in firmness and height over their lifetime; it is just a matter of to what degree, and do the changes observed impact performance.

[0035] The solution works by offering zonal firmness to the different parts of the body. The solution provides a counter-pressure that props up the correct parts of the body (e.g. hips) to achieve the optimal ergonomic position. The high elasticity and high Poisson's ratio of the elastomer help reduce pressure points from vertical loads— the elastomer flows outwards when compressed. (Poisson's ratio is a measure of the Poisson effect, the phenomenon in which a material tends to expand in directions perpendicular to the direction of compression.)

[0036] The high thermal conductivity and lateral connectivity of the material helps move heat away from the body to improve thermal sleeping comfort.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a 5-layer embodiment of a mattress having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips 500. The top layer 510 may consist of Flo Soft Foam and have the physical characteristics set forth in Table 1 :

Table 1: Flo Soft Foam

[0038] The first layer 510 may have a series of vertical-oriented circular holes that begin at the top of first layer and extend vertically down to the bottom of the second layers (not shown). These holes improve airflow through the mattress.

[0039] The second layer 520 may consist of latex and have the physical characteristics set forth in Table 2:

Table 2: Latex Foam

[0040] The second layer 520 may have a series of circular holes begin at the top of second layer and extend vertically down to the bottom of the second layer (not shown). These holes improve airflow through the mattress. The holes may be positioned so that the holes in the second layer 520 are at approximately the same location of the holes in the first layer 510 so that airflow flows through both layers.

[0041] The third layer 530 may consist of visco-elastic foam and have the physical

characteristics set forth in Table 3 :

Table 3: Visco-Elastic Foam

[0042] The fourth layer 540 may consist of high resiliency (HR) foam and have the physical characteristics set forth in Table 4:

Table 4: High Resiliency (HR) Foam

[0043] This layer incorporates a series of vertical-shaped cutouts 570 from the bottom of the fourth layer 540 that are filled with a series of elastomer gel strips 580. The series of elastomer gel strips 580 may include gel with a hardness of 20 Shore 00.

[0044] The fifth layer 550 may consist of conventional polyurethane foam and have the physical characteristics set forth in Table 5:

Table 5: Conventional Polyurethane Foam

[0045] This fifth layer 550 includes a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts 560a, 560b from the top of the layer that extend across the width of the mattress. As shown in Figure 5, the series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts consists of two sets, one at the top section of the mattress and one at the bottom section, and each set may be symmetrically arranged about the layer with respect to each other. Each set comprises a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts of different depths, with the shallowest cutout depth on the outer edges of the set, progressively deeper cutout depths as the cutouts get closer to the center of the set and the deepest cutout depth at the center of the set. The bottom of each parallel ridge-shaped cutout (other than the center cutouts) may also be tilted slightly so that the side farther away from the center has a higher depth than the side closer to the center.

[0046] Turning to Figure 4, shown is a detail side view 400 of the mattress. The fourth layer 430 is below the third layer 440 and above the fifth layer 410. The elastomer gel strips 420a, 420b, 420c are wedged into the vertical cutouts in the fourth layer 430. The series of elastomer gel strips 420a, 420b, 420c will allow for different amounts of support and firmness depending on the nature of pressure that will be applied by the person that ultimately uses the mattress.

[0047] Turning to Figure 5, shown is a model 600 with a simulated human having three sections 610a, 610b, 610c lying on a mattress 675 having five layers 620, 630, 640, 650, 660. The fourth layer 650 includes elastomer gel strips wedged into vertical cutouts. The fifth layer 660 includes two sets of empty vertical cutouts 670a 670b. As can be seen from the model 600, various portions of the human 610a, 610b, 610c provide different levels of downward pressure on the five layers 620, 630, 640, 650, 660 of the mattress 675.

[0048] The head and chest area 610a may provide a medium level of downward pressure on the mattress 675. Thus, the first set of empty vertical cutout 670a in the fifth layer 660 provides a moderate level of support and firmness for the top four layers and the head and chest area 610a.

[0049] The hip area 610b may provide a high level of downward pressure on the mattress 675. Thus, the elastomer gel strips wedged into vertical cutouts in the fourth layer 650 provides a large level of support and firmness for the top three layers and the hip area 610b.

[0050] The leg area 610c may provide a low level of downward pressure on the mattress 675. Thus, the second set of empty vertical cutouts 670b in the fifth layer 660 provides a lower level of support and firmness for the top four layers and the leg area 610c.

[0051] This support system actively mirrors the natural shape of the human body and allows for deeper, more restorative sleep.

[0052] Turning to Figure 6, shown is a side view of an alternative mattress having an

endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels 700. The mattress 700 comprises five layers 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, which may have the same properties as the layers in the other mattress embodiment shown in Figure 3. The number of layers may be four or less or six or more. A series of vertical holes run from the top of the first layer 710 to the bottom of the second layer 720 to provide for increased airflow. The vertical holes may run through any number of layers. The sizes of the holes may vary across the mattress. The size of the holes may become larger 736 and smaller 735 as a line of holes moves across the length of the mattress.

[0053] The fourth layer 740 incorporates a series of spherical-cap shaped cutouts on the bottom of the layer. The smallest spherical-cap shaped cutouts 770a, 770b run across the width of the mattress and are on the edges of the series. The next-larger spherical-cap shaped cutouts 780a, 780b run across the width of the mattress and are one step closer to the center of the series. The next-larger spherical-cap shaped cutouts 790a, 790b run across the width of the mattress and are one step closer to the center of the series. The next-larger spherical-cap shaped cutouts 795a, 795b run across the width of the mattress and are one step closer to the center of the series. The largest spherical-cap shaped cutout 796 run across the width of the mattress and is at the center of the series. Each of the spherical-cap shaped cutouts may include spherical-cap shaped elastomer gel wedged into the spherical-cap shaped cutout. The gel may have an elastomer with a hardness of 20 Shore 00. The lines of spherical-cap shaped cutouts may be symmetrically positioned about the center width of the fourth layer 740.

[0054] The fifth layer 750 includes a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts 760a, 760b from the top of the layer that extend across the width of the mattress. As shown in Figure 6, the series of ridge-shaped cutouts consists of two sets, one at the top section of the mattress and one at the bottom section, and each set may be symmetrically arranged on the layer with respect to the other set. Each set comprises a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts of different depths, with the shallowest cutout depth on the outer edges of the set, progressively deeper cutout depths as the cutouts get closer to the center of the set and the deepest cutout depth at the center of the set. The bottom of each parallel ridge-shaped cutout (other than the center cutouts) may also be tilted slightly so that the side farther away from the center has a higher depth than the side closer to the center.

[0055] Turning to Figure 7, shown is an exploded view of the 5-layer mattress having an endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels 900. The mattress 900 comprises five layers 910, 915, 920, 930, 940, which may have the same properties as the layers in the other mattress embodiment shown in Figure 3 and described in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The number of layers may be four or less or six or more.

[0056] A series of vertical holes run from the top of the first layer 910 to the bottom of the second layer 915 to provide for increased airflow. The sizes of the holes may vary across the mattress. The size of the holes may become larger 970a, 970b, 970c and smaller 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d as a line of holes moves across the length of the mattress. In addition, one row of hole patterns across the length of the mattress may be slightly offset from the adjoining rows of hole patterns across the length of the mattress. [0057] The fourth layer 930 incorporates a series of spherical-cap shaped cutouts 955. Each of the spherical-cap shaped cutouts may include gel, and the gel may have an elastomer with a hardness of 20 Shore 00.

[0058] The fifth layer 940 includes a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts 950a, 960b from the top of the layer that extend across the width of the mattress. As shown in Figure 6, the series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts consists of two sets, one at the top section of the mattress and one at the bottom section, and each set may be symmetrically arranged on the layer with respect to the other set. Each set comprises a series of parallel ridge-shaped cutouts of different depths, with the shallowest cutout depth on the outer edges of the set, progressively deeper cutout depths as the cutouts get closer to the center of the set and the deepest cutout depth at the center of the set. The bottom of each parallel ridge-shaped cutout (other than the center cutouts) may also be tilted slightly so that the side farther away from the center has a higher depth than the side closer to the center.

[0059] The advantages described with respect to a human lying on the mattress in Figure 5 (having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips) also apply to the mattress in Figures 6 and 7 (having an endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels). The advantages described with respect to the vertical holes in the mattress in Figures 6 and 7 (having an endoskeleton with spherical-cap shaped elastomer gels) apply equally to the mattress in Figure 5 (having an endoskeleton with elastomer gel strips).

[0060] Turning to Figures 8A, 8B and 8C shown is more detail of one arrangement 800 of the spherical-cap shaped cutouts that are filled with gel. The arrangement may be located on the bottom of the fourth layer 740 shown in Figure 6 and may be located on the high resiliency foam layer.

[0061] This arrangement 800 comprises a plurality of lines of spherical-cap shaped cutouts that run across the width of the high-resiliency foam layer. In this arrangement there are 9 such lines (although any other number may be used). The spherical-cap shaped cutouts may be filled with gel and the gel may have an elastomer with a hardness of 20 Shore 00.

[0062] The center line (A) has the largest spherical-cap shaped cutouts 825a. A cross section A- A 825c in Figure 8B shows the deepest shaped cutouts. An overhead detail F in Figure 8C shows the largest spherical-cap shaped cutouts 825d. [0063] The lines immediately adjacent to the center line on the left and on the right (B) have the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 824a, 824b. A cross section B-B 824c in Figure 8B shows the next-shallower spherical-cap shaped cutouts. An overhead detail F in Figure 8C shows the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 824d, 824e.

[0064] The lines immediately adjacent to the previously-discussed line on the left and on the right (C) have the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 823a, 823b. A cross section C-C 823c in Figure 8B shows the next-shallower spherical-cap shaped cutouts. An overhead detail F in Figure 8C shows the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 823d.

[0065] The lines immediately adjacent to the previously-discussed line on the left and on the right (D) have the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 822a, 822b. A cross section D-D 822c in Figure 8B shows the next-shallower spherical-cap shaped cutouts. An overhead detail F in Figure 8C shows the next-smaller spherical-cap shaped cutouts 823d.

[0066] The lines immediately adjacent to the previously-discussed line on the left and on the right (E) have the smallest spherical-cap shaped cutouts 821a, 821b. A cross section D-D 821c in Figure 8B shows the shallowest spherical-cap shaped cutouts. An overhead detail F in Figure 8C shows the smallest spherical-cap shaped cutouts 82 Id.

[0067] The pattern of spherical-cap shaped cutouts along the lines may have different offsets across the width of the mattress. As shown in Figures 8A, 8B and 8C, this may be arranged so that every other line (such as A, C and E) have a first offset pattern. The other lines (such as B and D) have a second offset pattern.

[0068] Other incarnations of the mattress may include one or more of the following:

[0069] A. The endoskeleton inclusion can take near any shape (parallel, transverse, at angle, or any combination therein) relative to the body. It can have straight or curved shapes.

[0070] B. The inclusion can be placed at any height or depth of the mattress and can cover from 1% to 100% of the mattress footprint (when viewed from above).

[0071] C. The inclusion can be combined with foam subtraction/cutouts at other points of the mattress to create wider spreads in firmness. Or it can be standalone without any other foam subtracti on/ cutouts .

[0072] D. The inclusion can soften or firm up the mattress, or both, depending on the location.

[0073] E. The inclusion can create variable firmness from left-to-right across the mattress. [0074] F. The inclusion can be facing different layers of the mattress in any combination.

[0075] G. The inclusion can be silicone, polyurethane or another elastomer. It can be foamed or solid.

[0076] H. The inclusion can be poured in liquid state into the foam, or it can be performed into a shape via injection molding, RIM molding, compression molding, extrusion or other

manufacturing method that yields a shaped elastomer.

[0077] I. The inclusion could also be rigid (plastic, rubber or other material) such that it has an elongation less than 20% before it no longer recovers to original shape.

[0078] J. The inclusion could be a fabric textile bonded to the foam layers.

[0079] K. The inclusion could be an air or liquid bladder.

[0080] L. The inclusion can fill a shaped void in the foam (formed through cutting, convoluting, molding or other means) or it can be in-situ, filling the pores of the foam. Or it can be both.

[0081] M. The inclusion may be externally affixed to the mattress and help define the external surfaces of the mattress. In this case, it would be an "exoskeleton."

[0082] N. The inclusion can be designed in such a way that the firmness or thermal conductivity of the inclusion can be varied thru air pressure, electricity, magnetism, temperature or other external force or field.

[0083] O. The inclusion can include additives to improve thermal conductivity.

[0084] P. The inclusion can be for mattresses, seats, cushions, pads, or any other comfort product.

[0085] Q. The number of layers in the mattress may vary in number and in composition and may include one or more of the layers with the physical properties specified in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The cutouts may be taken from one or more of the layers. The inclusion may be embedded in one or more of the layers.

[0086] R. The mattress may also include a series of vertical-oriented holes that cut through one or more layers of the mattress, including the top two layers.

[0087] S. The inclusion may be made of various sizes of spherical-cap shaped cutouts arranged in varying orders. [0088] Thus, the use of an elastomer endoskeleton in a foam mattress to create variable firmness has the following advantages:

[0089] A. It can create much greater differences in firmness.

[0090] B. It increases durability (as it is a net additive process, not subtractive).

[0091] C. It can achieve much a greater range of shapes.

[0092] D. It can include a filler (e.g., temperature modification) that can be modified to any preference to increase sleep quality.

[0093] E. It has high elasticity and Poisson's ratio that reduces pressure points in comparison to foams.

[0094] F. It increases thermal conductivity that moves heat away from body.

[0095] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

[0096] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0097] Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes",

"including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ... a", "has ... a", "includes ... a", "contains ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily

mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0098] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.