TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] Jigsaw puzzles with revealable regions

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0003] Jigsaw puzzles are typically made of interlocking cardboard pieces that are assembled to form a complete image. Once assembled, jigsaw puzzles may have limited function as decoration, or be disassembled for reassembly. Such puzzles do not offer an element of surprise when completed as the image is typically revealed on the packaging itself. Furthermore, there is rarely an educational component to the jigsaw puzzle, beyond any information printed directly on the image. Finally, being static images, typical jigsaw puzzles lack the ability to demonstrate changes over time.

SUMMARY

[0004] What is provided is a puzzle kit in which the puzzle pieces are assembled to form a first image with at least one revealable region which conceals a second image to be revealed by the revealable region. The revealable region may consist of a scratch- off material where it may be modified through scratching, or it may consist of a sticker removable through peeling. The revealable region may also consist of an area that has been chemically treated to change appearance when a liquid such as water or special marker is applied to the area, or under specific lighting, temperature or pressure conditions. When revealed, the second image may contain an indicia which may be matched with an information source to provide further information corresponding to the indicia found on the second image. The indicia may be a part of the second image or the entirety of the second image itself. With the information being provided on a separate information source, there may be an educational aspect to the puzzle kit, while the image assembled from puzzle pieces remains primarily a visual image without the distraction of text being printed directly on the image. The information source may be physical print, an audio player, or a software application. Furthermore, the revealable regions add an element of surprise to the kit, by allowing the user to manually reveal information or imagery not present when the puzzle is first assembled. When fully revealed, the completed image may appear completely different from the image when first assembled, meaning that elements normally revealed by the packaging of standard jigsaw puzzles are hidden until fully revealed.

[0005] Also provided is a method of playing with the puzzle kit described above, involving the steps of assembling a plurality of puzzle pieces to form a first image having at least one revealable region, modifying the revealable region to reveal a second image having an indicia; and matching the indicia to an information source containing information or instruction corresponding to the indicia, and optionally taking additional steps based on the instruction provided, such as modifying additional revealable regions based on a sequence provided by the information source.

[0006] In another aspect, indicators are provided on top of at least one revealable region which may be used to correlate to an information source to provide further information on the object, or instruction as to the order or method in which to modify any remaining revealable regions. A related method of playing a puzzle game having a revealable region with an indicator thereon is also provided.

[0007] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a completed puzzle of a map showing a first image with revealable regions, according to one embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a completed puzzle with revealable regions modified to reveal second images containing landmarks, according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. [0011 ] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the information source for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 4A is a plan view of one screen of a software application being displayed on a user device, as the information source for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 4B is a plan view of another screen of a software application being displayed on a user device, as the information source for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a plan view of an audio player as the information source for use with the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a completed puzzle of a map, with a plurality of revealable regions intact, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the completed puzzle in accordance with the map of Fig. 6, with the revealable regions modified to reveal second images containing a plurality of indicia.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a plan view of an information source providing information corresponding to the indicia found in Fig. 7.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a completed puzzle of a map, with a plurality of revealable regions having indicators marked thereon, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a completed puzzle showing a first image of a city with revealable regions covering various buildings, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a plan view of the completed puzzle of Fig. 10, with the revealable regions modified to show the various buildings hidden in the first image.

[0021 ] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the information source for providing information corresponding to the buildings found in Fig. 11.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a plan view of a completed puzzle where the entirety of the first image is covered by a revealable region, in accordance with another embodiment. [0023] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the completed puzzle of Fig. 13, where different portions of the revealable region have been modified.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the information source for providing clues to find the hidden object, based on the indicia found in Fig. 14.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a plan view of a completed puzzle of a black and white image wherein the image is covered by a revealable region with indicators, according to another embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the completed puzzle of Fig. 16, where the revealable region has been modified to reveal a fully colored version of the black and white image.

[0027] Fig. 18 is a plan view of an information source for providing direction to modify the revealable regions within Fig. 16, based on the corresponding indicators found in Fig. 16.

[0028] Fig. 19 is a close up plan view of puzzle pieces with revealable regions intact.

[0029] Fig. 20 is a close up plan view of puzzle pieces with revealable regions modified.

[0030] Fig. 21 is a plan view of double-sided puzzle pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031 ] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0032] Provided is a puzzle kit having a plurality of puzzle pieces which may be assembled to form a first image. The puzzle pieces may be formed of cardboard, foam or other materials used in jigsaw puzzles. On the first image are various revealable regions that reveal secondary images when modified. During manufacturing, an image is first printed onto a cardboard or foam material. This printed image comprises a combination of an image which is viewable by the user upon completion of the puzzle

(i.e. , a first image), as well as at least one hidden image that is initially covered by a revealable region (i.e., a second image). The revealable region covering the second image may then be created through printing of a scratch-off surface directly onto the puzzle, or through a separate piece of scratchable material or sticker which is bonded to the puzzle. Alternatively, the revealable region may also be applied through chemical treatment, such that the region changes appearance under certain circumstances, such as when a liquid such as water or a special marker is applied to the area (for example, when printed using invisible or security ink), or under certain pressure, temperature or lighting conditions through application of a glow in the dark material. Preferably, for ease of manufacturing, the application of the revealable region to the puzzle occurs before the puzzle is die-cut into pieces, as otherwise the revealable region may also need to be cut separately. A close-up of puzzle pieces 220 and 222 having a revealable region 224 is shown in Fig. 19, and a close-up of the same puzzle pieces 220 and 222 with the revealable region modified to reveal a second image 234 is shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, the revealable region need not be limited to a small area within the first image, but may comprise a substantial part of or the entirety of the first image. Where the revealable region covers a substantial portion of the first image, a scratchable or chemically treated region may be preferable over the use of a sticker due to the increased complexity for the user in having to remove a sticker over an entire jigsaw puzzle and around the interlocking regions. Flowever, using stickers or chemically treated regions may provide the ability to reset the revealable regions after use. A puzzle may have combinations of scratchable regions, removable stickers, chemically treated regions, or other type of revealable region within the same puzzle, or may have only one format of revealable region within the puzzle. Furthermore, an additional indicator may be printed directly onto the revealable regions, for aesthetic purposes or to provide additional direction (for example, to direct a sequence for modifying the revealable regions). The revealable regions can be provided in various shapes and sizes on the pieces of the puzzle. The revealable regions may cover the entirety of or a portion of certain puzzle pieces, or may cover parts and/or the whole of multiple puzzle pieces.

[0033] The secondary images revealed by modifying the revealable regions may contain indicia which can then be matched with the corresponding indicia provided on an information source. The indicia may include any items which can be uniquely identified by a user as being associated with the information source, such as, for example, a number, letter, symbol, a landmark, or an image, such as an image of an object or a fictional or non-fictional character. The indicia may also be only a part of the second image, or the entirety of the second image itself. Once the indicia from the secondary images have been matched with the indicia from the information source, additional content from the information source is available to the user. It is through this combination of a revealable region with an information source that additional layers of surprise, education and interactivity is provided to the user, beyond what typical jigsaw puzzles are able to provide.

[0034] The information source may be any medium that is capable of displaying recorded information to a user. The information source may comprise a physical sheet or card with printed text which may be provided in any format or size, or may be an electronic device such as an audio player with pre-recorded audio information linked to the indicia found in the secondary image(s). The information source may also be the packaging or box containing the puzzle pieces, whereby the necessary information is printed or otherwise provided directly on the packaging or box itself. The information source may also be provided on a software application for use on a user device (e.g., a computer, smartphone or tablet) through physical media such as a CD or USB drive, or provided electronically, such as through a link to a web address for download. The software may be programmed to reveal information based on user input corresponding to the data from the secondary images. For example, the software application may work with a portable user device (e.g., a smartphone) to have the camera of the device scan the indicia revealed by the revealable region to send a signal to the processing unit of the device, which then displays the information (which may be in the form of written or audio/visual information) on the screen of the portable user device. The software may be programmed to recognize various specific forms of indicia such as alphanumeric characters, shapes, symbols, or a QR™ code. Alternatively, for devices without a camera, the software may simply employ use of on-screen buttons (pressable using touchscreen or an input such as mouse or keyboard) that correlate to the indicia found in the second images. A software application would also be able to provide functionality not available through an audio player or a physical card, such as direct access to Internet links with more detailed descriptions relating to each of the subject matter revealed in the completed puzzle. Information provided electronically may also be updated periodically. The information source may also be printed directly on and formed as part of the second image or the first image (e.g., as part of a legend), although in some cases this may detract from the overall aesthetics of the completed puzzle. The information source may also be a physical object representing or corresponding to the indicia which has printed information on it.

[0035] The combination of a revealable region revealing indicia that is used to correspond to an indicia within an information source has a number of advantages and applications not present in existing puzzle kits. The following are a few specific examples of these applications.

[0036] As an example, shown in Fig. 1 is a completed puzzle with a map with revealable regions concealing landmarks located throughout the map. When completed, the puzzle pieces form a first image 30 of a geographical map. On the geographical map are revealable regions 24, 26 and 28 in Fig. 1 , which when modified, reveal secondary images containing indicia 34, 36, and 38 as shown in Fig. 2, in the form of landmarks that are located in the real-life geographical regions shown on the map. In this particular example, the indicia comprise the entirety of the second images, although in other embodiments, the indicia only comprise a portion of the second images. The user may then correlate the indicia 34, 36, and 38 with the corresponding indicia 44, 46 and 48 on the information source 40 found in Fig. 3 to learn more about each landmark through descriptions 54, 56, 58. Note that the indicia used is not limited to landmarks, but may be objects such as symbols, numbers or other markings located in close proximity to the landmarks. The combination of the puzzle, revealable region and the information source provide the user with not only satisfaction in completing the jigsaw puzzle, but also education about the locations and landmarks on the map.

[0037] In use, once the jigsaw puzzle has been assembled, the user may then modify the revealable regions 24, 26 and 28 one by one to reveal each of the landmarks. After each landmark is revealed, the user may refer to the information source for more information about each landmark. This may be done in chronological order of time of events, or dates of buildings built, which may be directed by the information source as shown in Fig. 3, which may have dates corresponding to each landmark. Optionally, the information source may have its own revealable regions which hide the landmarks until modified by the user, and accordingly forces the user to guess or research before modifying and revealing the landmark on the puzzle map that matches each description. Optionally, all of the revealable regions 24, 26 and 28 may be the same shape and size, so as to not provide hints as to the landmarks being concealed. Alternatively, in a simpler method of play, the information source will not have revealable regions and all of the information related to each landmark will already be revealed on the apparatus, which serves as an educational tool on its own, as shown in Fig. 3. If using a software application as the information source, the application may allow the user to interact with the screen by touching on-screen buttons that correspond to the indicia or landmark, and which will present further information relating to the landmarks. Provided in Figs 4A and 4B are examples of images of a software application as they appear on a user device 11. Fig. 4A is an exemplary image of the initial screen for the application, with on-screen buttons 64, 66, 68 which correspond to the indicia 34, 36, 38, respectively, found in the puzzle in Fig. 2. Fig. 4B is an image of a second screen with additional information when one of touchscreen regions 64, 66, 68 are pressed. In this particular figure, a description 54 of the landmark corresponding to indicia 34 (and touchscreen region 64) is provided. In a variation of this embodiment as shown in Fig. 5, where the information source is an audio player 70, there may be buttons 74, 76, 78 corresponding to each landmark revealed, which upon being pressed will playback an audio recording with information relating to the associated landmark.

[0038] In another embodiment, instead of hidden landmarks, the revealable regions may be used to conceal the location of specific events in history, for example battles in World War II, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8. As shown in Fig. 6, the assembled first image 102 is one of a map of Europe during World War II, and the revealable regions

104, 106 and 108 cover locations where battles had taken place during the war. When fully modified, as provided in Fig. 7, an image of Europe with indicia 114, 116 and 118 relating to some of the major battles during World War II are revealed. The user may then refer to an information source 120 and the descriptions 124, 126 and 128 in Fig. 8 to learn further information relating to the battles that took place corresponding to each of the indicia 114, 116 and 118 revealed through the revealable regions 104, 106 and 108, respectively, on the jigsaw puzzle. Through this activity, the user first learns about geography through assembly of the jigsaw puzzle, and then learns about specific battles through the process of modifying each revealable region and matching indicia of the battles with the information provided on the information source 120. The information source 41 as shown in Fig. 8 is a printed card.

[0039] Alternatively, in a variation of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, indicators 134, 136 and 138 may be printed on top of the revealable regions 144, 146 and 148, which may be used indicate movement of troops or order of battle. The combination of indicators and the information source may direct the user to scratch the revealable regions in order, so as to lead the user through the different battles during the course of a war. This embodiment allows the user to experience and learn about history and changes over time through jigsaw puzzles, which is normally considered a static medium. As demonstrated in the figures, the indicia revealed by modifying the revealable regions in this embodiment may be symbols or objects (such as tanks and other war machines).

[0040] In yet another embodiment such as that shown in Fig. 10, the puzzle pieces, when assembled, form a first image 152 of a city, such as New York. On the first image are various revealable regions 154, 156, 158 covering different landmarks within the city. As shown in Fig. 11 , the revealable regions 154, 156, 158 may be modified to reveal indicia in the form of the various buildings 164, 166 and 168 that were built at different times in history. The information source 170 in Fig. 12 then provides

descriptions 174,176 and 178 of each of the buildings 164, 166, and 168, respectively, and their significance to the period and time they were built in which they represent to provide an educational component to the puzzle kit. Optionally, the information source may direct that the regions be modified in order of time that the buildings were built. Furthermore, a trivia element may be added by including revealable regions in the information source which mask the identity of the buildings. The user may then guess, based on the description provided, what building is covered by each revealable region.

[0041 ] In an alternative version of this embodiment, the revealable regions may have specific designs such that they blend into the first image. For example, the revealable regions may be colored such that they appear as part of background of the first image (e.g., the color of the sky). Until the revealable regions are modified, the first image resembles a city as of an early date. As each of the revealable regions are modified, additional buildings are revealed over time. Similar to the embodiments described above, the information source may provide direction as to the order in which to modify the revealable regions so as to give the user a developmental history of the city over time. Where the revealable regions blend into the background, in this or other embodiments, the information source may provide direction as to the location of the revealable regions.

[0042] The same concept of changes over time may be applied to other embodiments, for example, ones involving a map, where the first image presents a map of a region as of one point in time. Almost the entire first image of the puzzle can be made modifiable, and when fully modified, a second image showing the same region as of another point in history is revealed, with information relating to each of the regions being presented through an information source. Through this process, the user is able to learn about both geography as well as history at the same time. The same

embodiment may be used with not only real life geographical regions, but also fictional regions such as those presented in fictional stories, such as films or fantasy novels.

[0043] The provided puzzle kit is not limited to historical or educational uses. The use of revealable regions and an information source may also be used to add an element of surprise or mystery.

[0044] In another embodiment, a“find the object” type of game may be played using the disclosed puzzle kit. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 13 to 15 a significant portion if not all of a first image 182 is covered by a revealable region. As shown in Fig. 15, the user may follow clues 184, 186 and 188 provided by an information source 190 to first find each indicia 194, 196, and 198, which will eventually lead to finding a hidden object 200 in the revealable region within the first image 182. The revealed secondary image may provide further clues in the form of indicia which the user then uses to reveal further clues on the information source. This method of play is particularly suited to a jigsaw puzzle format, as the user may become familiar with the details of the image (e.g., where a landmark is located, or where a particular type of person is) through building the jigsaw puzzle, and then be able to use that familiarity and recollection when reading and interpreting the clues on the information source 190 to ultimately find the hidden object 200.

[0045] In a similar embodiment, a mystery puzzle kit is provided where the information source provides fictional information or clues to solving a puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle pieces may be assembled to form a first image of a crime scene with revealable regions each hiding an indicia such as a particular event, action or figure. When revealed, each indicia is then matched with the indicia on the information source which provides a clue to solving the mystery (for example, the identity of a murder suspect). In this play mode, one of the goals may be to correctly identify the suspect based on the clues provided before all clues have been revealed on the jigsaw puzzle. This embodiment may also allow for multi-player cooperation as each of the users take turns modifying the revealable regions and receiving clues to solve the mystery.

[0046] In embodiments where clues are used to reveal a solution to a puzzle, there may be additional incorrect solution objects that are revealed when a user incorrectly makes a wrong guess about the solution. For example, if the user makes an incorrect guess at a solution and modifies a corresponding revealable region, an object may be revealed that indicates either that the user has lost the game, or that the user made an error and should try again.

[0047] Also provided is a method of playing a puzzle game using the puzzle kits provided and described above, where a user assembles a plurality of puzzle pieces to form a first image with at least one revealable region. The revealable region is then modified to reveal a second image containing an indicia. The indicia may then be used to match the indicia found on an information source, such as a physical object, an audio player or a software application which provides additional information or instruction corresponding to the unique indicia.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, an indicator may be printed on top of the revealable regions themselves. Similar to the indicia the indicator may include any items which can be uniquely identified by a user as being associated with the information source, such as, for example, a number, letter, symbol, a landmark, or an image, such as an image of an object or a fictional or non-fictional character. The indicator may be used with the information source to provide the user with instructions as to the order or method in which to modify the revealable regions, for example objects vs background, or outline vs the entirety of the object, or the direction in which to modify the revealable region. This may be used in, for example, the mystery puzzle kit described above, where it may be important to have a correct sequence for scratching and revealing clues. However, unlike the indicia, the indicator will be apparent to the user prior to the modification of the revealable region.

[0049] The use of an indicator on top of the revealable region may also form an instructional art kit. As shown in Fig. 16, in this embodiment, the entirety of a first image

202 may be a revealable region printed as a black and white sketch with indicators on different parts of the sketch. An information source 210 found in Fig. 18, using instructions 214, 216 and 218, directs the order of modifying parts of the revealable region based on indicators in the form of objects 204, 206 and 208 respectively, and when the first image 202 is fully modified (e.g., scratched or removed or when liquid is applied), a colored second image 212, as found in Fig. 17 is revealed. This type of puzzle would allow the user to have the effect of coloring by scratching off or otherwise modifying each revealable region, without being concerned about coloring over the lines. The indicators, combined with the information source may provide artistic direction by instructing the user as to which objects to“color” first. In another example, through various indicators, a user may be directed by the information source to modify the revealable regions in a specific order, for example to first modify regions having a subject indicator such as a fictional or non-fictional character or a landmark, followed by instructions to modify the revealable region having a background indicator. In this example, the background indicator may differ significantly from the actual background revealed in the second image, allowing the user to completely change the background of the puzzle by modifying the revealable region covering the background.

[0050] Where the revealable regions of a puzzle kit are scratchable, the scratchable region need not be uniformly scratchable, and may be manufactured to only cover portions or an outline of an object. Also, where the revealable regions are scratchable, the puzzle kit may also include a scratching apparatus which resembles a tool such as a crayon, pencil or paintbrush, to give the user an experience similar to coloring or drawing. In accordance instructions provided by an information source, the user may scratch along the outline of an object to first“draw” the object, and then scratch the center of the object to“color” the object.

[0051 ] The indicator on top of the revealable regions may also be used in another embodiment where a narrative is provided on the information source. For example, the information source may provide a story in which each paragraph of the story ends with instruction as to which part of the puzzle to reveal based on a series of indicators which are printed on top of the revealable regions. For example, after a fictional character is introduced in the story, the information source may include an indicator to direct the user to scratch the region having the same indicator on the completed puzzle, which would reveal the hidden character in the second image. This can be done repeatedly as the user goes through the story, and at the end, a completed image showing all of the characters of the story is provided.

[0052] Indicators to dictate a sequence may also be used as part of a connect- the-dot system to add an additional layer of interactivity for the user.

[0053] Alternatively, the information source may refer to a series of actions or fictional events that occur to change the first image into the second image. For example, the first image may be of a present-day city, whereby through a series of fictional events as provided on the information source (which through indicia direct the user to scratch various parts of the city), the second image reveals a past, future or fictional version of the same city. [0054] Similarly, a related method of playing a puzzle game is provided, where a user assembles a plurality of puzzle pieces to form a first image with at least one revealable region having an indicator thereon. The revealable region is then modified to reveal a second image in accordance with instructions or information from an information source based on the indicator on the reveable region. As described above, the information source may direct any method or sequence in modifying the revealable region, such as the order or method in which to modify the revealable region, for example objects vs background, or outline and then the entirety of the object, or the general direction of modification of the revealable region.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of puzzle pieces may be created with images, designs or patterns on both sides, such that the puzzle pieces may be assembled to form a first image with revealable regions on one side, and third image on the reverse side. The third image may be substantially similar to or a duplicate of the first image, but without any revealable regions that may be modified to reveal a second image. Having this third image may allow a user to flip over a completed puzzle where the revealable regions have been modified to refer back to the original first image, before the revealable regions were modified. This may benefit certain users who prefer the original, unmodified image. Alternatively, the third image may contain its own revealable regions that may be modified to further reveal a fourth image, to allow the user to repeat or continue the experience. In the embodiments containing indicators on top of the revealable regions, the third image may be created devoid of any such indicators, so as to provide a clean image for display purposes. Different methods may be used to distinguish the sides of the puzzle pieces used to assemble the first image from the sides of the puzzle pieces used to assemble the third image through tactile or visual differences, for example through the use of different textures, colours or edges.

[0056] One particular example of the double sided embodiment is shown in Fig.

21. To allow a user to distinguish between the two sides when sorting the pieces for assembly, the edges of each puzzle piece may be designed such that the side of each puzzle piece used to form the first image has a different edge (e.g., sharp) from the side of each puzzle piece used to form the third image (e.g., rounded). In this example, as a first step 301 , a user could sort all puzzle pieces having the rounded edges 302 facing upward while leaving the sharp edges 304 facing down. Through this process, the puzzle pieces may be sorted from a mixed state 306 to a uniform state 308 where all the pieces have the same type of edge facing upward. As a second step 303, the pieces in their uniform state 308 may be assembled to form a completed puzzle having either the first image (having a revealable region) or the third image facing upward. In this example, the completed puzzle has a third image 312 (without revealable regions) facing upward. As a third step 305, completed puzzle may then be flipped over to reveal a first image 314, which comprises revealable regions. In the next step 307, the first image 314 may be modified (e.g., scratched) using an optional scratching tool 320 to create a modified, second image 316 as shown in the next step. As a final step 309, the completed puzzle having the second image 316 facing upward may then be flipped over again to revert to the third image 312, as originally assembled. It should be noted that the steps taken by a user need not be followed in the exact order outlined above, and not all steps need to be taken in every instance. For example, a user may choose to assemble the puzzle starting with the side having revealable regions facing up, thereby first creating first image 314. The user may then choose to flip the puzzle over after modifying the revealable regions to display third image 312, or simply leave the puzzle in its modified state, i.e. , second image 316. A user may even choose to modify the revealable regions in each individual puzzle piece before assembling the puzzle. By adjusting the sizes and shapes of the connecting pieces of each puzzle piece, the completed puzzle can be optimized to stay connected through the rotation process.

[0057] Other variations on the methods described may be made without departure from the scope of the claims. For example, game play can also be further enhanced with the use of game cards, dice, or electronic app functions which are used to correspond to the indicia revealed by the revealable regions.

[0058] In the claims, the word“comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles“a” and“an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.