BACKGROUND

The invention relates to road markings, more specifically to road markings adapted for alerting road users.

Road markings may be used on all traffic areas, such as roads, airport runways, port areas, car parks, pedestrian paths or sidewalks. Road markings should be visible through various elements and all seasons - during the day and night, through water or snow. Road studs or similar raised markers are used in road construction to delineate road edges and centrelines. Reflective portions may provide visual cues for road users. Raised markers may cause trouble for motorcyclists.

Painted road markings are prone to wear. During the winter, the painted road markings may get covered in snow or ice. Dust and sand are also known to cover painted road markings. Raised road markers have an advantage regarding their visibility in comparison to painted road markings. Road markings should not create additional problems during road maintenance or resurfacing. During the winter, snowploughing causes significant stress to any protruding road markings. Loose road studs may be dangerous on the road. The road must be resurfaced frequently, for example, in areas where studded tyres are used. When the road is resurfaced, road studs having metal housings or hard plastic must be removed beforehand, as metal parts or hard plastic cannot be introduced to the recycled road surface material.

GB2228758 discloses a kerb and/or road marking device, comprising a holder of open channel cross-section for insertion into the road. The holder has a rectangular body whose upper surface is cambered and supplied with bristles. Each end of the rectangular body is supplied with alternate male/female connection means such that a plurality of such bodies may be connected end- to-end within said holder.

US4815818 discloses reflector including a resilient member formed of elastomeric material having embedded in at least a portion thereof a plurality of retro-reflective glass beads. The resilient member can be formed either with or without a base member. The base member can be formed either integrally or non-integrally with the resilient member to serve as a support body for the resilient member. When formed with a base member, at least the distal end of the resilient member has a surface portion of the elastomeric material forming the resilient member removed to expose at least a portion of the glass beads thereat.

KR20120002839A discloses a parking line with grass. An enclosure capable of holding a mat with artificial lawn is fixed along the parking line. The mat is adhered by adhesive or is fixed by a fastener to the floor of the enclosure.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features, nor to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

A road marking and a method for road marking are disclosed. The road marking has bristles extending above a road surface level. The bristles are attached below the road surface level, leaving a recess between the road surface level and the bristles. The recess allows the bristles to bend below the road surface level during the snowploughing. The road marking has a natural raised state and a forced lowered state. The bristles are flexible and comprise a spring force that raises the bristles above the road surface level as soon as the snowplough has released the bristles. The forces exerted on the raised road marking do not pull the bristles or the whole road marking assembly off the road surface.

The bristles may be installed into the road surface by forming a suitable cavity into the road surface. A lower portion of the cavity is filled with a fluid adhesive, leaving the surface of the adhesive below the road surface. The bristles are inserted in the fluid adhesive. After the adhesive has been cured, the bristles stand proud from the road surface.

The adhesive may be bitumen or the adhesive may comprise bitumen. Bitumen integrates seamlessly into the road surface. The bristles may be luminescent and/or comprise material reflecting light. The bristles may be made of monofilament, single fibres of plastic, for example, similar fibres as used in thick fishing lines. One example of the installed road marking consists of bristles and bitumen.

Simple road marking materials allow the road marking to be used as recycling material. The old road surface may be removed with the road markings, heated and reused at least partially as new road surface. The plastic bristles melt and disintegrate completely into the new, recycled road surface material.

Resurfacing the road is fast and simple even with the raised road marking.

Raised bristles are visible to road users. They provide audible cues to a vehicle driver when driven over. The raised structure increases visibility by creating shadows on the road surface. The bristles are visible even through a light layer of snow or ice. Flexible bristles bear the stress of snow ploughing. The bristles do not cause excess forces to the snow plough. For motorcycles and bicycles, the bristles provide improved safety when compared to other raised road markings as the effect on the motorcycle is minimal. For visually impaired persons, the bristles may provide tactile warnings while minimizing a tripping hazard. The road markings may be economic to produce and easy to install on asphalt.

The raised bristles may be configured to be detectable by the vision systems of autonomous vehicles or safety systems in vehicles. The raised bristles may be detected, for example, by digital camera vision, lidar or radar. Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations which solve any or all the

disadvantages of known road markings or road marking installation methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a road marking;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having two adhesives;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having a lighting element;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having intersecting cuts to a road surface material;

FIG. 5 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having rectangular cuts to the road surface material; FIG. 6 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having double folded bristles;

FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a road having road markings;

FIG. 8 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a road line having road markings; FIG. 9 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having two types of bristles;

FIG. 10a illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having a single line of bristles; FIG. 10b illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having a single line of bristles from an alternative angle;

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a bristle;

FIG. 12 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a bristle; FIG. 13 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a bristle;

FIG. 14 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking;

FIG. 15a illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having a spiral fibre; and FIG. 15b illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the road marking having a spiral fibre from an alternative angle.

Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. However, the same or any equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in marking road edges or centrelines, they are provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of road markings.

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a road marking 10. The road marking 10 comprises vertical bristles 11 rising above a road surface level 12. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 rise 3 - 5 cm above the road surface level 12. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 rise 10 - 12 cm above the road surface level 12. Said examples are not limiting as other lengths for the bristles 11 are possible.

The bristles 11 may be fibres or yarns. The fibres may be round, oval or rectangular. The bristles 11 may be made of durable and flexible material, suitable for the stress provide by vehicles and road maintenance. The bristles 11 are flexible with the ability to bend along the road surface 12. In one embodiment, the bristles are made of a material group comprising a reflective yarn, fibre or thread made of steel, aluminium or plastic. Various materials or combinations of different materials may be used. The bristles 11 may comprise a first material at the lower portion and the visible portion may comprise a second material. The visible portion may be flexible, resilient, durable, highly visible and/or self-cleaning. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are made of plastic fibres, having thickness between 1 mm to 3 mm. The bristles 11 may be straight or slightly curved. The end of a single bristle 11 may be flattened or bent. The end may form a hook, a ball or a loop. The bristles 11 may form separate clusters within a single road marking 10.

The road marking 10 may comprise at least two different types of bristles 11. In one embodiment, a first type of bristles 11 has reflective characteristics and a second type of bristles 11 are durable, configured to provide a shield for the first type of bristles 11. The second type of bristles 11 may be shorter than the first type of bristles 11.

The characteristics of the bristles 11 , such as length, height above the road surface level 12, width 4 or bristle density may be varied according to the intended usage. The characteristics may be varied according to the speed or weight of the vehicle that is expected to travel over the road marking 10. The characteristics may be varied according to the road surface material to ensure durability. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are thermochromic. As one example, the bristles 11 may indicate freezing conditions to road users by changing colour. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 react to different

temperatures by altering shape. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are made of a shape-memory material. In the example of FIG. 1 , the bristles 11 stand proud from the road surface 12.

In one embodiment, the angle a between the bristles 11 and the road surface 12 is 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle a is between 60 and 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle a is between 15 and 60 degrees. The bristles 11 may be tilted in a predetermined direction to receive the most likely stress, such as snowploughing. The bristles 11 may be bent controllably in the predetermined direction. The bristles 11 standing at 90 degrees may be bent in any direction.

The bristles 11 extend above the road surface level 12, improving their visibility. As one example, the lights of moving vehicles hit the bristles 11 at a road edge or centre line, creating shadows behind the bristles 11. Shadows may also be created by sunshine at dusk or dawn. In one exemplary embodiment, the bristles 11 comprise luminescent material to improve their visibility. The luminescent material may be photoluminescent, fluorescent, phosphorescent or light-reflecting material. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are coated with luminescent material.

A cavity 15 is formed below the road surface level 12. In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed into the road surface material 17. In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is a V-shaped cavity formed in the road surface material 17 by two blade cuts. The edges 14 of the cavity 15 may be inclined, for example, following the direction of the blade cut. The edges 14 may be vertical. In selected embodiments, the cavity 15 is rectangular, U-shaped, hemispherical, cylindrical or any other suitable shape. FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a cross- sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the edges 14 form a rectangular shape.

In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed by pavement milling, comprising the removal of at least part of the road surface 12. In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed by grinding at least a portion of the road surface 12. In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed by pushing a hard object into the road surface 12. In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed by pushing the hard object into the road surface 12. The road surface 12 may be hot or cold when the hard object is pushed into the road surface. During road resurfacing, the fresh road surface 12 is hot, being suitable for receiving the cavity 15 formation. In one embodiment, the road surface is heated with a heating element before receiving the hard object.

The cavity 15 comprises a first adhesive 16 for attaching the bristles 11. The first adhesive 16 is below the road surface level 12. After attaching the bristles 11 to the first adhesive 16, the level of the first adhesive 16 remains below the road surface level 12. As the first adhesive 16 has been completely cured, the difference in surface levels forms a recess 13 between the bristles 11 and the road surface level 12.

In one embodiment, the recess 13 is arranged to the outer perimeter of the road marking 10. The recess 13 surrounds the bristles 11. In one embodiment, the road marking 10 comprises the recess 13 only on selected sides of the bristles 11. As one example, the bristles 11 may be in contact with the road surface on a first side, while the road marking 10 comprises the recess 13 on the second side.

The recess 13 in the upper portion of the cavity 15 allows the bristles 11 to be bent into the recess 13. As an example, a car may be driving over the road marking 10, causing the bristles 11 to bend under the tyre to the road surface level 12 or near the road surface level 12. In one embodiment the bristles 11 are positioned densely, preventing the bristles 11 to being interleaved within each other as they are pushed down to one direction. The bristles 11 may fill the recess 13 when fully bent. The recess 13 eases the stress on the bent bristles 11 , thus enabling a longer lifetime. When the car drives over the road marking 10, the bristles 11 and the cavity 15 may cause an audible sound for the driver, thereby alerting of the road edge or centre line. Alternatively, or in addition, the bristles 11 may cause vibrations to the vehicle. The road marking 10 is safe for motorcycles and bicycles, as the bristles 11 bend to the road surface level 12 or near to the road surface level 12, minimizing the effect on driveability.

In one embodiment, the road marking 10 is used on tactile paving, providing tactile warnings for the visually impaired. The bristles 11 may be selected to cause minimal tripping hazard for pedestrians. The bristles 11 are functional during icy conditions and may provide tactile warnings and/or reduce road slipperiness.

The bristles 11 may collect dirt or debris. Bending the bristles 11 and releasing them quickly releases dirt from the bristles 11. The bristles 11 may spring back into the original position and remove at least portion of the dirt. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are made of hydrophobic material. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are coated with hydrophobic material.

In one embodiment, the first adhesive comprises the same material as the road surface. In one embodiment, the first adhesive 16 comprises bitumen. In one embodiment, the first adhesive 16 is plastic. In one embodiment, the first adhesive 16 is glue. In one embodiment, the first adhesive 16 is hot melt poured into the cavity 15 and allowed to cure. The road marking 10 may be installed to the road surface by heating the bitumen to a liquid state of matter, filling the cavity 15 partially with hot bitumen, placing the bristles 11 into the bitumen and letting the bitumen cool. The bristles 11 remain in the cured bitumen. The road surface or pavement is the durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway.

Examples of suitable road surface materials are asphalt, concrete or composite pavement materials laid on a compacted base course. Asphalt may comprise bitumen binder and various substances such as rubber.

In one embodiment, the road marking 10 is recyclable in a recycled road surface pavement. The road marking 10 may be completed without any support structures made of metal that would be embedded on the road surface. In one road resurfacing method, at least a portion of the road surface is milled or ground. The loose road surface material is remixed with new road surface material by heating the substances to a uniform material. Road markings consisting of road surface material and plastic fibres may be reused in the hot asphalt remix. If the road marking comprises any material that is not suitable for recycling, the road markings would have to be machined off the road surface before resurfacing.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment. In this example, the cavity 15 comprises a second adhesive 26 between the road surface material 17 and the first adhesive 16. The second adhesive 26 is configured to adhere to the first adhesive 16 and to a cavity formed in the road surface material 17. The second adhesive 26 may be glue, cement, paste or primer configured to improve adhesion between the road marking 10 and the first adhesive 16. In one embodiment, the first adhesive 16 is cured with the bristles 11 before installation to the road surface. The road marking 10 may be manufactured before installing it to the second adhesive 26. The bristles 11 and the first adhesive 16 may be inserted into the second adhesive 26 as a single piece of road marking 10.

The recess 13 may be formed between the first adhesive 16 and the second adhesive 26. In one embodiment, the second adhesive 26 fills the lower portion of the cavity 15. The first adhesive 16 may be cured before installation into the second adhesive 26, wherein the shape of the cured first adhesive 16 may provide space for the recess 13.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment having a lighting element 31. The lower portion of the road marking 10 comprises the lighting element 31. The bristles 11 allow light from the lighting element 31 to pass through above the road surface 12. The first adhesive 16 may be at least partially transparent. The lighting element may be embedded into the first adhesive 16. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are made of transparent material, for example, fibres having optical characteristics. The lighting element 31 may comprise a connection to an electric power source. In one embodiment, the lighting element 31 comprises a solar-powered battery that may be charged during daytime and the lighting element illuminates the road marking 10 during the darker hours. In one embodiment, the lighting element 31 comprises photoluminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent material.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the bottom portion 41 of the cavity 15 is formed by two intersecting blade cuts. The two blades are tilted during the cutting process, leaving an intersection to the road surface material 17. The first adhesive 16 or the second adhesive 26 may enter the intersection, thus providing a more secure connection to the road surface material 17.

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the bristles 11 comprise bent fibres. The bottom portions of two fibres 11 are connected. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are inserted into the first adhesive as double-folded. The bottom section of the bristles 11 forms a solid grip to the first adhesive 16 after it has cured.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment for placing the road markings 10 on the road, illustrated from above the road. The centre line 71 is between the left line 72 and the right line 73. The road markings 10 are placed in a similar manner as conventional road studs. In the present example, the road markings 10 have been installed at a 45-degree angle and cover substantially the width of the road lines 72, 73. The road markings 10 may comprise different angles or they may vary in length. FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement for placing the road markings 10 with the painted road line 71. A single road line 71 has multiple road markings 10 arranged as matrix.

The road marking 10 being at oblique angle to the traffic direction reduces the additional noise and/or the risk of losing the vehicle control when the vehicle tire hits the road marking 10. The oblique angle allows water or slush to escape from the cavity 15 and the recess 13 when the tire hits the road marking, reducing the risk of water planning. The reduced water impact causes less degradation to the road surface.

During winter the road marking 10 may form a small pit into the ice layer on the road as the tires passing the bristles 11 throw the snow or ice away from the road marking 10. The oblique angle of the road marking 10 reduces the risk of the bristles 11 tearing apart from the road marking 10 during snowploughing. Only a portion of the bristles 11 are caught by the snowplough when the road marking 10 is in oblique angle to the direction of the traffic. This reduces the momentary effect and impact of the snowplough.

The cavity 15 may be narrow and bristles 11 tall when comparing to other road marking products. The oblique angle allows the bristles 11 to bend effectively into the recess 13. The oblique angle assembly may save material and reduce the cost. Lower material consumption allows the road markings to be recycled with the road surface material, as the bristles 11 melt into the recycled and heated mass.

According to one exemplary embodiment, one method for installing the road marking 10 comprises forming a cavity 15 into the road surface, providing the first adhesive 16 into the cavity 15 and putting the bristles 11 into the first adhesive 16. The first adhesive 16 is fluid. In one example, the first adhesive 16 is hot bitumen. In one example, the first adhesive 16 is cool glue. The surface level of the first adhesive 16 is kept below the road surface level 12, thereby forming a recess 13 between the bristles 11 and the road surface level 12.

The bristles 11 are inserted into the soft first adhesive 16. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 are pre-cut. In one embodiment, the method for installing the bristles 11 comprises having long, continuous fibres that are inserted into the first adhesive 16 and cut to a suitable length at site, to become the bristles 11. The fibres may be installed into the first adhesive 16 manually or with a suitable device. The fibres may be double-folded before cutting, wherein the folded portion of the bristles 11 is inserted into the first adhesive 16.

In one embodiment, the second adhesive 26 is poured into the cavity 15 before the first adhesive 16. The second adhesive may function as the primer to the first adhesive 16 and the road surface material 17.

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment. The bristles 11 comprise two variants having different

characteristics. The bristles 91 of the outer set are thicker than the bristles 92 of the inner set. The outer bristles 91 provide mechanical durability and protection to the inner bristles 92. In this example, the inner bristles 92 are slightly taller and have luminescent properties. As one example, the inner bristles 92 may comprise reflective material or they may be coated with reflective material. As the complete set of bristles 11 bend, the outer bristles 19 are pushed against the inner bristles 92, wherein the mechanical movement between the bristles 91 , 92 removes dirt and debris from the inner set of bristles 92, thereby reviving the luminescent properties. FIG. 10a illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment from a first point of view. FIG. 10b illustrates the same

embodiment from a second point of view. The bristles 11 are arranged into a narrow cavity 15 or groove, wherein the bristles 11 form a narrow line. The groove edges may be at 90 degrees.

In one embodiment, the cavity 15 is formed by cutting a groove with a single blade. The cavity 15 may be formed with a single cut. The bottom of the cavity 15 follows the blade’s shape; in one example, the bottom of the cavity 15 comprises rounded edges. The bristles 11 are positioned into the groove as a narrow structure. In one embodiment, the bristles 11 form the line with single consecutive bristles 11. In one embodiment, a small number of bristles 11 may be positioned side-by-side, where the road marking 10 comprises multiple consecutive bristles 11. The blade may cut the recess 13 with the same cut.

The blade may comprise secondary teeth for cutting the recess 13. FIG. 11 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the top portion of the bristles 11 has been bent to form a loop. The loop may improve the visibility of the bristle 11. In the example of FIG. 12, the top portion of the bristles 11 forms a loop. In the example of FIG. 13, the bristles comprise a bent top portion, wherein the bend may be directed in alternative directions. In the previous examples, the bristles 11 are positioned in the narrow cavity. A similar arrangement having various arrangements on the top portion of the bristles 1 may be used with various cavity shapes.

FIG. 14 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the bristles 11 form a loop and both ends of the bristles 11 are embedded in the first adhesive 16. The arrangement has been tested to withstand bending and stress from vehicle tires. The loops bounce back above the road surface level 12 after being driven over.

FIG. 15a illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment, wherein the visible portion of the bristles 11 is formed by embedding a spiral fibre into the first adhesive 16. FIG. 15b illustrates the same embodiment from a second point of view. The spiral may be produced from a single fibre that is positioned into the first adhesive 16 from one side. A road marking is disclosed, comprising bristles extending above a road surface level and a first adhesive for the bristles, arranged to a cavity formed below the road surface level. The cavity comprises a recess between the bristles and the road surface level, allowing the bristles to bend into the recess below the road surface level. In one embodiment, a second adhesive is configured to adhere to the first adhesive and to the cavity formed in the road surface material. In one embodiment, the first adhesive comprises the same material as the road surface. In one embodiment, the first adhesive comprises bitumen. In one embodiment, the cavity is a V-shaped cavity formed in the road surface material by two blade cuts. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the road marking comprises a lighting element and the bristles allow light from the lighting element to pass through above the road surface level. In one embodiment, the road marking is recyclable in a recycled road surface pavement. In one embodiment, the bristles comprise luminescent, photoluminescent, fluorescent, phosphorescent or light-reflecting material.

Alternatively, or in addition, a method for a road marking is disclosed. Said road marking comprises bristles above a road surface level and a first adhesive for the bristles, arranged below the road surface level. The method comprises: forming a cavity into a road surface; providing the first adhesive into the cavity, wherein the first adhesive is fluid and a surface level of the first adhesive is below the road surface level, forming a recess between the bristles and the road surface level; and putting bristles into the first adhesive. In one

embodiment, the method comprises providing a second adhesive into the cavity before the first adhesive and adhering the first adhesive onto the second adhesive. In one embodiment, the first adhesive comprises the same material as the road surface. In one embodiment, the first adhesive comprises bitumen. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming the cavity as a V-shaped cavity by two cuttings of the road surface material by two blade cuts. In one embodiment, the method comprises cutting the bottom portion of the cavity by two intersecting blade cuts. In one embodiment, the method comprises recycling the road marking in a recycled road surface pavement.

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Although at least a portion of the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The

embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that any reference to‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.

The term‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.