CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/981,341, filed February 25, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] New medications and other substances are regularly developed that are only suitable for use by adults and/or under the supervision of adults. In some instances, these substances may be designed for topical use and may be in the form of balms and/or other spreadable forms. Improvements in the packaging of such substances is desired to keep such substances from being accessible to children.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to child-resistant containers for storing and dispensing balms and/or other topical substances. Embodiments enable medications and/or other substances that are not suitable for children (at least without parental supervision) to be safely stored and dispensed. Embodiments of the containers are graspable by a user such that the user may hold onto the container while applying an exposed amount of the balm (or other substance) from an open end of the container.

[0004] In some embodiments, a child-proof balm container is provided. The container may include a container body having a first end and a second end. The container body may define an open interior that is configured to receive a balm product. An exterior surface of the first end of the container body may include a threaded feature. A dispensing mechanism may be engaged with and may seal the second end. The dispensing mechanism may be configured to advance the balm product along a length of the container body. A cap may be engageable with the container body to cover and seal the first end of the container body. The cap may include a first portion having an interior surface with threads that are configured to engage with the threaded feature and an exterior surface having a first mating feature. A second portion may receive the first portion. An interior surface of the second portion may include a second mating feature that is configured to engage the first mating feature when force is applied to the cap in a direction of the container body, thereby enabling the first portion to be rotated and the threads to be disengaged from the threaded feature to remove the cap from the container body. The cap may define an open interior that extends a distance beyond the first end of the container body when the first end of the container body is engaged with the cap.

[0005] The dispensing mechanism may include a threaded rod, a platform defining a central opening that is engaged with the threaded rod, and a wheel that is configured to rotate the threaded rod to advance the platform along a length of the container body. The distance may be at least about 2/3 of a height of the cap. The distance may be at least about inch. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the cap are formed separately from one another. A diameter of the cap may be greater than a diameter of the container body. The open interior of the cap may be configured to receive a distalmost end of the balm product such that the distalmost end of the balm product does not need to be retracted into the container body after use when replacing the cap.

[0006] A child-proof balm container may include a container body having a first end and a second end. The container body may define an open interior that is configured to receive a balm product. An exterior surface of the container body may include a mating feature disposed proximate the first end. A dispensing mechanism may be engaged with and may seal the second end. The dispensing mechanism may be configured to advance the balm product along a length of the container body. A cap may be engageable with the container body to cover and seal the first end of the container body. The cap may define an open interior that extends a distance beyond the first end of the container body when the first end of the container body is received within the open interior. One or both of the mating feature and the cap may include a child-resistant feature.

[0007] The mating feature may include a threaded feature. The cap may include a first portion having an interior surface with threads that are configured to engage with the threaded feature and an exterior surface having a first mating feature. The cap may also include a second portion that receives the first portion. An interior surface of the second portion may have a second mating feature that is configured to engage the first mating feature when force is applied to the cap in a direction of the container body, thereby enabling the first portion to be rotated and the threads to be disengaged from the threaded feature to remove the cap from the container body. An interaction between the first portion and the second portion may form the child-resistant feature. Alternatively, an interior surface of the cap may include a small protrusion positioned on a first half of the cap and at least one large protrusion positioned on a second half of the cap. The mating feature may include a ridge that defines a gap that has a greater width than the small protrusion and a lesser width than the at least one large protrusion such that when the small protrusion and the gap are in alignment the cap may be removed from the container body. An interaction between the protrusions and the ridge may form the child-resistant feature.

[0008] Alternatively, the mating feature may include a threaded feature and a flexible tab that is coupled with a nub. The cap may include an interior surface with threads that are configured to engage with the threaded feature and at least two protrusions positioned below the threads. One of the at least two protrusions may contact the nub to prevent the threads from being disengaged from the threaded feature until the flexible tab is moved to pull the nub out of a movement path of the at least two protrusions. An interaction between the nub and the one of the at least two protrusions may form the child-resistant feature. Alternatively, the mating feature may include a threaded feature and at least two sloped protrusions. An interior surface of the cap may include threads that are configured to engage with the threaded feature and two nubs positioned below the threads on opposite sides of the cap. The at least two sloped protrusions may contact the two nubs to prevent the threads from being disengaged from the threaded feature. The cap may be deformable by squeezing sides of the cap that are generally orthogonal to the opposite sides of the cap to flex the two nubs out of engagement with the at least two sloped protrusions. An interaction between the at least two sloped protrusions and the two tabs may form the child-resistant feature. The distance may be at least about 2/3 of a height of the cap. The child-resistant feature may be operated by applying compressive force between the cap and the container body and twisting the cap to remove the cap from the container body.

[0009] Alternatively, a child-proof balm container may include a container body having a first end and a second end. The container body may define an open interior that is configured to receive a balm product. An exterior surface of the first end of the container body may include a threaded feature. A dispensing mechanism may be engaged with and may seal the second end. The dispensing mechanism may include a threaded rod, a platform that may define a central opening that is engaged with the threaded rod, and a wheel that is configured to rotate the threaded rod to advance the platform along a length of the container body.

[0010] The container may include a cap that is engageable with the container body to cover and seal the first end of the container body. The cap may define an open interior that extends a distance beyond the first end of the container body when the first end of the container body is engaged with the cap. One or both of the mating feature and the cap may include a child-resistant feature. In some embodiments, the cap may include a first portion having an interior surface with threads that are configured to engage with the threaded feature and an exterior surface having a first mating feature and a second portion that receives the first portion. An interior surface of the second portion may have a second mating feature that is configured to engage the first mating feature when force is applied to the cap in a direction of the container body, thereby enabling the first portion to be rotated and the threads to be disengaged from the threaded feature to remove the cap from the container body. A diameter of the cap and a diameter of the container body may be approximately equal. The open interior of the cap may be configured to receive a distalmost end of the balm product such that the distalmost end of the balm product does not need to be retracted into the container body after use when replacing the cap. The distance may be at least about 2/3 of a height of the cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a child-resistant balm product container according to embodiments. [0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a container body of the child-resistant balm product container of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container body of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a dispensing mechanism of the child-resistant balm product container of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a cap of the child-resistant balm product container of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 4B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4 in an engaged position.

[0020] FIG. 4C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4 in a disengaged position.

[0021] FIG. 4D illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant balm product container of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to containers that are usable to store and apply amounts of balms and/or other topical substances that are not suitable for children (such as medications and/or other controlled substances). In particular, embodiments of the present invention include containers with child-resistant features that allow such substances to be stored safely from children when an adult is not applying the substance. While embodiments are generally described in relation to twist tubes for applying balms (such as waxes and/or other spreadable materials), it will be appreciated that features of the present invention may be used in other types of containers. Additionally, while described largely in the context of medications and controlled substances, it will be appreciated that other substances (such as lipstick, lip balm, glue, etc.) may be utilized in accordance with the containers described herein.

[0025] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a child-resistant balm container 100 is illustrated. Balm container 100 may include a container body 102 that is coupled with a dispensing mechanism 104 that is designed to eject or otherwise expose a portion of a balm stick stored within the container body 102. The dispensing mechanism 104 may cover and seal a bottom end 106 of the container body 102. A top end 108 of the container body 102 may be coupleable with a cap 110 that may cover and protect the balm stick when it is not being used by an adult. The cap 110 and/or container body 102 may include one or more child-resistant features to ensure that the balm stick if not accessible by children, making the container 100 safe for storing and applying medications and/or other substances that are not suitable for unsupervised use by children.

[0026] FIGs. 2 and 2A illustrate the container body 102. Here, container body 102 is a cylindrical tube having top end 108 and bottom end 106. It will be appreciated that other shapes of container bodies, such as container bodies having rectangular, triangular, hexagonal and/or polygonal cross-sectional shapes may be used in accordance with the present invention, however the top end 108 (or other portion that mates with the cap 110) will have a generally circular cross-section. The container body 102 may define an open interior that is used to store the balm stick. The top end 108 may be open, providing an exit location through which a distalmost end of the balm stick may be ejected such that the end of the balm stick may be topically applied to a user. The bottom end 106 may define an opening that is configured to receive and be sealed by a portion of the dispensing mechanism 104. The opening may include an engagement feature 124 that may interface with the dispensing mechanism 104 to secure the dispensing mechanism 104 in engagement with the bottom end 106 of the container body 102. As illustrated here, the engagement feature 124 may be a disc (or other feature having a thickness) positioned proximate a base of the bottom end 106 of the container body 102 that provides a surface on which a portion of the dispensing mechanism 104 can engage, although it will be appreciated that other forms of engagement mechanisms may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] An exterior surface of the top end 108 of the container body 102 may define a mating feature 112 that is usable to secure the container body 102 with the cap 110. For example, in some embodiments, the mating feature 112 may include threads 114 that enable the cap 110 to be screwed onto and off of the container body 102. In some embodiments, the top end 108 of the container body 102 may include a shoulder 116 that is positioned proximate and below the threads 114. The shoulder 116 may be positioned to limit a distance that the cap 110 may be screwed onto the container body 102. For example, a lower edge of the cap 110 may contact the shoulder 116 when the cap 110 is fully screwed onto the container body 102, thereby preventing the cap 110 from being screwed on any further.

[0028] FIGs. 3 and 3 A illustrate the dispensing mechanism 104. The dispensing mechanism 104 is configured to be engaged with the bottom end 106 of the container body 102. The dispensing mechanism 104 may cover and seal the bottom end 106 of the container body 102. For example, dispensing mechanism 104 may include a threaded rod 118 that extends through the opening in the bottom end 106 of the container body 102. The threaded rod 118 may have a length such that a distalmost tip of the threaded rod 118 extends substantially to the upper edge of the container body 102 when the dispensing mechanism 104 is engaged with the container body 102. This allows an amount of the balm product that is pushed beyond the upper edge of the container body 102 to be maximized to minimize waste of the balm product. In some cases, the threaded rod 118 may have a length such that the distalmost tip extends substantially to the upper edge of the container body 102, which may improve use of the balm product by reducing balm product that cannot be applied at a limit of the dispensing mechanisms 104. The threaded rod 118 may include a feature that is configured to mate with the engagement feature 124 of the container body 102. For example, the feature may include one or more prongs 126 that protrude laterally from the threaded rod 118 at a position near a base of the threaded rod 118. An upper surface of each of the prongs 126 may be tapered such that one or more of the prongs 126 may be inserted through the opening in the engagement feature 124. Once inserted, a bottom surface of each prong 126 may be generally flat such that the prong 126 may be secured within the opening to maintain the threaded rod 118 in engagement with the engagement feature 124 and container body 102 as best illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0029] The dispensing mechanism 104 may also include a platform 120 may be engaged with the threaded rod 118. For example the platform 120 may define a central opening that receives the threaded rod 118. The platform 120 may have a diameter that substantially matches an inner diameter of the container body 102. This allows the platform 120 to be translated up and down within the open interior of the container body 102 to move balm product that is positioned on an upper surface of the platform 120. By having the platform 120 have a diameter and shape that substantially matches that of the interior of the container body 102, the platform 120 may serve to move the balm product up and down the length of the container body 102 while reducing or minimizing the ability of any balm product moving between the edge of the platform 120 and the inner wall of the container body 102. In operation, the platform 120 may be moved by rotating the threaded rod 118. For example, as the threaded rod 118 is rotated the platform 120 may be translated along the length of the threaded rod 118 and container body 102. Rotation of the threaded rod 118 in a first direction causes the platform 120 to move up the container body 102 while rotation in a second direction causes the platform 120 to move down the container body 102.

[0030] The threaded rod 118 may be rotated via a wheel 122 or other mechanism. For example, the wheel 122 may be coupled and/or formed integrally with a bottommost end of the threaded rod 118 such that rotation of the wheel 122 causes a corresponding rotation of the threaded rod 118. Thus, rotation of the wheel 122 effectively causes the translation of the platform 120 to move the balm product within the container body 102 to adjust an amount of balm product that extends beyond the upper edge of the container body 102. In some embodiments, movement of the wheel can cause a gradual advancement (or retraction) of the balm where the translational displacement of the balm is proportional to the rotational displacement of the wheel 122; thus the amount of balm dispensed can be adjusted as desired. Additionally, or alternatively, movement of the wheel can cause displacement of a predetermined amount of balm, e.g. predetermined dosage. For example, the wheel can include segments or intervals that provide a tactile signal to the user that the wheel has rotated a distance sufficient to trigger dispensing of a predetermined amount of balm to the user. The wheel 122 may have a textured edge, such as reeding, knurling, and/or other textures that help a user grasp and manipulate the wheel 122. In some embodiments, the wheel 122 may have a similar size and shape as the container body 102. Alternatively, the wheel 122 may have a diameter and/or width that is larger or smaller than that of the container body 102. A cross-sectional shape of the wheel 122 may be different than that of the container body 102. For example, the container body 102 may be generally circular in cross-section, while the wheel 122 may have a polygonal cross-section (such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) that may allow the wheel 122 to be more easily grasped and manipulated.

[0031] FIGs. 4-4D illustrate cap 110. Cap 110 is configured to cover and seal the top end 108 of the container body 102 when the balm product is not being used. The cap 110 may define an open interior that extends a distance beyond the top end 108 of the container body 102 when the top end 108 of the container body 102 is received within the open interior (as best illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 5). By having additional open space above the top end 108 of the container body 102, the cap 110 may accommodate at least a portion of balm product that extends beyond the upper edge of the top end 108 of the container body 102, thereby eliminating the need for a user to retract the balm product back into the container body 102 after each application. For example, the amount of open space may be equal to or greater than about 2/3 of a height of the cap 110 or about 1 inch, however other amounts of open space may be possible and the amount of open space may depend on the size of container body 102.

[0032] One or more mating features may be provided on an interior of the cap 110. For example, the interior surface of the cap 110 may include threads 128 that are configured to engage the threads 114 of the container body 102 to secure the cap 110 with the container body 102. In some embodiments, to help users grasp and/or twist the cap 110, an exterior surface of the cap 110 may be textured, such as using reeding, knurling, and the like. Additionally, while shown having a cross-sectional shape that matches that of the container body 102, in some embodiments the cap 110 and container body 102 may have different cross-sectional shapes. [0033] In the illustrated embodiments, the cap 110 includes a child-resistant feature that requires the user to push (or otherwise apply force) the cap 110 toward the container body 102 prior to rotating the cap 110 to remove the threads 128 of the cap 110 from engagement with the threads 114 of the container body 102 to remove the cap 110. For example, the cap 110 may include a first portion 130 having an interior surface that includes the threads 128. As best illustrated in FIG. 4B, an upper or exterior surface of the first portion 130 may include one or more mating features 132. For example, the mating features 132 may include one or more protrusions, recesses, and/or other features. As illustrated, each of the mating features 132 is in the form of a protrusion that includes a sloped side and a vertical side. A number of mating features 132 may be spaced apart radially along an exterior surface of the first portion 130. The space between mating features 132 corresponds to the size, e.g. width, of mating features 136 the second portion 134, described in further detail below.

[0034] A second portion 134 of the cap 110 may receive the first portion 130 and may form an exterior of the cap 110. An interior surface of the second portion may include mating features 136 that correspond with the mating features 132 of the first portion 130. For example, if the first portion 130 has mating features 130 in the form of protrusions, the second portion 134 may include shallow recesses at similar positions that are designed to receive the protrusions 132 of the first portion 130. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recesses on the second cap portion 134 are sized with a height that is greater than the distance the mating features 132 project upwardly from first cap portion 130. Accordingly, when in the engaged configuration, an air gap exists between the top of protrusions 132 and the bottom of second portion 134, as shown in FIG. 4B. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of male vs. female mating features may be reversed and that any combination of mating features (including both portions of the cap 110 including alternating combinations of recesses and protrusions as illustrated in FIG. 4D) may be utilized.

[0035] When rotated in a neutral position (without the application of compressive force), the mating features 132, 136 of each portion 130, 134 of the cap 110 may slide relative to one another such that as the second portion 134 is rotated relative to the container body 102 the first portion 130 remains in place, thereby preventing the threads 128 of the cap 110 from being disengaged from the threads 114 of the container body 102. When rotated while compressive force is applied between the cap 110 and the container body 102, the second portion 134 is displaced downward towards first portion 130 so that the mating features 132, 136 of each portion 130, 134 of the cap 110 may engage with one another, allowing the first and second portions 130, 134 to be rotated together to disengage the threads 128 of the cap 110 from the threads 114 of the container body 102 to remove the cap 110 from the container body 102. For example, the sloped side of each mating feature 132 of the first portion 130 is positioned on a side of the mating features 132 that enables the first portion 130 to slide relative to the mating feature 136 of the second portion 134 in the event that the cap 110 is turned without force being applied in the direction of the container body 102. The vertical side enables the cap 110 to be securely tightened against the container body 102, as the mating features 136 of the second portion 134 are able to securely engage with the vertical face of the mating features 132 of the first portion 130, as shown in FIG. 4B. When force is applied to the cap 110 in a direction of the container body 102 while the cap 110 is unscrewed, the mating features 136 of the second portion 134 securely engage with the mating features 132 of the first portion 130 and allow the first portion 130 to be turned to remove the cap 110.

[0036] The first and second portions 130, 134 of the cap 110 may be formed as separate pieces, with the first portion 130 being configured to nest within the second portion 134. An inner lower surface of the second portion 134 may include a flange or shoulder 138 that maintains the first portion 130 within an interior of the second portion 134. The first portion 130 may include a corresponding shoulder or flange 140 that contacts the shoulder 138 to maintain the first portion 130 within the interior of the second portion 134. Gravity may maintain the first portion 130 at a bottom of the interior of the second portion 134 as shown in FIG. 4C until the cap 110 is depressed, which forces the first portion 130 upward into the interior of the second portion 134 to engage the mating features 132, 136 as shown in FIG. 4B, thereby allowing rotation of the second portion 134 to cause a corresponding rotation of the first portion 130.

[0037] It will be appreciated that other embodiments may implement different child- resistant features. For example, in some embodiments the mating feature of the container body 102 includes not only threads 114 but also a flexible tab that is coupled with a nub. The nub is positioned proximate the threads 114, while the tab protrudes laterally outward from the shoulder 116 of the container body 102. In addition to having threads 128, an interior of the cap 110 may include at least two protrusions positioned below the threads 128. For example, a protrusion may be positioned on each of two opposing sides of the cap 110. When the cap 110 is secured to the container body 102, at least one of these protrusions may contact the nub, preventing the cap 110 from being unscrewed from the container body 102. This interaction between the nub and the protrusions forms the child-resistant feature. To open the container 100, the tab may be flexed downward to move the nub downward and out of the movement path of the protrusions, thereby enabling the user to twist the cap 110 off of the container body 102.

[0038] In other embodiments, the mating feature of the container body 102 includes threads 114 and at least two protrusions, which are sloped on one side. An interior surface of the cap 110 includes threads 128 and two nubs positioned below the threads 128 on opposite sides of the cap 110. To secure the cap 110 onto the container body 102, the cap 110 may be screwed onto the container body 102, with the sloped surfaces of the protrusions allowing the nubs to slide up and over the protrusions. When the cap 110 is secured to the container body 102, unsloped sides of the protrusions contact the two nubs to prevent the threads 128 of the cap from being disengaged from the threads 114 of the container body 102. This interaction between the two sloped protrusions and the two nubs forms the child-resistant feature. To remove the cap 110, the cap 110 may be deformed by squeezing (or otherwise applying force to) the sides of the cap 110 that are generally orthogonal to the sides of the cap 110 on which the nubs are positioned. This causes the cap 110 to bend, thereby flexing the two nubs out of engagement with the protrusions and allowing the cap 110 to be twisted off of the container body 102.

[0039] In other embodiments, rather than having threads 128, the cap 110 may include a mating feature in the form of a protruding ridge that extends along an entire circumference or other periphery of the top end 108 of the container body 102. The ridge may define a small gap. An interior surface of the cap 110 may include a small protrusion positioned on a first half of the cap 110 and at least one large protrusion positioned on a second half of the cap 110. The gap in the ridge may have a greater width than the small protrusion and a lesser width than the at least one large protrusion such that when the small protrusion and the gap are in alignment the cap 110 may be removed from the container body 102. When the small protrusion and the gap are misaligned, contact between each of the protrusions and a bottom surface of the ridge prevents the cap 110 from being removed. This interaction forms the child- resistant feature. An exterior surface of the cap 110 and/or container body 102 may each include an alignment feature, such as an arrow, triangle, notch, and/or other alignment aid that informs a user when the gap and the small protrusion are in alignment.

[0040] Other child-resistant features such as, but not limited to single piece push and twist caps and interfaces may be used in conjunction with the containers of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled container 100. As illustrated, the threaded rod 118 is has a length that positions a distalmost end of the threaded rod 118 just shy of the topmost end of the container body 102. This ensures that the balm product may be extended almost entirely out of the container body 102 without running the risk of the distalmost end of the threaded rod 118 scratching the user during application of the balm product. Additionally, the cap 110 has an open interior that extends well beyond the top of the top end 108 of the container body 102. As mentioned before, this allows the interior of the cap 110 to accommodate a portion of the balm product such that the user does not need to retract the balm product into the container body 102 after each use. As illustrated here, substantially all of the cap 110 is hollow, however the open interior may be shorter. When the cap 110 is secured to the container body 102, a distance between an edge of the top end 108 of the container body 102 and the top interior surface of the cap 110 is at least 50% of the height of the cap 110, with a distance of at least 2/3 of the height of the cap 110 being more common. For example, the distance between the edge of the top end 108 of the container body 102 and the top interior surface of the cap 110 may be from 50% to 60%, from 60% to 70%, from 70% to 80%, from 80% to 90%, or from 90% to 95% of the height of the cap 110.

[0042] As illustrated, the cap 110 has a diameter that is slightly larger than a greatest diameter of the container body 102. This may make it easier for the user to identify and manipulate the cap 110. Alternatively, the cap 110 and the container body 102 may have substantially the same diameter, which may provide a consistent seamless appearance. In such examples, the top end 108 of the container body 102 may be indented such that the top end 108 has a slightly smaller diameter than a remainder of the container body 102. This allows the walls of the cap 110 to sit atop the reduced diameter of the top end 108 and allows the cap 110 to have a diameter that substantially matches a diameter of the remainder of the container body 102.

[0043] Embodiments may further include the balm product. The balm product may be in contact with the platform that is engaged with the threaded rod 118. The balm product may include cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0044] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Some embodiments were described as processes depicted as flow diagrams or block diagrams. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0045] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well- known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. [0047] Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0048] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0049] Also, the words "comprise", "comprising", "contains", "containing", "include", "including", and "includes", when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

[0050] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. "About" and/or "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. "Substantially" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. [0051] As used herein, including in the claims, "and" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at least one of or "one or more of indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.