CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17/333,523, filed on May 28, 2021, and French application Serial No. 2107241, filed on July 5, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0002] The application generally relates to an apparatus including a rotateable applicator tip, a rotation of the applicator tip being resisted via a plurality of detents.

SUMMARY

[0003] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable cosmetic applicator, including a stem; an applicator tip attached to a first end of the stem; a base attached to a second end of the stem, the base including a locking device disposed at a first end of the base, the locking device including a ball; a handle including a first end, the first end of the handle including a plurality of detents configured to receive the ball; and a chamber rotateably coupled to the handle, the chamber including a hollow cavity configured to receive the base inserted therein, the first end of the base being disposed proximal to the first end of the handle, wherein the chamber and the handle are configured to rotate independently around a rotation axis through a center of the chamber and the handle.

[0004] In an embodiment, the present disclosure additionally relates to an adjustable cosmetic applicator, including a stem; an applicator tip attached to a first end of the stem; a base attached to a second end of the stem, the base including a locking device disposed at a first end of the base, the locking device including a ball; a handle including an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the handle including a plurality of detents configured to receive the ball; and a hollow chamber rotateably coupled to the exterior surface of the handle along a portion of the exterior surface including the plurality of detents, wherein the chamber and the handle are configured to rotate independently around a rotation axis through a center of the chamber and the handle.

[0005] In an embodiment, the present disclosure additionally relates to an adjustable cosmetic applicator adapter, including a handle including an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the handle including a plurality of detents configured to receive a ball, the handle being configured couple to a cosmetic applicator and rotate the cosmetic applicator; and a hollow chamber rotateably coupled to the exterior surface of the handle along a portion of the exterior surface including the plurality of detents, wherein the chamber and the handle are configured to rotate independently around a rotation axis through a center of the chamber and the handle.

[0006] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0008] FIG. 1 A is a schematic of an adjustable cosmetic applicator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. IB is a schematic of the adjustable cosmetic applicator with the base coupled to the chamber, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1C is a schematic of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a schematic of the plurality of detents having a circular cross-sectional shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a schematic of the plurality of detents having a rounded rectangular cross- setional shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional schematic of sidewall detents having a hemispherical shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional schematic of sidewall detents having a circular pyramidal shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional schematic of the chamber for the embodiment of FIG. 1C, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a schematic of the base including a locking device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3B is a schematic of the base including a locking device oriented orthogonal to the locking device of FIG. 3 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional schematic of a magnetic locking device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0019] FIG. 3D is a schematic of the locking mechanism for the embodiment of FIG. 1C, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4A is an exemplary block diagram of an adjustable cosmetic applicator system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4B is an exemplary block diagram of an adjustable cosmetic applicator system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A cosmetic applicator can be used to apply a cosmetic fluid onto a user’s skin. Makeup applicators, such as lip gloss brushes, can include directional features. This can take the form of, for example, a directional applicator tip. That is, a flocked tip, sponge tip, or brush tip (the part that delivers formula to a user’s skin) can be not symmetrical and include, for example, a flat portion for contacting the user’s skin. Thus, the application of the cosmetic fluid may perform more optimally in a predetermined specific direction with the applicator tip’s flat portion being tangent to a surface of the user’s skin. This directionality of the applicator tip may not accommodate for limited mobility of specific target users such as those affected by limited arm/hand mobility. Therefore, a cosmetic device including an adjustable applicator tip is desired. [0023] Described herein, an adapter connects a makeup applicator brush to a motion stabilizing handle including a rotating element with detents so the user is able to adjust the directional brush to fit their ability and movement.

[0024] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 A is a schematic of an adjustable cosmetic applicator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 may be used for a variety of cosmetic applications, including, in a non- limiting example, lip gloss, mascara, eyebrow applications, liners, foundation applications, skin pads, and hair cosmetic applications and / or brushes. As shown, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes a base 105, a stem 110, an applicator tip 115, a handle 120, and a chamber 125. The applicator tip 115 is disposed at a first end of the stem 110. The base 105 is configured to secure the stem 110 at a second end of the stem 110. The handle 120 is coupled to the chamber 125 and the handle 120 and the chamber 125 can be independently rotated in relation to one another. That is, the user may hold the handle 120 and rotate the chamber 125, and vice versa. Furthermore, the chamber 125 is hollow and configured to receive the base 105. As shown, the handle 120, the chamber 125, and the base 105 have a cylindrical shape, but it may be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes can be used, such as, in a non-limiting example, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. An exterior surface of the handle 120 and the chamber 125 can be smooth, textured, multi-faceted, etc. Importantly, said features do not hinder or impede the rotational coupling of the handle 120 and the chamber 125 (and as described below, the base 105 in the chamber 125 and thus the rotation of the base 105 relative to the handle 120).

[0025] The base 105 is fabricated from a polymer or a metal. The stem 110 is fabricated from a polymer, a fibrous material, or a metal. The applicator tip 115 can be formed as a flocked tip with bristles, a sponge-like tip, or a brush. The applicator tip 115 is configured to contact a surface and spread a solution. For example, the applicator tip 115 is configured to spread lip gloss onto the user’s lips. Notably, as previously described, the applicator tip 115 can be not symmetrical in shape. As shown in FIG. 1A, the applicator tip 115 is curved and provides a larger surface area along one side of the applicator tip 115 for the user to more easily spread the lip gloss over the user’s lips. [0026] Concomitantly, this introduces a directional preference during application, which can be difficult for users with reduced mobility and range of motion in their arms or hands to maintain. For example, it may be challenging for the user with limited arm/hand mobility to maintain an optimal angle for the applicator tip 115 while sweeping over the user’s lips from one side to another (i.e. cheek to cheek). In another example, more simply, it may be challenging for the user with limited arm/hand mobility to pick up the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 and manipulate it to the optimal angle at all.

[0027] To this end, FIG. IB is a schematic of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 with the base 105 coupled to the chamber 125, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the chamber 125 can be configured to receive the base 105 in the hollow portion of the chamber 125. Therefore, an exterior of the base 105 can have a shape and dimensions complementary to the hollow portion of the chamber 125 to provide a secure coupling of the base 105 to the chamber 125. For example, an outer diameter of the base 105 having a cylindrical shape (as shown) can be equal to or slightly less than an inner diameter of the chamber 125. For example, a cross-sectional shape of the base 105 can be square and have a side length equal to or slightly less than a side length of a square cross-sectional shape of the hollow portion of the chamber 125.

[0028] Furthermore, upon the chamber 125 receiving the base 105, the base 105 can also, by extension, be rotateably coupled to the handle 120. That is, by rotating the chamber 125, the base 105 also rotates relative to the handle 120. As shown in FIG. IB, a 180 degree rotation of the chamber 125 can rotate the base 105 by the same angle, thus flipping the curved applicator tip 115 orientation. This adjustable rotation angle of the applicator tip 115 relative to the handle 120 provides an advantage by i) allowing the user with limited arm/hand mobility to rotate the applicator tip 115 at all, and ii) allowing the user with limited arm/hand mobility to adjust the rotation angle of the applicator tip 115 without having to rotate the entirety of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 Importantly, this can be performed without needing to release the entire adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 That is, the user can grip the handle 120 with a portion of their hand, while one or two fingers can manipulate the chamber 125 to rotate the applicator tip 115 For the user with limited arm/hand mobility, this can provide easier on-the-fly adjustment of the applicator tip 115.

[0029] In an example, the user may rotate the chamber 125 and the applicator tip 115 to a first angle to apply lip gloss to one half of their bottom lip, and the bottom lip can generally have a first broad surface with a first planar angle and a second broad surface with a second planar angle. For example, the first broad surface is the user’s right side of their bottom lip, and the second broad surface is the user’s left side of their bottom lip. Therefore, assuming a plane tangent to the curvature of the user’s lips at the center of the user’s lips is at 0 degrees, the first planar angle of the first broad surface can be +10 degrees relative to the tangent plane at the center of the user’s lip curvature, while the second planar angle of the second broad surface can be -10 degrees relative to the tangent plane. As such, the applicator tip 115 can be set initially to coat the first broad surface of the user’s lips, but then the applicator tip 115 would not be in an optimal angle to coat the second broad surface of the user’s lips. Therefore, the user could easily rotate the chamber 125 and the applicator tip 115 20 degrees to the second planar angle and match with the second broad surface in order to apply the lip gloss. In this example, a rotation axis of the chamber 125 and the applicator tip 115 is not parallel to a long dimension of the users lips. [0030] Additionally, the rotation of the chamber 125 and the applicator tip 115 can be reversibly locked. To this end, FIGs. 2A-2D are schematics of detents, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a first end of the handle 120 includes a plurality of detents 199 along a first surface, wherein the first surface of the handle 120 faces the chamber 125 and the base 105. For example, the first surface of the handle 120 can be flush with the base 105 at least along a portion where the plurality of detents 199 are disposed. The plurality of detents 199 can be arranged in a ring or radially relative to a center of the first surface through which a rotation axis of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 passes, wherein the rotation axis is orthogonal to a plane of the first surface.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a schematic of the plurality of detents 199 having a circular cross-sectional shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a schematic of the plurality of detents 199 having a rounded rectangular cross-setional shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A is a schematic of the base 105 including a locking device 198, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the locking device 198 includes a ball 130 and a spring 135. The ball 130 and the spring 135 are disposed in a tube formed in the base 105, wherein the spring 135 is disposed between the ball 130 and an end of the tube. Thus, the spring 135 is under compression by the ball 130 and applies a force on the ball 130 away from the base 105 and along the rotation axis when the base 105 is coupled with the chamber 125. Referring again to FIG. 2A and 2B, when the base 105 is coupled with the chamber 125 and sits flush against the first surface of the handle 120, the ball 130 is either forced further into the tube when the ball 130 contacts a space between two detents of the plurality of detents 199, or the ball 130 is forced into any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 by the spring 135 as the chamber 125 is rotated. Upon rotating the chamber 125 and the base 105, when the ball 130 is disposed between the two detents of the plurality of detents 199, the ball 130 rolls without obstacle until reaching said any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. Upon reaching said any one detent of the plurality of detents 199, the ball 130 is forced into said any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 and the rotational motion of the chamber 125 and the base 105 is arrested.

[0032] In an embodiment, a stiffness of the spring 135 and the shape of said any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 determines the resistance to continue rotating the chamber 125. A high stiffness spring 135 can keep the ball 130 pressed harder into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199, thus preventing the ball 130 from egressing out and freeing the chamber 125 to rotate. For a lower stiffness spring 135, the rotation of the chamber 125 can force the ball 130 to compress the spring 135 and allow the ball 130 to retract into the tube easier, thus freeing the chamber 125 to rotate faster. For example, the stiffness the spring 135 can correlate to a torque needed to rotate the applicator tip 115 between 0.1 and 10 N-m.

[0033] For a shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 being hemispherical to match a shape of the ball 130 (i.e. spherical), the force needed for the ball 130 to egress can be at a maximum. Instead, in a non-limiting example, the shape can be circular pyramidal, wherein sidewalls of the plurality of detents 199 are linear. Thus, for such a shape, the ball 130 does not sit fully in the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 and the resistance to forcing the ball 130 out is lower than for the hemispherical shape (see FIG. 2D for an example cross-section). Furthermore, for FIG. 2 A, the ball 130 sits in the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 and locks the chamber 125 at the exact location of the detent in question. This does not provide any room for error for the user while rotating the chamber 125 to adjust the applicator tip 115. [0034] Instead, referring to FIG. 2B, the elongated, rectangular shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 can allow the ball 130 to move while in the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. While shown as having straight side lengths in FIG. 2B, it may be appreciated that the rounded rectangular shape can actually have somewhat curved side lengths to follow the radial rotation pattern the ball 130 traces as the chamber 125 and the base 105 are rotated. As the user rotates the chamber 125 and the base 105, the ball 130 locks into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 and can allow the chamber 125 and the base 105 to rotate further between a first end and a second end of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. This rotational tolerance can afford the user some margin for error while setting the angle of the applicator tip 115 and even “self-adjust” as the user sweeps the applicator tip 115 across their skin. In the example of the lip gloss applicator, the rotational tolerance afforded to the user can be sufficient to sweep between the first broad surface and the second broad surface of the user’s lips. That is, the rotational tolerance can allow for 20 degrees of rotation (of the chamber 125, the base 105, and the applicator tip 115) between the first end and the second end of the rectangular shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. Based on the limitations of a particular user’s arm/hand mobility, this rotational tolerance can be adjusted by extending or shortening the side length of the rectangular shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. In such a way, the user does not need to further r rotate the chamber 125 at all while applying the lip gloss to the bottom lip and only needs to adjust the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 once for the bottom lip.

[0035] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional schematic of sidewall detents having a hemispherical shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional schematic of sidewall detents having a circular pyramidal shape, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the first surface of the handle 120 is entirely recessed into the handle 120 to form a hollow cavity including sidewalls along a periphery of the hollow cavity. As shown, the plurality of detents 199 can be formed in the sidewalls of the hollow cavity. Again, the shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 can be hemispherical (FIG. 2C) or circular pyramidal (FIG. 2D). Referring to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B is a schematic of the base 105 including the locking device 198 oriented orthogonal to the locking device 198 of FIG. 3 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, the locking device 198 in FIG. 3B is oriented to be orthogonal to the rotation axis when the base 105 is coupled with the chamber 125. In such a way, the ball 130 is pushed into the sidewall of the hollow cavity of the handle 120 in FIG. 2C and 2D.

[0036] Similarly, as the chamber 125 is rotated, the ball 130 rolls along the sidewall until reaching the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199, whereupon the ball 130 will be forced into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 by the spring 135 to lock the rotation of the chamber 125 and the base 105. It may be appreciated that, although not shown, the rectangular shape of the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 can be applied to FIG. 2C and 2D as well to provide additional rotational tolerance. It may be additionally appreciated that any shape for the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 can be used to lock the ball 130 based on a desired resistance to unlocking the rotation of the chamber 125 and the base 105. It may be also appreciated that the locking device 198 can include, instead of the ball 130, a locking tab or pin that is forced into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199. For example, a locking pin can have a pointed tip and be pushed in via the spring 135. For example, a locking tab can be formed of a sufficiently flexible material, such as a polymer, and be deflected sideways while in the space between the detents while being rotated, and upon reaching the any one detent of the plurality of detents, the locking tab can fully extend (i.e. not be deflected as much) and a tip of the locking tab can sit inside the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199.

[0037] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional schematic of a magnetic locking device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the handle 120 includes the plurality of detents 199 disposed on the first surface of the handle 120 similar to that of FIG. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 3C, the handle 120 further includes a magnet 140 disposed adjacent to each detent of the plurality of detents 199 on a side of the detent opposite where the ball 130 would sit, and the locking mechanism 198 does not need the spring 135. Instead, as the chamber 125 and the base 105 rotate, upon the ball 130 meeting the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199, a material of the ball 130 can be magnetic and the ball 130 is pulled into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 via a magnetic force of the magnet 140. Here, the ball 130 can be retained based on the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet 40. As the chamber 125 and the base 105 are rotated, the ball 130 overcomes the magnetic force to egress, and subsequently retracts into the tube and is free to roll with the rotation of the chamber 125 and the base 105. [0038] FIG. 1C is a schematic of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the chamber 125 is completely hollow and the handle 120 passes entirely through the chamber 125, and the handle 120 includes a hollow cavity configured to receive the base 105. That is, the chamber 125 is rotateably coupled to an exterior of the handle 120. Here, rotating the handle 120 with the base 105 coupled to the handle 120 will rotate the base 105 and thus adjust the applicator tip 115. Therefore, to rotate the handle 120 and the base 105 relative to the chamber 125, the user can grip the chamber 125 and spin the handle 120. [0039] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional schematic of the chamber 125 for the embodiment of FIG. 1C, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the plurality of detents 199 are disposed along a sidewall of the completely hollow chamber 125. Referring to FIG. 3D, FIG. 3D is a schematic of the locking mechanism for the embodiment of FIG. 1C, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 198 is disposed in the handle 120 and oriented orthogonal to the rotation axis. The non-limiting example of the locking mechanism 198 including the ball 130 and the spring 135 is shown, but it may be appreciated that the example including the magnet 140 (which would be disposed in the chamber 125 instead) and excluding the spring 135 can be implemented in this embodiment as well. As such, the chamber 125 can be disposed along an exterior of the handle 120 where the locking mechanism 198 is disposed. Here, as the handle 120 is rotated by the user, the ball 130 in the handle 120 rolls along the sidewall of the chamber 125 until reaching the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 in the sidewall of the chamber 125, whereupon the ball 130 will similarly roll into the any one detent of the plurality of detents 199 and lock the handle 120 from rotating relative to the chamber 125 any further.

[0040] FIG. 4A is an exemplary block diagram of an adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, in an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes a speech input device 410, an audio input device 415, a video input device 420, a tactile input device 425, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 is configured to displace the applicator tip 115 about one or more axes, such as the rotation axis, responsive to one or more audio inputs, gesture inputs, or the like. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes a motor 405 operably coupled to processing circuitry 499 including one or more of the speech input device 410 configured to enable voice control, voice commands, verbal input, or the like. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes the motor 405 operably coupled to the processing circuitry 499 including one or more of the acoustic audio input device 415 configured to enable voice control, voice commands, verbal input, or the like. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes the motor 405 operably coupled to the processing circuitry 499 including one or more of the video input device 420 configured to enable gesture control, visual cue control, or the like. In an embodiment, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 includes the motor 405 operably coupled to the processing circuitry 499 including one or more of the tactile input device 425 configured to enable tactile input control (e.g. tapping), pressure-based input control, or the like.

[0041] It may be appreciated that a second surface of the handle 120 at a second end of the handle 120 can include an orifice for receiving a rotating mechanism, such as a rod connected to the motor 405. To this end, FIG. 4B is an exemplary block diagram of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the motor 405 can be formed as part of a grip device 400 designed for improving ease of handling and range of motion for the user with limited arm/hand mobility. Additionally, the speech input device 410, the audio input device 415, the video input device 420, the tactile input device 425, the processing circuitry 499, or any combination thereof, can be included in the grip device. Thus, the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 can be coupled to the grip device 400 and the motor 405 to provide another mechanism for displacing the applicator tip 115. For example, the user can press a first button on the grip device 400 to actuate the motor 405 to rotate the handle 120 in a first direction, and the user can press a second button on the grip device 400 to actuate the motor 405 to rotate the handle 120 in a second direction. The grip device 400 can include the processing circuitry 499 and stabilizing devices, such as a gyroscope, to automatically maintain yaw, pitch, and roll angles of the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100 to further improve the ease of use for the user applying the cosmetic fluid via the adjustable cosmetic applicator 100. An example of a grip device 400 is described in US Patent Application No. 16/133,969, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0042] The description above in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

[0043] Reference throughout the specification to “one aspect”, “one embodiment”, “an aspect”, or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, any appearance of the phrases “one aspect”, “one embodiment”, “an aspect”, or “an embodiment” in the specification is not necessarily referring to the same aspect or embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects or embodiments. Further, it is intended that aspects or embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can and do cover modifications and variations of the described aspects or embodiments. [0044] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “interior,” “exterior,” and the like that may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, points of reference, operations and/or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0045] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications are made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, preferable results are achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were replaced or supplemented by other components. [0046] The foregoing discussion describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the disclosure, as well as the claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, defines in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.