CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 [0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63/159,974 entitled “Ear Strap Shield” filed on March 11, 2021, which is incorporated in the entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to the field of face masks, and more specifically and not by way of limitation, some embodiments are related to straps for face masks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Currently, Face masks have been used by people in different industries for various reasons. For example, face masks have been worn by nurses, doctors, surgeons, dentists, construction workers, workers handling hazardous materials, or just anyone for any reason. The face masks are sometime called surgical masks when used in surgical operations. Face mask has a strap going over the top of and around the ear to hold the mask. With the COVID-19 pandemic and its mandate usage, face masks (for example, disposable masks and the like) are now being worn by everyone. In some situations, people must wear face masks for an extended or long period of time.

[0004] Accordingly, it may be advantageous to have face masks that are comfortable to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Provided herein are embodiments of a device (or attachment) that a face mask strap fits inside. The device provides more comfort and less pinching and irritations when the strap is fit over and around the ears of the wearer.

[0006] Some embodiments relate to a shield device. The shield device may include a tubular shape device. The tubular shape device may include an elongated slit. The elongated slit may be configured to receive a strap of a face mask. The shield device may also include an internal space of the tubular shape device includes one or more locks to securely lock the strap inside the tubular shape device. [0007] Some embodiments relate to a shield device system. The shield device system may include a shield device. The shield device may include a tubular shape device, the tubular shape device includes an elongated slit configured to receive a strap of a face mask, and an internal space of the tubular shape device includes one or more locks to securely lock the strap inside the tubular shape device. The shield device system may further include a strap, partially enclosed within the internal space of the tubular shape device, and an item coupled to the strap.

[0008] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[00010] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example face mask including both the face mask and a strap.

[00011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example side right view and an example side left view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example top view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example sectional view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example sectional view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example sectional view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example view of an example device of the present disclosure. [00017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example top view from an angle of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example top view of the device of FIG. 7 that includes example dimensions of the example device.

[00019] FIG. 10 illustrates an example view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00020] FIG. 11 illustrates another example view of the example device of the present disclosure.

[00021] FIG. 12 illustrates another example view of the example device of the present disclosure.

[00022] FIG. 13 illustrates another example view of the example device of the present disclosure.

[00023] FIG. 14 illustrates another example view of the example device of the present disclosure.

[00024] FIG. 15 illustrates another example view of the example device of the present disclosure.

[00025] FIG. 16 illustrates an example view of material that may be used in an example device of the present disclosure.

[00026] FIG. 17 illustrates an example view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00027] FIG. 18 illustrates another example view of the example device of FIG 17.

[00028] FIG. 19 illustrates another example view of the example device of FIG 17.

[00029] FIG. 20 illustrates an example view of an example device of the present disclosure.

[00030] The figures and the following description describe certain embodiments by way of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures to indicate similar or like functionality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00031] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are illustrated in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[00032] Several aspects of ear straps will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”).

[0030] Provided herein are embodiments of a device (or attachment) that a face mask strap fits inside. The device provides more comfort and less pinching and irritations when the strap is fit over and around the ears of the wearer.

[0031] Face masks, or surgical masks, have a strap going over the top and around the ear to hold the mask tightly fit over the nose and mouth of the wearer.

[0032] In current face masks, the strap causes pinching and pressure that is uncomfortable and is irritating especially if one must wear it for a long time such as travelers, health providers, surgeons, spectators, etc. Especially when the masks are worn for a long period of time.

[0033] Some examples described in the present disclosure provide a device (or attachment) where the strap may fit inside. The device may be made of material that provides comfort for and not irritating to the wearer. In some implementations, the material may be made of foam, which provides more comfort and less pinching and irritations. The device may act as a shield between the skin of the wearer and the strap. The device may also help keep the face mask in place.

[0034] In some embodiments, the material may be soft foam. In some embodiments, the material may be hard foam. In some embodiments, the material may be sponge foam. [0035] In some embodiments, the device has a shape that the strap can fit into, for example, a tubular shape or the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, the device may be, or may include a material, for example an injection molded foam material, that the strap fits inside of it. For example, the strap may fit inside the device by pressing the strap into a slit (or cut) on the device and the memory of the foam closes on it.

[0037] In some implementations, the device of the present disclosure may be configured to be used with eyeglasses, medical masks or goggles used for various purposes or industries. In this example, the device may also help keep the mask, eyeglasses or goggles from falling off.

[0038] In some embodiments, the inside of the device may have a place for the strap to rest and stay, for example by the pressure applied by the strap. The pressure may close or help close the device. In some examples, the pressure may lock or help keep the device locked.

[0039] The strap can be placed inside the device quickly and, thus the device may become part of the structure of the mask.

[0040] The size and thickness of the device of the present disclose may vary to fit different wearers, in particular different ears, necks, heads, etc. The device may be sized in different embodiments for infants, toddlers, small children, older children, or adults. The device may be sized for small, medium, large, extra larger, or other sizes of adults. In other words, the device may be sized for a variety of different sized humans or anything else that might wear a mask or other items.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example face mask 100. In this example, the face mask includes the mask 106 and strap 104. The device 102 is configured to be used with the strap 104. As illustrated, the strap 104 is fit inside the device 102. As such, when the face mask 100 is worn, the device 102 fits over the top and around the ear of the wearer.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example side right view and an example side left view of the device 102 of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the figure, the device 102 may be injection molded foam. In some embodiments the injection molded foam maybe a soft foam. In other embodiments the injected molded foam may be a hard foam. Furthermore, in some embodiments the injected molded foam may be a sponge foam or other soft plastic rubber like material that provides a soft contact that may diffuse the point pressure that may cause pinching.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an example top view 300 of the device 102 of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the device 102 may include an elongated cut (or slit) 310. The cut 310 runs the entire length of the device 102. The strap of a face mask may be inserted through the cut 310.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an example sectional view 400 of the device of the present disclosure. As illustrated in this example, the device 102 may have a tubular shape. However, the device 102 may also be in any other suitable shape. Again, the strap of a face mask may be inserted through the cut 310. As such, the inner space 410 is configured to be slightly wider than the diameter of the strap so that the strap can fit tightly inside the device. In some embodiments, once the strap has been inserted into the device, the device closes the cut automatically. For example, an embodiment may use a barb on the ridges (or the ridge itself may be a barb-like structure) that takes a low amount of pressure to insert into the groove, but that may be difficult or impossible to remove from the groove. In some embodiments, a releasing mechanism may be present. For example, the releasing mechanism may include a structure to manually separate the foam of the ridge. (Some example embodiments may be separated by pushing along the ridge itself.) In an example embodiment, the barb on the ridges (or the ridge itself may be a barb-like structure) may insert into the groove by pressure from the strap 104. Accordingly, the device may close the cut automatically based on the pressure on the back of the device by the strap, e.g., from wearing. In some operations, the wearer may also press on the device to close the cut.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an example sectional view of a device 500 of the present disclosure. The device 500 is similar to the device 102 of FIGS. 1-4, with the exception of the internal structure 510. The internal structure 510 includes one or more locks 512. The locks may include one or more corresponding ridges 514 and grooves 516 that may operate to lock the strap, (e.g., such as the strap 104 of FIG. 1) inside the device 500 once the strap 104 is inserted into the device 500. In some embodiments, the device 500 may be made of hard foam to facilitate the locking capability. As illustrated in this example, the device 500 may have a tubular shape. However, the device 500 may also be in any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, once the strap 104 has been inserted into the device, the device closes the cut automatically. In some operations, the wearer may also press on the device to close the cut. As illustrated in this example, the device 500 has a tubular shape. However, the device 500 may also be in any other suitable shape. Other suitable lock structures are also contemplated.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates another example sectional view of an example device 600 of the present disclosure. The device 600 is similar to the device 102 of FIGS. 1-4 and the device 500 of FIG. 5, with the exception of the internal structure 610. The internal structure 610 includes one or more locks 612. The locks may include one or more corresponding ridges 614 and grooves 616 that may operate to lock the strap, (e.g., such as the strap 104 of FIG. 1) inside the device 600 once the strap 104 is inserted into the device 600. In some embodiments, the device 600 may be made of hard foam to facilitate the locking capability. As illustrated in this example, the device 600 may have a tubular shape. However, the device 600 may also be in any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, once the strap 104 has been inserted into the device, the device closes the cut automatically. In some operations, the wearer may also press on the device to close the cut. As illustrated in this example, the device 600 has a tubular shape. However, the device 600 may also be in any other suitable shape. Other suitable lock structures are also contemplated.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example view of an example device 600 of the present disclosure. The example device 600 may be used in combination with the strap 104 of FIG. 1. For example, the example device 600 may overlay the strap 104. The strap 104 may be within a chamber of the example device 600 as described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 above and the corresponding devices 102, 500, 600. Example dimensions for the device 600 are given in the illustrated example of FIG. 7. It will be understood that these dimensions and other dimensions given in the other figures are only examples. The devices 102, 500, 600 and any other devices described below may come in various shapes and sizes. For example, the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 7 may be used on a strap 104 for masks or glasses for an adult (or other items worn by an adult). Smaller dimensions may be used on a strap 104 attached to masks or glasses for a child (or other items worn by a child). In some aspects, all of the dimensions may be decreased. In other aspects the length, which is currently shown illustrated as 2.965 inches may be the only dimension decreased. For example, the strap 104 in some cases may be the same thickness and therefore the internal structure 510, 610 of the device 500, 600, for example may be the same size. It will be understood, however, that each of these are only examples of changes 2 the size of the devices. [0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an example top view from an angle of an example device 600 of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an example top view of the device of FIG. 7 that includes example dimensions of the example device 600. It will again be understood that the dimensions given in FIG. 9 are only examples. Other dimensions are possible. The dimensions may be varied depending on the particular implementation and intended use as discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 7. For example, dimensions may be different for items intended to be held in place around the ears, e.g., masks, and items intended to be held in place around the back of the neck, e.g., glasses. Dimensions may also be different for items intended for other uses. Furthermore, dimensions may be different for items intended to be held in place around the ears of a child, e.g., children’s masks, and items intended to be held in place around the back of the neck of a child, e.g., children’s glasses. Dimensions may also be different for items intended for other uses by children. Additionally, dimensions may vary to allow for different sizes and shapes of people. FIGS. 8-9 generally illustrate the area of the split where a strap 104 may be inserted into the device 600. In the figures the sides of the device 600 are not locked together yet. However, in some examples these sides may be locked together. For example, lock 612, which may include a ridge 614 and groove 616 may be used to lock in the strap 104. Generally, the lock may be a friction fit between the ridge 614 and the groove 616. In an aspect, the lock 612 (and other locks, e.g., lock 512, described herein) may be opened and closed. In other aspects, the lock 612 may be permanently closed around the strap 104. For example, the lock 612 may be glued shut, e.g., using glue, epoxy, or any other appropriate adhesive for the particular foam or plastic being used to make the device. However, generally, the friction fit between the groove 616 and the ridge 614 may be sufficient for the intended purpose of enclosing the strap 104.

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an example view of an example device 600 of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 10, the example device 600 may be made from flexible material, such as foam, as described above. Accordingly, the device 600 may take on a somewhat circular shape. Generally, the device 600 may take on a similar shape to the strap 104 which may be placed within the device. Alternatively, the strap 104 may take on a similar shape to the device 600. In general, the device 600, and the strap 104 may be flexible such that each of these generally conform to the ears of a user. For example, the device 600 and strap 104 may hold a mask on the face of a user. The mask may be held using a strap 104 with a device 600 around the ears of the user. The device 600 may increase the comfort of the mask wearer, e.g., particularly for long periods of wearing the mask, such as on long plane rides, long class periods, or any other long period that may require wearing a mask.

[0050] In general, in another example embodiment, the device 600, and the strap 104 may be flexible such that each of these generally conform to the neck of a wearer. For example, the device 600 and strap 104 may hold a pair of glasses for a user, e.g., hanging down at chest level. More particularly, the device 600 and the strap 104 may be flexible such that each of these generally conform to the back and sides of the neck of a wearer with the strap generally hanging down in front. In an aspect, the comfort of the wearer may be improved by the device 600. The devices, systems, and methods described herein may be applied to a variety of devices including a strap for wearing or carrying by a user. The mask and glasses examples are two examples of several different possible applications.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates an example view of another example device 1100 of the present disclosure. The example device 1100 includes a region 1102. The region 1102 includes on internal structure that may receive a strap. The device 1100 may also include an area 1104 with an internal structure 1106 similar to the internal structure 610 of the device 600.

[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates another example view of the example device 600 of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 12 the device 600 may not be locked closed. For example, the device 600 may be ready to receive a strap 104. FIG. 12 is generally similar to FIG. 10, however the device 600 is generally illustrated from a different angle.

[0053] FIGS. 13-14 illustrate example views of the example device 600 of the present disclosure. Example dimensions are illustrated. It will be understood, however, that these dimensions are form one example embodiment. As discussed above, other dimensions may be used. In FIG. 14, the lock, the groove, and the ridge may be seen.

[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates another example view of the example device 600 of the present disclosure. Example dimensions are illustrated. It will be understood, however, that these dimensions are form one example embodiment. As discussed above, other dimensions may be used.

[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates an example view of material that may be used in an example device of the present disclosure. The example of this figure is illustrated next to a portion of a tape measure, which may provide some appreciation of the size of material that might be used in some example embodiments. However, it will be understood that the devices described herein may come in various shapes and sizes. The examples discussed throughout the specification are only intended to illustrate some possible example embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 17 illustrates an example view of an example device 1700 of the present disclosure. The device 1700 is similar to the device 102 of FIGS. 1-4, the device 500 of FIG. 5, and the device 600 of FIG. 6, with the exception of the internal structure 1710 and the shape of the cross section. The internal structure 1710 includes one or more locks 1712. The locks 1712 may include one or more corresponding ridges 1714 and grooves 1716 that may operate to lock the strap, (e.g., such as the strap 104 of FIG. 1) inside the device 1700 once the strap 104 is inserted into the device 1700. In some embodiments, the device 1700 may be made of hard foam to facilitate the locking capability. As illustrated in this example, the device 1700 may have a somewhat flattened tubular shape. However, the device 1700 may also be in any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, once the strap 104 has been inserted into the device, the device closes the cut automatically. In some operations, the wearer may also press on the device to close the cut. As illustrated in this example, the device 1700 has a tubular shape. However, the device 500 may also be in any other suitable shape. Other suitable lock structures are also contemplated.

[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates another example view of the example device of FIG 17. FIG. 18 Is generally similar to FIG. 17, however, the device 1700 is illustrated from above and a little bit more of the length of the device is illustrated.

[0058] FIG. 19 illustrates another example view of the example device of FIG 17. In the example figure the entire device 1700 is illustrated. As discussed with respect to other example embodiments, in general, the device 1700, and the strap 104 may be flexible such that each of these generally conform to the ears of a user. For example, the device 1700 and strap 104 may hold a mask on the face of a user.

[0059] The device 1700 may generally be flexible and designed to bend in a curve to fit the back and side of the neck of a wearer in another example embodiment. As may be seen in FIG. 19, if a strap 104 was installed in the device 1700 and the strap 104 and device 1700 were placed around the back of the neck of a wearer, the strap might hang along the front of a wearer, are allowing an item held by the strap 104. Various items may be held using the example embodiments described herein, e.g., masks, reading glasses, sunglasses, other glasses, or any other items that might be held by a strap and worn around the neck of the user, to hang at the front chest area of a user. In some examples, positioning may vary depending on what is being held. For example, glasses may use a strap (and device) around the back of the neck while masks may use a strap (and device) around each ear. As discussed above, the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be applied to a variety of devices including a strap for wearing or carrying by a user. The mask and glasses examples are two examples of several different possible applications.

[0060] As described herein, several of the examples illustrated in the figures included dimensions. As described above, the dimensions included are only an example. Other examples are possible. For example, as discussed above the length of the device, 500, 600, 1700 may vary for a user that is a child, e.g., One or more of the dimensions may be smaller for example, the length may be shorter. In some examples, as discussed above the other dimensions may remain unchanged. In other examples multiple dimensions may be changed.

[0061] While the examples illustrated above included using smaller dimensions than discussed, it will also be understood that larger dimensions might be used for example, the device 1700 (or other devices described herein) is intended to be used with a heavier item, e.g., binoculars, it may be advantageous to increase the thickness of the foam. In another example, the surface area of the foam intended to come into contact with the back of the ears or the neck might be increased to spread the weight of the heavier item over a larger area of the ears or the back of the neck of a wearer. Accordingly, it will be understood that these are only examples.

[0062] FIG. 20 illustrates an example view of an example device 200 of the present disclosure. The device 2000 is similar to the device 102 of FIGS. 1-4, the device 500 of FIG. 5, the device 600 of FIG. 6, the device 1100 of FIG. 11, and the device 1700 of FIG. 17, with the exception of the internal structure 2010. The internal structure 2010 includes one or more locks 2012. The locks may include one or more corresponding ridges 2014 and grooves 2016 that may operate to lock the strap, (e.g., such as the strap 104 of FIG. 1) inside the device 2000 once the strap 104 is inserted into the device 2000. The device 2000 may be made of hard foam, soft foam, or sponge. In some embodiments, the device 2000 may be made of hard foam to facilitate the locking capability. As illustrated in this example, the device 2000 may have a round tubular shape. However, the device 2000 may also be in any other suitable shape, e.g., flattened tubular shape, etc. In some embodiments, once the strap 104 has been inserted into the device, the device closes the cut automatically. In some operations, the wearer may also press on the device to close the cut. As illustrated in this example, the device 2000 has a tubular shape. However, the device 2000 may also be in any other suitable shape. Other suitable lock structures are also contemplated. [0063] As described herein, some embodiments relate to a shield device. The shield device may include a tubular shape device. The tubular shape device may include an elongated slit. The elongated slit may be configured to receive a strap of a face mask. The shield device may also include an internal space of the tubular shape device includes one or more locks to securely lock the strap inside the tubular shape device.

[0064] As described herein, some embodiments relate to a shield device system. The shield device system may include a shield device. The shield device may include a tubular shape device, the tubular shape device includes an elongated slit configured to receive a strap of a face mask, and an internal space of the tubular shape device includes one or more locks to securely lock the strap inside the tubular shape device. The shield device system may further include a strap, partially enclosed within the internal space of the tubular shape device, and an item coupled to the strap. [0065] In an aspect, the item coupled to the strap may include at least one of masks, glasses, reading glasses, prescription glasses, sunglasses, and binoculars, or any other items that might be worn by a user using a strap.

[0066] In an aspect, as described herein, the device comprises foam, such as hard foam.

[0067] In an aspect, as described herein, the one or more locks comprises one or more corresponding ridges and grooves. The ridge may be designed to lock into the groove, as described herein. In an aspect, as described herein, the cut comprises a self-closing cut that automatically closes after a strap is inserted. Accordingly, the ridge may be designed to lock into the groove automatically. For example, the ridge may be designed to lock into the groove automatically after the strap is added to the internal space of the tubular shape device.

[0068] In an aspect, as described herein, the device comprises a round tubular shape.

[0069] In an aspect, as described herein, the device comprises a flattened tubular shape.

[0070] The above disclosure describes various embodiments of the present invention and method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. While this invention is susceptible to different embodiments in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and is herein described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. All features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment unless otherwise stated. Therefore, it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0071] In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of "e.g.," "etc.," and "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of "including" or "includes" means "including, but not limited to," or "includes, but not limited to," unless otherwise noted.

[0072] As used herein, the term "and/or" placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0073] As described above, various dimensions have been specified in exemplary embodiments. This disclosure is not limited to such dimensions and any dimensions used for the various components of the various embodiments described herein. Further, various components are not limited to the shapes, sizes, colors, and/or materials as described herein. Any shapes, sizes, colors, and/or materials described herein may be used for the various components of the various embodiments described herein.

[0074] The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element. [0075] The definitions of the words or drawing elements described above are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.

[0076] Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.

[0077] In the foregoing description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

[0078] As used above, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, processes, operations, values, and the like.

[0079] One or more of the components, steps, features, and/or functions illustrated in the figures may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, block, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the disclosure. The apparatus, devices, and/or components illustrated in the Figures may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described in the Figures.

[0080] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0081] Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the methods used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self- consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like.

[0082] The figures and the description describe certain embodiments by way of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures to indicate similar or like functionality. [0083] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims of this application. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming and division of the modules, routines, features, attributes, methodologies and other aspects are not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the present invention or its features may have different names, divisions and/or formats.

[0084] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects illustrated herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A,

B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and

C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”