TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments generally relate to an externally worn support structure for operators of outdoor power equipment and, more particularly, relate to a tool belt component for the externally worn support structure.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Outdoor maintenance tasks (e.g. logging) are commonly performed using various forms of outdoor power equipment and ancillary tools that are configured for the performance of corresponding specific tasks. Some of those forms of outdoor power equipment are designed to be effective at performing specific tasks in situations that could be relatively brief, or could take a long time, including, in some cases, a full day of work. When performing outdoor maintenance tasks for any period of time, aches, pains and fatigue felt by the operator can play a role in the operation of the outdoor power equipment. Regardless of how long the operator performs the outdoor maintenance tasks, it is important that the operator remains able to effectively maneuver the outdoor power equipment device and repeatedly carry and wield the device to achieve the best possible results for the outdoor maintenance tasks.

[0003] To help reduce the burden of carrying equipment, operators may choose to wear an externally worn support structure that may better distribute loads felt by the operator during various outdoor maintenance tasks. However, the fitment of the externally worn support structure may limit the operator’s range of motion and ability to access additional tools, as well as the amount of tools an operator may carry on their person. Moreover, some designs, may focus the load on one specific body part. For example, wearing only a tool belt may focus the load on the hips of the operator. Meanwhile, wearing only a shoulder harness may focus the load on the shoulders of the operator. These of other unbalanced solutions may have limited value, but may fall short of being a fully satisfying solution. Thus, an adaptation for an additional component providing bodily support and tool storage on the externally worn support structure is necessary in many cases. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0004] Some example embodiments may provide for an externally worn support structure (EWSS) for an operator of outdoor power equipment. The EWSS may include a shoulder harness, a first leg support, a second leg support, a tool belt that may be disposed between the shoulder harness and the first and second leg supports and a coupling assembly which may be configured to operably couple the shoulder harness, the first and second leg supports and the tool belt. The tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may distribute load forces felt by the operator wearing the EWSS amongst the shoulder harness, the tool belt and the first and second leg supports.

[0005] Some other example embodiments may provide for a coupling assembly for an externally worn support structure (EWSS) for an operator of outdoor power equipment. The coupling assembly may include a first strap assembly which may operably couple a shoulder harness of the EWSS to first and second leg supports of the EWSS, a second strap assembly which may operably couple the shoulder harness to a tool belt of the EWSS and a third strap assembly which may operably couple the tool belt to the first and second leg supports. The tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may distribute load forces felt by the operator wearing the EWSS amongst the shoulder harness, the tool belt and the first and second leg supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0006] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an externally worn support structure of an example embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the externally worn support structure worn on an operator in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the externally worn support structure worn on an operator in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a tool belt of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment; [0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a close up front view of the tool belt of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up front view of a portion of a shoulder harness of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 7A illustrates a close up perspective view of a torsion spring mount of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 7B illustrates a close up perspective view of a torsion spring mount of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up front view of a portion of the shoulder harness of the externally worn support structure in accordance with an example embodiment; and [0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a harness in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0018] In some example embodiments, an operator may wear an externally worn support structure (EWSS) while actively performing outdoor maintenance tasks. In some embodiments, the EWSS may be an exoskeleton. The EWSS may be utilized for providing back support and better balance carrying of a load for an operator who may be wearing the EWSS to perform outdoor maintenance tasks that may involve repeatedly carrying and using an outdoor power equipment device or tool that can be supported by the EWSS. The EWSS may include a shoulder harness, a tool belt, at least one leg support and a coupling assembly. The nature of performing outdoor maintenance tasks may often imply that the operator may be required to operate heavy equipment or repeatedly lift or move heavy objects, regardless of the operator’s physical size and strength. In this regard, the components of the EWSS may be adjustable in order to accommodate operators of a wide variety of physical sizes. Additionally, the EWSS may allow more operators to effectively and comfortably operate outdoor power equipment for extended periods of time and/or repeatedly lift or move heavy objects while distributing the load forces generated by such activities to minimize the onset of aches, pain and fatigue from performing the outdoor maintenance tasks. In particular, the tool belt that may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS may prevent the concentration of load forces into the lower back region of the operator. Other improvements may also be possible, and the improvements can be made completely independent of each other, or in combination with each other in any desirable configuration. Accordingly, the operability and utility of the EWSS may be enhanced or otherwise facilitated.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of an externally worn support structure (EWSS) 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the EWSS 100 may include a shoulder harness 110, a tool belt 120, a first leg support 130, a second leg support 140 and a coupling assembly 150. The shoulder harness 110 may comprise a first shoulder pad 112 and a second shoulder pad 114. While the EWSS 100 is worn by the operator 160, the first and second shoulder pads (112, 114) may be configured to extend over the top of respective shoulders of the operator 160 on opposing sides of the head and neck of the operator 160. The shoulder harness 110 may also be configured to extend around a central portion of the back of the operator 160 and under the arms of the operator 160 while the EWSS 100 is worn by the operator 160. The portion of the shoulder harness 110 that may extend under the arms of the operator 160 may also be adjustable so that the shoulder harness 110 can be set to fit snugly (e.g., without room to slide relative to the operator 160). Further details of the shoulder harness 110 will be discussed in reference to later figures.

[0020] The tool belt 120 may be disposed at a lower position than the shoulder harness 110 relative to the body of the operator 160. The tool belt 120 of some embodiments may be configured with pockets and connection points at which tools of various types may be stored. In this regard, the operator 160 may have access to a wider variety of tools to assist in meeting the demands of the particular outdoor maintenance tasks being undertaken. In some embodiments, the tool belt 120 may be secured around a waist of the operator 160 while the EWSS 100 is worn by the operator 160. In this regard, it may be common for loading forces generated from lifting objects to concentrate in the lower back region of the operator 160 as they perform various outdoor maintenance tasks. Accordingly, the tool belt 120 may be configured to provide support for the lower back of the operator 160 such that repetitive loading forces are at least partially distributed away from the lower back of the operator 160 to other components of the EWSS 100 (i.e. the shoulder harness 110). Thus, proper orientation of the tool belt 120 may be necessary to optimize support for the operator 160.

[0021] The first and second leg supports (130, 140) may be disposed at a lower position than the tool belt 120. The first and second leg supports (130, 140) may each comprise a retention clip 135 configured to secure opposite ends of each respective leg support (130, 140) together and thus secure the first and second leg supports (130, 140) to respective ones of the legs of the operator 160. The first and second leg supports (130, 140) may be configured to provide additional support to the operator 160 by absorbing some of the load distribution of the EWSS 100. The rear of the first and second leg supports (130, 140) may be extended upward to provide an anchoring connection to the coupling assembly 150 and lend comfort to the rear region between tool belt 120 and leg supports (130, 140) of the operator 160 during tasks such as bending down to pick up or push heavy objects.

[0022] The coupling assembly 150 may be configured to operably couple each of the shoulder harness 110, the tool belt 120, the first leg support 130 and the second leg support 140 to each other. In this regard, the coupling assembly 150 of some embodiments may comprise various different strap assemblies. A first strap assembly 151 may operably couple the shoulder harness 110 to the first and second leg supports (130, 140), a second strap assembly 152 may operably couple the shoulder harness 110 to the tool belt 120, and a third strap assembly 153 may operably couple the tool belt 120 to the first and second leg supports (130, 140). Further details of the coupling assembly 150 will be discussed in reference to later figures.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the EWSS 100 being worn by an operator 160 and FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the EWSS 100 being worn by an operator 160. In some embodiments, the first strap assembly 151 may comprise two straps in total. In this regard, each strap may originate on one of the first or second shoulder pads (112, 114) of the shoulder harness 110, and extend down the back of the operator 160 until it terminates at the rear of the leg support (130, 140) on the opposite side of the body from the respective shoulder pad from which the strap originated. In other words, the first strap assembly 151 may form an “X” shape at the back of the EWSS 100 from the cross pattern of its two constituent straps. This particular structure may give the EWSS 100 and the operator 160 wearing the EWSS 100 more stability when lifting heavy objects or performing other strenuous outdoor maintenance tasks. In some embodiments, the first strap assembly 151 may be configured to extend through the tool belt 120 such that the first strap assembly 151 may be free to move vertically with respect to the tool belt 120 responsive to being adjusted by the operator 160.

[0024] The second strap assembly 152 may operably couple the shoulder harness 110 to the tool belt 120. In some embodiments, the second strap assembly 152 may comprise four total straps, each operably coupling the shoulder harness 110 to the tool belt 120. In some embodiments, the second strap assembly 152 may be adjustable to change the load distribution properties of the coupling assembly 150. In this regard, if the operator 160 prefers for the shoulder harness 110 to bear a larger share of the loads, the second strap assembly 152 may be tightened so that the shoulder harness 110 supports more of the tool belt 120. On the contrary, if the operator 160 prefers for the tool belt 120 to bear a larger share of the loads, then the second strap assembly may be loosened so that the shoulder harness 110 supports less of the tool belt 120. In some embodiments, the second strap assembly 152 may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS 100. In this regard, the coupling assembly 150 may further comprise removable clips 154 that may operably couple the second strap assembly 152 to the shoulder harness 110 and the tool belt 120. In some embodiments, the removable clips 154 may be G clips that are configured to operably couple to loops disposed along the shoulder harness 110 and the tool belt 120. Accordingly, the EWSS 100 may be worn without the tool belt 120 in some embodiments. [0025] The third strap assembly 153 may operably couple the tool belt 120 to the first leg support 130 and the second leg support 140. In this regard, the third strap assembly 153 may comprise two total straps where each strap in the third strap assembly 153 is disposed at an exterior side of each leg of the operator 160. In some embodiments, the third strap assembly 153 may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS 100. In this regard, the coupling assembly 150 may further comprise removable clips 154 that may operably couple the third strap assembly 153 to the tool belt 120 and the first and second leg supports (130, 140). In some embodiments, the removable clips 154 may be G-clips that are configured to operably couple to loops disposed along the tool belt 120 and the first and second leg supports (130, 140). Accordingly, as noted above, the EWSS 100 may be worn without the tool belt 120 in some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a close up front view of the tool belt 120 operably coupled to the EWSS 100, and FIG. 5 depicts a close up view of an interior rear portion of the tool belt 120. As shown in FIG 4, in some embodiments the tool belt 120 may be secured to the operator 160 by a buckle mechanism 121 operably coupled to the tool belt 120. In this regard, the buckle mechanism 121 may comprise a clip 122 and a receiver 123. The clip 122 may be operably coupled to a first end of the tool belt 120, and the receiver 123 may be operably coupled to a second end of the tool belt 120 opposite from the first end. Accordingly, the tool belt 120 may be wrapped around the waist of the operator 160 and secured in place by inserting the clip 122 into the receiver 123 of the buckling mechanism 121. In some other embodiments, any suitable means of securing the first end of the tool belt 120 to the second end of the tool belt 120 may be utilized. Responsive to securing the first end of the tool belt 120 to the second end of the tool belt 120, the buckling mechanism 121 may be centered at the front of the waist of the operator 160 to ensure the proper orientation of the tool belt 120.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tool belt 120 may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS 100 via the coupling assembly 150. In addition to the removable clips 154 described above with respect to the second and third strap assemblies (152, 153), the tool belt 120 may comprise a channel 124 and a door 125 at the rear of the tool belt 120 proximate to the lower back of the operator 160. In this regard, the first strap assembly 151 may be configured to extend through the channel 124 such that the tool belt 120 and the first strap assembly 151 hold each other in their respective positions while the EWSS 100 is worn. In some embodiments, the channel 124 is accessible via a door 125 formed on the interior of the tool belt 120. Accordingly, the door 125 may comprise a hinge 126 disposed on a first vertical edge of the door 125 and a clasp assembly 127 disposed on a second vertical edge of the door 125. The door 125 may be configured to swing open and closed at the hinge 126 to accordingly open and close the channel 124. Thus, the first strap assembly 151 may be operably coupled to the tool belt 120 via the channel 124 when the door 125 to the channel 124 is closed with the first strap assembly 151 inside of the channel 124. In some embodiments, the door 125 may be disposed on the exterior of the tool belt 120 such that the door 125 opens outwardly at the back of the tool belt 120. In either case, the functionality of the channel 124 may be the same. The clasp assembly 127 may be a hook and loop clasp assembly 127 where a plurality of hook members may be disposed on the tool belt 120 and a corresponding plurality of loop members may be disposed on the door 125. In some other embodiments, the clasp assembly 127 may comprise a plurality of snaps or buttons. In still some other embodiments, the clasp assembly 127 may comprise a zipper assembly or any other suitable form of locking mechanism.

[0028] FIG. 6 depicts the first and second shoulder pads (112, 114) of the shoulder harness 110 with the first strap assembly 151 disposed thereon. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a perspective view of a torsion spring mount 170 which may be used to operably couple the first strap assembly 151 to each of the first and second shoulder pads (112, 114) as shown in FIG. 6. The EWSS 100 may comprise at least one torsion spring mount 170 which may operably couple the first strap assembly 151 to the shoulder harness 110. In this regard, the first strap assembly 151 may be spring loaded. As shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B, the torsion spring mount 170 may comprise a base portion 171 and a lever portion 172. In some embodiments, the base portion 171 may be fixedly operably coupled to the shoulder harness 110 while the lever portion 172 may be rotatably operably coupled to the first strap assembly 151. Importantly, the lever portion 172 may be pivotably operably coupled to the base portion 171 by a torsion spring 173. In this regard, the lever portion 172 may be biased by the torsion spring 173 to rest at an angle of 0° relative to the base portion 171. The lever portion 172 may however pivot with respect to the base portion 171 such that the angle formed between the lever portion 172 and the base portion 171 may be any value greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 180°. Accordingly, the lever portion 172 may be pivoted if the operator 160 desires to tighten or loosen the EWSS 100. In FIG. 7A, the torsion spring mount 170 may be depicted in what may effectively be a loose position, where the angle between the lever portion 172 and the base portion 171 may be approximately 180°. In this position, the EWSS 100 may be in a loose state. In FIG. 7B, the torsion spring mount 170 may be depicted in what may effectively be a tight position, where the angle between the lever portion 172 and the base portion 171 may be approximately 0°. In this position, the EWSS 100 may be in a tight state. In some embodiments, the torsion spring mount 170 may enable the first strap assembly 151 to behave as spring loaded as well, such that the EWSS 100 may absorb shock loads via the first strap assembly 151 and the torsion spring mount [0029] FIG. 8 depicts a front side view of a portion of the shoulder harness 110. As shown in FIG. 8, the shoulder harness 110 may further comprise a locking assembly 116 disposed at the front of the shoulder harness 110 proximate to the chest of the operator 160. In some embodiments, the shoulder harness 110 may comprise a first flap 118 which may be an extension of, or operably coupled to, the first shoulder pad 112 and a second flap 119 which may be an extension of, or operably coupled to, the second shoulder pad 114. The locking assembly 116 may comprise two separate components as well. One such component may be disposed on the first flap 118 of the shoulder harness 110 while a second component may be disposed on the second flap 119 of the shoulder harness 110. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 116 may be operable between an unlocked state and a locked state. When the EWSS 100 is worn by an operator 160, the locking assembly 116 may be in the locked state and disposed at the center of the chest of the operator 160 proximate to the sternum of the operator 160. Accordingly, the shoulder harness 110 may not impede the operator 160 from accessing any breast pockets that may be on the clothing of the operator 160.

[0030] While the EWSS 100 is worn by the operator 160 in the locked state, the first flap 118 may be disposed on top of the second flap 119, such that the second flap 119 may be disposed between the first flap 118 and the operator 160. In the unlocked state, the shoulder harness 110 may be opened at the front by pulling the first flap 118 apart from the second flap 119 in a lateral direction away from the sternum of the operator 160. With the shoulder harness 110 in the unlocked state and open, the operator 160 may accordingly put on and take off the shoulder harness 110 as desired. In the locked state, the shoulder harness 110 may be secured to the operator 160 and accordingly attached to the remaining components of the EWSS 100. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 116 may be a hook and loop locking assembly 116 where a plurality of hook members may be disposed on the first flap 118 and a corresponding plurality of loop members may be disposed on the second flap 119. In some other embodiments, the locking assembly 116 may comprise a plurality of snaps or buttons. In still some other embodiments, the locking assembly 116 may comprise a zipper assembly or any other suitable form of locking mechanism.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an EWSS 200 in accordance with an example embodiment. The EWSS 100 detailed in FIGS. 1-8 may be one specific example of the EWSS 200 that is more generally described herein. As shown in FIG. 9, the EWSS 200 may include a shoulder harness 210, a tool belt 220, a first leg support 230, a second leg support 240, and a coupling assembly 250, which may have similar structure and function as the components described in reference to FIG. 1 above. The EWSS 200 may also include at least one torsion spring mount 260, which may operably couple the coupling assembly 250 to the shoulder harness 210. In some embodiments, the torsion spring mount 260 may be disposed at the end of a shoulder pad on the shoulder harness 210 to provide easy access for the operator 160 to adjust the coupling assembly 250 accordingly. In this regard, the operator 160 may adjust the torsion spring mount 260 in order to dictate the load distribution properties of the EWSS 200.

[0032] The EWSS 200 may also include a cover member 270. Depending on the nature of the outdoor maintenance task being performed, the coupling assembly 250 may be at risk of getting torn, tangled or caught in the environment in which the EWSS 200 is worn. Accordingly, a cover member 270 may be provided on the coupling assembly 250 to align and protect the coupling assembly 250 from any number of external environmental factors. Additionally, as mentioned above, the tool belt 220 may be configured for the storage of a tool 280. In some other embodiments, more than one tool 280 may be stored on the tool belt 220. In still some other embodiments, the shoulder harness 210 and the tool belt 220 may each be configured with one or more sensor mounts 290. The sensor mount 290 may provide a location for attaching a sensor in the event that the operator 160 was interested in obtaining specific data from the outdoor maintenance tasks (i.e. the load forces felt by the EWSS 200).

[0033] Some example embodiments may provide for an externally worn support structure (EWSS) for an operator of outdoor power equipment. The EWSS may include a shoulder harness, a first leg support, a second leg support, a tool belt that may be disposed between the shoulder harness and the first and second leg supports and a coupling assembly which may be configured to operably couple the shoulder harness, the first and second leg supports and the tool belt. The tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may distribute load forces felt by the operator wearing the EWSS amongst the shoulder harness, the tool belt and the first and second leg supports.

[0034] The EWSS of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the EWSS. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the coupling assembly may include a first strap assembly that may operably couple the shoulder harness to the first and second leg supports, a second strap assembly that may operably couple the shoulder harness to the tool belt and a third strap assembly that may operably couple the tool belt to the first and second leg supports. In an example embodiment, the second and third strap assemblies may comprise removable hooks such that the second and third strap assemblies and the tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS. In some cases, the second strap assembly may be adjustable to change the load distribution properties of the coupling assembly. In an example embodiment, the first strap assembly may be spring loaded such that the shoulder harness and the first and second leg supports may be adjustably operably coupled. In some cases, the tool belt may include a channel through which the first strap assembly may extend. In an example embodiment, the channel may be disposed at the center of the tool belt such that when the tool belt is worn by the operator, the channel may be located proximate to the back of the operator. In some cases, the first strap assembly may move vertically within the channel. In an example embodiment, the channel may include a door which may be configured to control access to the channel. In some cases, the door may be operably coupled to the tool belt by a hinge at a first edge of the door and a clasp assembly at a second edge of the door. In an example embodiment, the door may be configured to rotate about the hinge and may alternate between a closed state and an open state. In some cases, in the closed state, the channel may be sealed such that the first strap assembly may not be removed. In an example embodiment, in the open state, the first strap assembly may be free to be removed from the channel. In some cases, at least one of the first strap assembly, the second strap assembly or the third strap assembly may be operably coupled to a cover member that may be configured to protect the respective strap assembly. In an example embodiment, the shoulder harness may include a locking assembly disposed at the center of the chest to permit the operator to access their breast pockets. In some cases, the shoulder harness or the tool belt may further include at least one sensor mount.

[0035] Some example embodiments may provide for a coupling assembly for an externally worn support structure (EWSS) for an operator of outdoor power equipment. The coupling assembly may include a first strap assembly which may operably couple a shoulder harness of the EWSS to first and second leg supports of the EWSS, a second strap assembly which may operably couple the shoulder harness to a tool belt of the EWSS and a third strap assembly which may operably couple the tool belt to the first and second leg supports. The tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may distribute load forces felt by the operator wearing the EWSS amongst the shoulder harness, the tool belt and the first and second leg supports.

[0036] The coupling assembly of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the coupling assembly. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the second and third strap assemblies may include removable hooks such that the second and third strap assemblies and the tool belt may be removably operably coupled to the EWSS. In an example embodiment, the second strap assembly may be adjustable to change the load distribution properties of the coupling assembly. In some cases, the first strap assembly may be spring loaded such that the shoulder harness and the first and second leg supports may be adjustably operably coupled. In an example embodiment, the first strap assembly may be operably coupled to the shoulder harness by at least one torsion spring mount. In some cases, the at least one torsion spring mount may include a base portion and a lever portion. In an example embodiment, the lever portion may be rotatably operably coupled to the first strap assembly. In some cases, the base portion may be fixedly operably coupled to the shoulder harness. In an example embodiment, the lever portion may be pivotably operably coupled to the base portion. In some cases, the lever portion may be configured to pivot within a range of 0° to 180° relative to the base portion. In an example embodiment, the at least one torsion spring mount may be configured to adjust the load distribution of the EWSS based on the pivot angle of the lever portion. In some cases, the first strap assembly may move vertically relative to the tool belt within a channel in the tool belt responsive to the lever portion pivoting with respect to the base portion. In an example embodiment, at least one of the first strap assembly, the second strap assembly or the third strap assembly may be operably coupled to a cover member that may be configured to protect the respective strap assembly. [0037] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.