BACKGROUND

[0001] When mounting a tire upon a rim, it is important to ensure that the tire and rim are at least substantially concentric. That is, an accepted industry tolerance exists for a tire's placement on a rim. An eccentric tire and rim relationship, outside of the accepted industry tolerance, may lead to irregular wear and reduced tread life.

[0002] Some tires include substantially circumferential lines extending about the sidewall of the tire. These lines are referred to as a first rim line and a second rim line. The first rim line, if available, is typically used by tire manufacturers and engineers as a reference point for analyzing tire sections. The first rim line is sometimes concealed from view by the rim's flange when the tire is mounted on the rim. However, the first rim line, which is ordinarily positioned at least somewhat radially-outwardly from the rim's flange, may also be utilized as a point against which to measure offset between a rim and a tire, and thus identify whether the tire and rim relationship is within the specified tolerances. Because the first rim line is often positioned radially- outwardly from the rim's flange in the tire's sidewall by some distance, an individual is required to take multiple measurements between the first rim line and the rim, about various points on the circumference of the rim. Due the curvature of the rim, it is difficult to obtain an accurate measurement between the first rim line and the rim.

[0003] What is needed is a tire having rim centering tolerance indicators that create multiple visual points of reference to achieve a concentric relationship between a tire and a rim without having to take measurements.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a tire is provided, the tire comprising: at least one sidewall; at least one bead area; and at least one rim centering tolerance indicator comprising at least one of a substantially circumferential ring and a reference mark, wherein the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator is oriented in the at least one bead area, and wherein the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator is aligned with at least one flange of a wheel rim. [0005] In another embodiment, a tire is provided, the tire comprising: at least one sidewall; at least one bead area; and a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators comprising at least one of a substantially circumferential ring and a reference mark, wherein the plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator at a first radius, and at least one rim centering tolerance indicator at a second radius.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for centering a tire on a wheel rim is provided, the method comprising: providing a tire comprising: at least one sidewall; at least one bead area; and at least one rim centering tolerance indicator comprising at least one of a substantially circumferential ring and a reference mark, wherein the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator is oriented in the at least one bead area; providing a wheel rim comprising at least one flange; and mounting the tire on the wheel rim such that at least one of: the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator aligns with the at least one flange, or the radially-innermost rim centering tolerance indicator that is visible, is visible at each of its points about the tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example configurations, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

[0008] Figure 1A illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 100 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0009] Figure IB illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 100 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0010] Figure 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of tire 100 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0011] Figure 2A illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 200 having rim centering tolerance indicators. [0012] Figure 2B illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 200 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 300 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 400 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 500 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 600 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0017] Figure 7A illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a tire 700 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0018] Figure 7B illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 700 having rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a side plan view of an example embodiment of a prior art tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] When a tire is mounted on a rim, the fitment between the tire and the rim may be such that the tire may actually mount on the rim without being within the industry accepted rim centering tolerance. That is, an industry standard tolerance for tire and rim alignment, herein referred to as a rim centering tolerance, exists to ensure that a tire is centered on a rim within an acceptable degree of error to avoid the negative effects of tire and rim eccentricity.

[0021] Figure 1A illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 100. Tire 100 comprises at least one sidewall 102 and at least one bead area 104. Tire 100 may comprise a tread portion 106. In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108.

[0022] Tire 100 may comprise any of a variety of tires, including a pneumatic tire, a non- pneumatic tire, a passenger tire, a truck tire, a bus tire, an off-the-road tire, and an agricultural tire. [0023] At least one sidewall 102 may comprise a portion of tire 100 extending between tread portion 106 and at least one bead area 104. In one embodiment, sidewall portion 102 does not include any portion of at least one bead area 104.

[0024] At least one bead area 104 may comprise a portion of tire 100 configured to contact a flange of a wheel rim when tire 100 is mounted on a rim (not shown). At least one bead area 104 may comprise a radially- inwardly portion of tire 100. In one embodiment, at least one bead area 104 comprises an upper bead area (not shown), which may be defined as a portion of bead area 104 that is oriented at and near the radially-outwardly extending edge of bead area 104. In one embodiment, the upper bead area extends to, but does not overlap, sidewall 102.

[0025] In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108. At least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 may be oriented in at least one bead area 104. In one embodiment, no rim centering tolerance indicator 108 is oriented on sidewall 102.

[0026] At least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 may comprise at least one of a substantially circumferential ring, and a reference mark. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises at least one ring extending about the circumference of at least one bead area 104. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises at least one reference mark. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a combination of any number of substantially circumferential rings and reference marks. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a substantially solid circumferential ring. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a discontinuous circumferential ring. In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a combination of at least one substantially solid circumferential ring and at least one discontinuous circumferential ring. In one embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a first rim line. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a first rim groove.

[0027] At least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 may comprise any element configured to be visually detectable by an individual mounting tire 100 on a rim (not shown). In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a raised indicia extending from the surface of bead area 104. In another embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a recessed indicia extending into the surface of bead area 104. In another embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a combination of raised and recessed indicia. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a colored indicia placed upon, formed into, or both, bead area 104. In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators 108, each of which may comprise differing or alternating colors, textures, raised portions, recessed portions, and the like.

[0028] When tire 100 is mounted on a rim (not shown), at least one of rim centering tolerance indicators 108 may be aligned with or visible around a flange of the rim. In one embodiment, the flange of the rim (not shown) extends across bead area 104 from a radially- inwardly direction (the flange comprising an outer radius) and terminates at or near at least one of rim centering tolerance indicators 108. In one embodiment, aligning an outer radius of a rim flange (not shown) with at least one of rim centering tolerance indicators 108 may indicate to an individual mounting tire 100 onto a rim that tire 100 is substantially concentric with, or within rim centering tolerance with, the rim. In another embodiment, confirming visually that the radially- innermost rim centering indicator 108 that is exposed around the rim's flange, is visible completely about the circumference of a rim flange, (not shown) may indicate to an individual mounting tire 100 onto a rim that tire 100 is substantially concentric with, or within rim centering tolerances with, the rim.

[0029] In one embodiment, any of various rims upon which tire 100 may be mounted comprise any of various geometries and sizes of rim flanges (not shown). A rim flange on one rim may extend a radially greater or lesser distance than a comparable rim flange. As such, tire 100 may comprise a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators 108 to take into account various rim flange geometries and sizes. In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators 108, at least one of which may be aligned with or visible around the outer radius of any of a variety of rim flanges (not shown) during mounting of tire 100 on a rim. Alignment of at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 with an outer radius of a rim flange may indicate to an individual mounting tire 100 onto a rim that tire 100 is substantially concentric with the rim. In one embodiment, a rim flange may comprise an outer radius greater than a radius of at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108, and as such may conceal that particular rim centering tolerance indicator 108 from view. However, a rim flange may comprise an outer radius less than a radius of another rim centering tolerance indicator 108, which can be used to visually confirm concentricity of tire 100 and the rim. In one embodiment, the radius of a first rim centering tolerance indicator 108 and the radius of a second rim centering tolerance indicator 108 differ by about 1.5 mm.

[0030] Figure IB illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 100. Tire 100 comprises at least one sidewall 102 and at least one bead area 104. In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator, such as rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C oriented in at least one bead area 104 (and optionally, in an upper bead area portion of bead area 104). As illustrated in Figure IB, each of rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C, may comprise a label so as to differentiate a first rim centering tolerance indicator from a second rim centering tolerance indicator. As illustrated, the label may comprise letters, such as "A," "B," and "C." In one embodiment, the label comprises numbers, symbols, shapes, colors, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the label comprises any element configured to be visible to an individual mounting tire 100 on a rim (not shown).

[0031] Figure IB illustrates an embodiment wherein three rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C are oriented in bead area 104. It is contemplated that any number of rim centering tolerance indicators may be used, including a single rim centering tolerance indicator, or a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators.

[0032] Figure IB illustrates an embodiment wherein rim centering tolerance indicators 108A and 108C are discontinuous or dashed circumferential rings, and 108B is a substantially solid circumferential ring. It is contemplated that any rim centering tolerance indicators could include curvy, wavy, zigzag, dashed, discontinuous, or patterned lines or rings. In one embodiment, at least one of rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C may be a first rim line. In another embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108B is a first rim line.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 108 comprises a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators, such as rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C. Rim centering tolerance indicator 108A may comprise a first radius, whereas rim centering tolerance indicator 108B may comprise a second radius, and rim centering tolerance indicator 108C may comprise a third radius. In one embodiment, tire 100 may be annular in shape, and may comprise an inner radius. The first radius, second radius, and third radius may be greater than the inner radius. In one embodiment, at least one of the first radius, second radius, and third radius differ by about 1.5 mm.

[0034] In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C may be separated by a specified distance. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108A and 108B are separated by a distance Dl. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 108B and 108C are separated by a distance D2. In one embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are about 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.75 mm and about 3.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are greater than about 5.0 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance is equal to distances Dl and D2. For example, rim centering tolerance may be about 1.5 mm.

[0036] Figure 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of tire 100. Tire 100 comprises at least one sidewall 102 and at least one bead area 104. Tire 100 may comprise a tread portion 106. In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator, such as rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C oriented in at least one bead area 104 (and optionally, in an upper bead area portion of bead area 104).

[0037] In one embodiment, tire 100 comprises rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C on both sides of tire 100. In another embodiment, tire 100 comprises rim centering tolerance indicators 108A, 108B, and 108C on a single side of tire 100.

[0038] Figure 2A illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 200. Tire 200 comprises at least one sidewall 202 and at least one bead area 204. Tire 200 may comprise a tread portion 206. In one embodiment, tire 200 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 208.

[0039] At least one rim centering tolerance indicator 208 may comprise reference marks oriented at any of a variety of positions about the circumference of bead area 204. In one embodiment, as illustrated, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 208 may be oriented at about 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock. In another embodiment, more or less rim centering tolerance indicators 208 may be oriented in any evenly or unevenly distributed manner about bead area 204. In one embodiment, the number, orientation, and distribution of rim centering tolerance indicators 208 may be dictated by virtue of tire size or the like. For example, a larger tire may have a greater number of rim centering tolerance indicators 208.

[0040] Figure 2B illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 200. As illustrated in Figure 2B, rim centering tolerance indicator 208 may comprise a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators, such as rim centering tolerance indicators 208A, 208B, and 208C. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicators 208A, 208B, and 208C may comprise reference marks in the form of short linear elements. The reference marks may be substantially straight, curved, wavy, patterned, or the like.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 2B, each of rim centering tolerance indicators 208A, 208B, and 208C may comprise a label configured to allow differentiation between a first rim centering tolerance indicator and a second rim centering tolerance indicator. In one embodiment, the label may comprise letters, such as "A," "B," and "C." In one embodiment, the label comprises numbers, symbols, shapes, colors, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the label comprises any element configured to be visible to an individual mounting tire 200 on a rim (not shown).

[0042] In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicators 208A, 208B, and 208C may be separated by a specified distance. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 208A and 208B are separated by a distance Dl. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 208B and 208C are separated by a distance D2. In one embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are about 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.75 mm and about 3.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are greater than about 5.0 mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, an individual installing a tire may ensure that a rim flange is aligned with one of rim centering tolerance indicators 208A, 208B, and 208C at each of the rim centering tolerance indicator's positions around the tire. In another embodiment, an individual installing a tire may ensure that the radially-innermost rim centering indicator that is visible is visible at each of the rim centering tolerance indicator's positions around the tire. [0044] Figure 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 300. Tire 300 comprises at least one sidewall 302 and at least one bead area 304. Tire 300 may comprise a tread portion 306. In one embodiment, tire 300 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 308. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicator 300 may comprise a combination of a substantially circumferential ring and reference marks.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 308 comprises a first rim line. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 308 comprises a first rim groove.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 400. Tire 400 comprises at least one sidewall 402 and at least one bead area 404. Tire 400 may comprise a tread portion 406. In one embodiment, tire 400 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 408. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicator 400 may comprise a combination of a substantially circumferential ring and reference marks.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 408 comprises a first rim line. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 408 comprises a first rim groove.

[0048] Figure 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 500. Tire 500 comprises at least one sidewall 502 and at least one bead area 504. Tire 500 may comprise a tread portion 506. In one embodiment, tire 500 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 508. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicator 500 may comprise a denser distribution of references marks oriented in at least one bead area 504.

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 600. Tire 600 comprises at least one sidewall 602 and at least one bead area 604. Tire 600 may comprise a tread portion 606. In one embodiment, tire 600 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 608. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicator 600 may comprise a distribution of references marks having differing lengths, oriented in at least one bead area 604.

[0050] Figure 7A illustrates an example embodiment of a tire 700. Tire 700 comprises at least one sidewall 702 and at least one bead area 704. Tire 700 may comprise a tread portion 706. In one embodiment, tire 700 comprises at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 708. At least one rim centering tolerance indicator 708 may comprise a substantially solid, circumferential ring.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 708 comprises a first rim line. In another embodiment, at least one rim centering tolerance indicator 708 comprises a first rim groove.

[0052] Figure 7B illustrates a partial view of an example embodiment of tire 700. As illustrated in Figure 7B, rim centering tolerance indicator 708 may comprise a plurality of rim centering tolerance indicators, such as rim centering tolerance indicators 708A, 708B, and 708C. As illustrated, rim centering tolerance indicators 708A, 708B, and 708C may comprise reference marks in the form of substantially circumferential linear elements. The reference marks may be substantially solid.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 7B, each of rim centering tolerance indicators 708A, 708B, and 708C may comprise a label configured to allow differentiation between a first rim centering tolerance indicator and a second rim centering tolerance indicator. In one embodiment, the labels may comprise letters, such as "A," "B," and "C." In one embodiment, the label comprises numbers, symbols, shapes, colors, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the label comprises any element configured to be visible to an individual mounting tire 700 on a rim (not shown).

[0054] In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicators 708A, 708B, and 708C may be separated by a specified distance. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 708A and 708B are separated by a distance Dl. In one embodiment, rim centering tolerance indicator 708B and 708C are separated by a distance D2. In one embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are about 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.75 mm and about 3.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are between about 0.5 mm and about 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, distances Dl and D2 are greater than about 5.0 mm.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates a prior art tire 800 comprising a sidewall 802, a bead area 804, and a tread portion 806. Tire 800 comprises a first rim line 809 and a second rim line 810 oriented on sidewall 802. [0056] It is noted that rim centering tolerance indicators illustrated herein are not necessarily to scale, and may be enlarged to highlight the concept.

[0057] In one embodiment, a method for centering a tire on a wheel rim is provided. The method may comprise providing a tire comprising at least one sidewall, at least one bead area, and at least one rim centering tolerance indicator comprising at least one of a substantially circumferential ring and a reference mark. The at least one rim centering tolerance indicator is oriented in the at least one bead area.

[0058] The method may further comprise providing a wheel rim comprising at least one flange, and mounting the tire on the wheel rim such that the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator aligns with the at least one flange. Alternatively, the method may comprise providing a wheel rim comprising at least one flange, and mounting the tire on the wheel rim such that the radially-innermost rim centering tolerance indicator is visible on the tire, is visible about the circumference of the tire, or at least visible at each of that specific rim centering tolerance indicator's points about the tire.

[0059] In one embodiment, rim centering indicators are separated by a distance that is equal to or less than the rim centering tolerance. Accordingly, as long as the radially-innermost rim centering tolerance indicator that is visible on the tire, is visible at each of that specific rim centering indicator's points on the tire, an individual can confirm that the rim and tire relationship is within the rim centering tolerance. Alternatively, if the rim flange at least substantially aligns with one of the rim centering indicators about the circumference of the tire, or about each of that specific rim centering tolerance indicator's points about the tire, an individual can confirm that the rim and tire relationship is within the rim centering tolerance.

[0060] A tire may fit upon a rim with enough variation such that the tire and rim are not concentric. Such a lack of concentricity can lead to irregular wear, decreased performance, and vibration. Accordingly, ensuring at least a substantial concentricity between the tire and the rim is very important. Orienting a rim flange relative to at least one rim centering tolerance indicator can help ensure such concentricity.

[0061] For example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and observe the rim flange's relationship to the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator. The individual may determine that the rim flange obscures a portion of a particular rim centering tolerance indicator, but does not obscure another portion of the same rim centering tolerance indicator. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are not concentric.

[0062] In another example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and observe the rim flange's relationship to the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator. The individual may determine that the rim flange is much closer to a portion of a particular rim centering tolerance indicator, and much farther from another portion of the same rim centering tolerance indicator. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are not exactly concentric, but still within rim centering tolerance.

[0063] In another example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and observe the rim flange's relationship to the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator. The individual may determine that the rim flange is touching a particular rim centering tolerance indicator about the entire circumference of the rim flange. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are substantially concentric.

[0064] In another example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and observe the rim flange's relationship to the at least one rim centering tolerance indicator. The individual may determine that the rim flange is spaced from a particular rim centering tolerance indicator about the same distance about the entire circumference of the rim flange. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are substantially concentric.

[0065] In another example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and identify the radially- innermost rim centering indicator that is visible on the tire after mounting. The individual may visually confirm that that specific rim centering indicator is visible at each of its points about the tire. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are within rim centering tolerance.

[0066] In another example, an individual may mount a tire on a rim and identify the radially- innermost rim centering indicator that is visible on the tire after mounting. The individual may visually confirm that that specific rim centering indicator is not visible at each of its points about the tire. In such a situation, the individual will know that the rim and tire are not within rim centering tolerance. [0067] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." To the extent that the term "substantially" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to indicate a nature of an element and/or a relationship between elements within a reasonable degree of precision and tolerance as is acceptable in the relevant field of technology. To the extent that the term "selectively" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term "operatively connected" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural. Finally, where the term "about" is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include + 10% of the number. In other words, "about 10" may mean from 9 to 11.

[0068] As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.