CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/699,630, filed Sep. 11, 2012, entitled â€œCORD WRAP HANG TAB,â€ which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to the field of packaging. More specifically, the present application relates to the integration of packaging components and functional components.

BACKGROUND

Consumers generally discard the packaging components of retail products once the items contained in the packing components are retrieved. Accordingly, such packaging components typically represent waste when they have completed their function of maintaining a product through shipment, delivery, display, and purchase.

Certain aspects of the packaging are typically geared towards specific functions throughout the initial pre-purchase phases. A significant number of retail products include packaging components that provide a particular function during the display process. For example, because some retail products are designed to hang from a rail, bracket, or rod connected to a peg board, or other vertical rack, the packaging will include a structure that permits the item to hang from the rail, bracket or rod, while remaining in a particular display orientation. The portion of the packaging that facilitates this function is sometimes referred to as a hang tab. While some packaging components such as the box may find extended uses beyond the purchase phase, for example as a container, packaging components such as a hang tab represent components with particularly low utility and are generally representative of a waste component post purchase.

SUMMARY

The inventors have appreciated that designing and implementing a hang tab or tag in a particular fashion provides innovative utility and functionality and consequentially reduces waste and packaging costs. Additionally, the inventors have appreciated that such an item may also alert and emphasize to a purchaser of a product of an accessory component.

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems and methods that provide a cord wrap hang tab. In exemplary inventive embodiment provides an apparatus for displaying and storing an item. The apparatus includes a container configured to retain an item. The apparatus further includes a hang tab coupled to the container. The hang tab has a body portion having an aperture disposed therein. The aperture in the body portion of the hang tab is configured to receive a cantilevered rail of a retail display board. The hang tab further includes first and second recessed regions disposed on opposing sides of the body portion of the hang tab. The hang tab also includes a support region configured for removably coupling the hang tab with the container.

The support region may include a flange extending from the recessed region. The flange may be wider than the hang tab body portion. The flange may be orthogonal to the hang tab body portion.

The hang tab body may be oval shaped. The flange may be oval shaped.

The support region may include an aperture.

The apparatus may include a rotatable coupling. The apparatus may include a bushing rotatably coupling the support region of the hang tab with the container, which bushing may be flanged.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include configured to attach to the support region. The container may include a channel configured to attach to the support region.

The support region may include an aperture including an opening. The opening may be narrower than another region in the aperture.

In some embodiments, the recess in the body portion may include a pinch point.

In some embodiments a pinch point may be disposed in a body portion of the hang tab.

The support region may be integral with the aperture in some embodiments.

The aperture may include a central indentation shaped to receive a round rod.

In some embodiments, the hang tab body is double wishbone shaped.

In some embodiments, the hang tab body is X-shaped.

In some embodiments, the hang tab body is L-shaped.

The recessed region may be removably coupled to the hang tab body, in accordance with some embodiments.

In accordance with some embodiments, the aperture is triangular.

Another exemplary inventive embodiment provides apparatus for storing earphones. The apparatus includes a body portion having an aperture disposed therein. The aperture is configured to receive a bracket of a retail display board. The body portion includes first and second recessed regions disposed on opposing sides of the body portion. The apparatus may also include a flange extending from the body portion at the recessed region in accordance with some embodiments.

Another exemplary inventive embodiment provides a method of storing earphones. The method includes opening a container including the earphones stored therein, uncoupling a hang tab from the container, which hang tab includes a plurality of recessed regions, and wrapping a cord of the earphones in the recessed regions.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).

FIG. 1 demonstrates a cord wrap hang tab coupled to a package containing wired ear phone in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates the unpacking of earphones from a container including a cord wrap hang tab in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3G provide various views of a cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4G show various views of a oval shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5H depict various views of a snap-off cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate various views of a rotating cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7G provide various views of a folding cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8F show various views of another folding cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate various views of a double wishbone shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10G provide various views of an X-shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11H provide various views of foldable cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12E provide various views of another foldable cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13H provide various views of a curved cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, inventive systems, methods and apparatus for protecting a source of visual information and particularly electronic sources of visual information. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 1 demonstrates a cord wrap hang tab coupled to a package containing wired ear phones in accordance with inventive embodiments. Cord wrap hang tab 101 is depicted in the illustrated embodiment extending from the top of container 110. Container 110 in the illustrated embodiment is a retail container for holding and displaying a pair of wired or corded earphones 111. The cord wrap hang tab 101 may be used to store a pair of ear phones such as ear phones 111. Cord wrap hang tab 101 includes an upper portion including a hanging aperture 102. In the illustrated embodiment, hanging aperture 102 is triangular shaped and is configured to maintain the package in a central and upright configuration when hung from a rod or bracket extending in a cantilevered manner from a retail display board. As demonstrated herein, the hanging aperture may be implemented in other shapes, which may be implemented to increase the versatility of rods, brackets, or other extensions from which the tab may extend. Cord wrap hang tab 101 also includes recesses 103 which are positioned bilaterally with respect to a central axis extending from the top of tab 101 to the bottom portion. As demonstrated further herein, recesses 103 permit a cord such as the cord of earphones 111 to be compactly attached to hang tab 101 for easy transportation and storage during or after use of the earphones. Tab 101 further includes a shoulder portion 104. Shoulders 104 are wider than recess 103 and provide a support region for container 110, in accordance with various embodiments. Tab 101 may be composed of plastic and may be formed by injection molding, in accordance with various inventive embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates the unpacking of earphones from a container including a cord wrap hang tab in accordance with inventive embodiments. Container 210, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is a container for retail display of ear phones or buds 211. Container 210 may be composed of a variety of materials and may include clear panels so that the ear phones can be seen when the container is in a closed configuration. The container may also be composed of flexible and/or rigid materials. Cord wrap hang tab 201 is removably coupled to container 210 such that container 210 can be hung from a rack or bracket, via aperture 202 disposed in an upper region of tab 201. Once the package is opened as shown in FIG. 2B, hang tab 201 may be removably uncoupled from container 210. In some embodiments, container 201 may be folded into sections and may be unfolded to uncoupled tab 201 from the container. In other embodiments, the container may be formed with tab 201 such that removing the tab requires cutting the container. Tab 201 and 210 may be composed of different material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, tab 201 and 210 may be composed of the same material. In yet other embodiments, package 210 and tab 201 may be formed separately and tab 201 may be inserted into an aperture in container 210, which aperture may include flexible, but resilient tabs which permit the insertion of tab 201 but conformably fit to recessed region 203 of tab 201 such that container 210 hangs on shoulders 204 of container 210. In yet further embodiments, tab 201 may be attached to container 210 by an adhesive, which may be removable from tab 201 when the tab is detached from container 210.

As shown in FIG. 2C, once tab 201 is removed from container 210 and the headphones 211 are also removed from the container, the cord of headphones 211 may be wrapped around the recessed portion 203 of the hang tab. Accordingly, tab 201 provides a useable portion of the display and packaging materials, which has utility as a compact means of storing the headphones in a tangle free manner. In some embodiments, tab 201 may include a key chain ring 212 for removably attaching tab 201 to a user's key.

FIGS. 3A-3G provide various views of a cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a combined cord wrap hang tab 301 and container 310. Hang tab 301 includes a hanging aperture 302 and also includes pinch points 305, which may be implemented for cord management to provide additional directional control to a cord wrapped around recesses 303. For example, pinch points 305 may be used to direct the end of a cord or each cord extending to an earphone speaker. FIG. 3B provides a front view of the combined cord wrap hang tab 301 and container 310. As shown in FIG. 3B, shoulder 304 of hang tab 301 remains below a surface, such as upper surface 311 of container 310. As demonstrated in FIG. 3E, which provides a top view of hang tab 301, shoulder 304 may be wider than upper portion 306 in accordance with various embodiments. Surface 311 includes an aperture disposed therein. The aperture may be sized to allow upper portion 306 of tab 301 to pass while preventing shoulder 304 from passing through it in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 3C provides a perspective view of the cord wrap hang tab detached from container 310. FIG. 3D provides a front view of hang tab 301. FIG. 3F provides a bottom view of hang tab 301. FIG. 3G provides a side view of hang tab 301.

FIGS. 4A-4G show various views of a oval shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a combined cord wrap hang tab 401 and container 410. Hang tab 401 includes an aperture 402 configured for hanging the tab on a rack or rod. Aperture 402 includes an indentation 408 that maintains tab 401 centrally on a single rod structure, but is also wide enough to permit a wider flattened rack or two prong rod to extend there through. Hang tab 401 also includes recessed regions 403 disposed on opposite sides of tab 401. As shown in FIG. 4B, like shoulder 304 of tab 301, shoulder 404 of hang tab 401 remains below a surface, such as upper surface 411 of container 410. As demonstrated in FIG. 4E, which provides a top view of hang tab 401, shoulder 404 may be have an oval shape similar to upper portion 406 in accordance with various embodiments. Shoulder 404 provides a base, which in addition to supporting container 410 on an upper surface of shoulder 404, allows tab 401 to stand upright when removed from container 410 when placed on the bottom surface 407 of shoulder 404 shown in bottom view, FIG. 4F. FIG. 4C provides a perspective view of the cord wrap hang tab detached from container 410. FIG. 4D provides a front view of hang tab 401. FIG. 4G provides a side view of hang tab 401.

FIGS. 5A-5H depict various views of a snap-off cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of snap-off tab 501 coupled to container 510. FIG. 5B provides a front view of snap-off cord wrap hang tab 501 coupled to container 510. As demonstrated in perspective view FIG. 5C, snap off cord wrap hang tab 501 is presented in an 1-shaped configuration in the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 5. The upper portion of hang tab 501 includes a hang aperture 502, the lower portion or foot portion 504 of the hang tab 501, is configured for supporting container 510 and is also configured for cord management via recessed regions 503. Regions 503 are circular and include a bottlenecked opening 505 to allow the cord to be placed within the recess but prevent a plurality of wrapped portions from inadvertently unraveling. FIG. 5D further illustrates how cord wrap hang tab 501 may be configured to allow foot portion 504 to break-away or snap off. FIG. 5E provides a front view of hang tab 501. FIG. 5F provides a top view of hang tab 501 and demonstrates an embodiment where foot portion 504 may be substantially the same width as upper portion 506 in accordance with various embodiments FIG. 5G provides a bottom view of hang tab 601. FIG. 5H provides a side view of hang tab 501.

FIGS. 6A-6I illustrate various views of a rotating cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 6A illustrates cord wrap hang tab 601 rotatably coupled to container 610 in an upward orientation. Hang tab 602 includes a hanging aperture 602. FIG. 6B illustrates cord wrap hang tab 602 rotated 180 degrees with respect to container 610 from the orientation illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C provides a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D shows the cord wrap hang tab 601 uncoupled from container 610. As illustrated in FIG. 6D, hang tab 601 includes an aperture 605 for receiving the double flanged bushing 606. Bushing 606 may be composed of plastic, metal, or other materials. The aperture may be disposed in upper region of tab 601 or may be disposed in the cord wrapped region, as shown adjacent to recesses 603. Shoulder 604 in the illustrated embodiment is not employed to support container 610, but still assists with cord management and prevents a cord wrapped around tab 601 from sliding out of recesses 603. FIG. 6F provides a front view of hang tab 301. FIG. 6G provides a top view of hang tab 601 and demonstrates an embodiment where foot portion 604 may be substantially the same width as upper portion 606 in accordance with various embodiments FIG. 6H provides a bottom view of hang tab 601. FIG. 61 provides a side view of hang tab 601.

FIGS. 7A-7G provide various views of a folding cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 7A illustrates a cord wrap hang tab 701 including a hanging aperture 701 and recesses 703. As shown in FIG. 7B, container 710 includes a foldable flap 711 wrapped through hanging aperture 702. Foldable flap 711 allows tab 701 to be folded flush with container 710, which permits compact packaging for packaging, shipping, and storing. FIG. 7C provides a front view of tab 701 and container 710. Foldable flap 711 is illustrated extending through aperture 702. FIG. 7D shows tab 701 uncoupled from container 710. As illustrated in front view 7E, tab 701 may include an additional aperture 704 configured for receiving a key chain. The aperture is disposed near an edge of the tab such that a key chain ring with minimal expandability is still able to open wide enough to engage the tab via aperture 704. FIG. 7F provides a top view of hang tab 701. FIG. 7G provides a side view of hang tab 701.

FIGS. 8A-8F show various views of another folding cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an embodiment that permits a cord wrap hang tab, such as tab 801 to fold flat with a container such as container 810, even in the absence of a folding flap. Container 810 includes a raised loop 811 for coupling tab 801 with container 810. Tab 801 includes a first hanging aperture 802 for hanging from a retail rack, and a second hanging aperture 804 for hanging from container 801. Apertures 802 and 804 may be identically sized apertures in some embodiments. Tab 801 also includes recessed regions 803 for cord management in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 8C provides a perspective view of tab 801. FIG. 8D provides a front view of tab 801. FIG. 8E provides a top view of tab 801, and FIG. 8F provides a side view of tab 801.

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate various views of a double wishbone shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate double wishbone shaped cord wrap hang tab 901 coupled to container 910 in accordance with various inventive embodiments. Container 910 includes a channel 911 configured to coupled tab 901 to container 910, via hanging aperture 902 disposed in tab 901. Tab 901 is configured for receiving a cord in recess 903 of each wishbone prong. As illustrated in FIGS. 9C-9F, one or more extension of tab 901 may include a pinch point 904 to further facilitate cord management.

FIGS. 10A-10G provide various views of an X-shaped cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate X-shaped double wishbone shaped cord wrap hang tab 1001 coupled to container 1010 in accordance with various inventive embodiments. Container 1010 includes a channel 1011 configured to coupled tab 1001 to container 1010, via hanging recess 1003 formed by two legs of X-shaped tab 1001. A second identical recess 1002 is formed via two arms of X-shaped tab 1001 for hanging of tab 1001 on a flattened wide bracket or looped wire rod wider than opening between the two arms of tab 1001. Tab 1001 is configured for receiving a cord in recesses 1002 and 1003. As illustrated in FIGS. 10C-10E, one or more pinch points 1004 may be disposed in tab 1001 to further facilitate cord management as discussed herein in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIG. 10F provides a top view of tab 1001 and FIG. 10G provides a side view of tab 1001.

FIGS. 11A-11H provide various views of foldable cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 11A-11H illustrate foldable cord wrap hang tab 1101 coupled to container 1110 in accordance with various inventive embodiments. Tab 1101 includes two trapezoidal like sections, with curved corners that are foldably connected to one another via flexure 1105. Tab 1101 further includes foot or base portion 1104 that is sectioned into three parts in the illustrated embodiment. Foot portion 1104 of the hang tab 1101, is configured for supporting container 1110 and is also configured for cord management via recessed regions 1103. Tab 1101 also includes a hanging aperture 1102, extending through each trapezoidal portion of tab 1101. In the illustrated embodiment, hanging aperture 1102 is triangular shaped and is configured to maintain the package in a central and upright configuration when hung from a rod or bracket extending in a cantilevered manner from a retail display board. FIG. 11B shows tab 1101 being transitioned from an unfolded state to a folded state. FIG. 11C provides a front view of tab 1101. FIG. 11D provides a bottom view of tab 1101 in a folded state. FIG. 11F provides a bottom view of tab 1101 in an unfolded state. FIG. 11G provides a side view of tab 1101 in an unfolded state. As illustrated in FIG. 11G and 11H one side of tab 1101 may include a protrusion 1107 configured to engage an aperture 1106 on the opposing side of the tab when in the folded state to maintain the tab in the folded state.

FIGS. 12A-12E provide various views of another foldable cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate foldable cord wrap hang tab 1201 coupled to container 1210 in accordance with various inventive embodiments. Tab 1201 includes two trapezoidal like sections, with curved corners that are foldably connected to one another via flexure 1205. While Tab 1201 in FIGS. 12A-12E is configured for foldable engagement where the two trapezoidal sections sit flush and parallel with respect to one another, tab 1201 provides a configuration where the two trapezoidal sections of the tab may remain spaced apart when flexure 1205 is bent. Tab 1201 further includes foot or base portion 1204 that is sectioned into three parts in the illustrated embodiment. Foot portion 1204 of the hang tab 1201, is configured for supporting container 1210 and is also configured for cord management via recessed regions 1203. Tab 1201 also includes a hanging aperture 1202, extending through each trapezoidal portion of tab 1201. In the illustrated embodiment, hanging aperture 1202 is triangular shaped and is configured to maintain the package in a central and upright configuration when hung from a rod or bracket extending in a cantilevered manner from a retail display board. FIG. 12B shows tab 1201 in an unfolded state as compared to the folded configuration illustrated in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C illustrates a front view of tab 1201 and shows apertures 1206 of tab 1201 which are configured to receive flared projections 1207 of tab 1201. FIG. 12D provides an unfolded side view of tab 1201 and FIG. 12E shows a folded bottom view of tab 1201.

FIGS. 13A-13H provide various views of a curved cord wrap hang tab and a packaging container in accordance with inventive embodiments. FIGS. 13A-13H illustrate foldable cord wrap hang tab 1301 coupled to container 1310 in accordance with various inventive embodiments. Tab 1301 further includes foot or base portion 1304. Foot portion 1304 of the hang tab 1301, is configured for supporting container 1310 and is also configured for cord management via recessed regions 1303. Tab 1301 also includes a hanging aperture 1302, extending through each curved portions of tab 1301. In the illustrated embodiment, hanging aperture 1302 is triangular shaped and is configured to maintain the package in a central and upright configuration when hung from a rod or bracket extending in a cantilevered manner from a retail display board. As illustrated in FIGS. 13D and 13G, providing side views of tab 1301, the curved sections may be separated at the top in a wish-boned shaped manner. FIG. 13E provides a top view of tab 1301 and FIG. 13H provides a bottom view of tab 1301. As shown in FIGS. 13E and 13H, foot 1304 may be wider than section 1301 in accordance with various embodiments.

As utilized herein, the terms â€œapproximately,â€ â€œabout,â€ â€œsubstantiallyâ€ and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be noted that the term â€œexemplaryâ€ as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term â€œcoupledâ€ means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of the disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of cord wrap hang tab apparatuses or the components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

All literature and similar material cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials differs from or contradicts this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, describes techniques, or the like, this application controls.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles â€œaâ€ and â€œan,â€ as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean â€œat least one.â€

The phrase â€œand/or,â€ as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean â€œeither or bothâ€ of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with â€œand/orâ€ should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., â€œone or moreâ€ of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the â€œand/orâ€ clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to â€œA and/or Bâ€ , when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as â€œcomprisingâ€ can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, â€œorâ€ should be understood to have the same meaning as â€œand/orâ€ as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, â€œorâ€ or â€œand/orâ€ shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as â€œonly one ofâ€ or â€œexactly one of,â€ or, when used in the claims, â€œconsisting of,â€ will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term â€œorâ€ as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. â€œone or the other but not bothâ€ ) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as â€œeither,â€ â€œone of,â€ â€œonly one of,â€ or â€œexactly one ofâ€ â€œConsisting essentially of,â€ when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase â€œat least one,â€ in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase â€œat least oneâ€ refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, â€œat least one of A and Bâ€ (or, equivalently, â€œat least one of A or B,â€ or, equivalently â€œat least one of A and/or Bâ€ ) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as â€œcomprising,â€ â€œincluding,â€ â€œcarrying,â€ â€œhaving,â€ â€œcontaining,â€ â€œinvolving,â€ â€œholding,â€ â€œcomposed of,â€ and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases â€œconsisting ofâ€ and â€œconsisting essentially ofâ€ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.