CONCRETE STAMPS HAVING LOCKING KEYWAYS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/595,532, filed Nov. 2, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any corrections thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of concrete stamping. In particular, the present invention relates to stamps having locking keyways for securement between adjacent stamps.

BACKGROUND

Tools for forming decorative patterns in concrete to provide the appearance of brick, cobblestone, slate, stone, tile and wood have gained in popularity in recent years. There are a number of advantages to using such tools in concrete as opposed to the authentic hand-laid materials. First, the cost of materials and labor to imprint the pattern in a bed of concrete is greatly reduced from that of laying real stone or brick. In addition, the concrete provides an extremely durable and lasting surface when cured. Independent hand-laid stones or bricks have gaps in between which, despite being filled with mortar, may cause them to settle to result in an uneven surface. Finally, a solid layer of concrete prevents the disruptive, unsightly upgrowth of weeds or other vegetation which inevitably occurs with separate stones or bricks.

However, problems are frequently encountered when a stamp is repeated in a continuous pattern. One problem arises due to the manner in which the stamps are arranged next to each other. When individual stamps having generally linear sides are positioned adjacent to one another, it may become possible for the human eye to identify the joint created by the stamps in the finished work. This is particularly true when the shape of the stamp is a simple shape, such as a rectangle. Performing a successful simulated stone or brick flooring typically requires quite skillful and experienced installers using several stamps (tools) to create the texture or pattern because of inherent problems due to the design nature of the stamps. Stamps are typically cast at least half of an inch thick with flexible elastomer material. Weight restrictions ultimately limit the size of both the stamp and the pattern. Also, because the stamps must fit tightly alongside one another to produce a complete pattern, alignment becomes critical as the stamps are moved and positioned across the concrete or other imprinting surface. As the installer tamps the stamps into the concrete, the stamps tend to shift, slowing the installation process by producing uneven spacing and formations of excess concrete between the stamps. Also, due to the size and positioning of the stamps, the concrete may shift and create excess mounds of concrete between the stamps as the textures or imprints are being stamped into the concrete or as the stamps are lifted from the concrete. This also slows installation because the installer may need to manually fix any imperfections with precise tools. Therefore, improved methods and apparatus are needed to more efficiently and effectively stamp concrete.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

A stamp for forming an imprint of a portion of a three dimensional pattern in a wet concrete surface is disclosed. The three dimensional pattern has a size greater than the stamp. The stamp includes a flexible planar body having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a border portion, the border portion comprising a plurality of recesses or tabs configured to engage with a plurality of recesses or tabs of an adjacent stamp so as to inhibit relative movement between the stamp and the adjacent stamp.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the plurality of recesses or tabs of the stamp and the plurality of recesses or tabs of the adjacent stamp together form a plurality of locking keyways.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the plurality of recesses or tabs of the stamp are sized and shaped so as to receive the plurality of recesses or tabs of the adjacent stamp.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the body comprises one or more portions of varying thickness.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a center portion of the body is more rigid than a border portion of the body.

A variation of the above aspect further comprises a support structure disposed inside the body, and wherein the support structure comprises a material with a higher durometer than a material of the body.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a shape of the plurality of recesses or tabs of the stamp is complementary to a shape of the plurality of recesses or tabs of the adjacent stamp.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the plurality of recesses or tabs of the stamp create a localized narrow region therebetween for receiving the adjacent stamp.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the shape of the plurality of recesses or tabs of the stamp and the shape of the plurality of recesses or tabs of the adjacent stamp are rectangular.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a depth of the rectangular shape is less than a width of the rectangular shape.

A system for forming an imprint of a three dimensional pattern in a wet concrete surface is disclosed. The system includes a first stamp comprising a first plurality of recesses or tabs; and a second stamp comprising a second plurality of recesses or tabs, wherein the first plurality of recesses or tabs are configured to engage with the second plurality of recesses or tabs so as to inhibit relative movement between the first stamp and the second stamp.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the three dimensional pattern is a running bond brick.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the three dimensional pattern is a herringbone brick.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a shape of the first plurality of recesses or tabs is complementary to a shape of the second plurality of recesses or tabs.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the first plurality of recesses or tabs create a localized narrow region therebetween for receiving the second plurality of recesses or tabs.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein the shape of the first plurality of recesses or tabs and the shape of the second plurality of recesses or tabs are rectangular.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a depth of the rectangular shape is less than a width of the rectangular shape.

A method of forming an imprint of a three dimensional pattern in a wet concrete surface is disclosed. The method comprises placing a first stamp in a first position, the first stamp comprising a first plurality of recesses or tabs, placing a second stamp in a second position on the wet concrete adjacent to the first stamp, the second stamp comprising a second plurality of recesses or tabs, engaging the second plurality of recesses or tabs with the first plurality of recesses or tabs, and pressing the bottom surface of the first stamp and the second stamp against the wet concrete surface to form the three dimensional pattern.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a shape of the first plurality of recesses or tabs and a shape of the second plurality of recesses or tabs are rectangular.

A variation of the above aspect is wherein a depth of the rectangular shape is less than a width of the rectangular shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of two first stamps interlocked to two second stamps to form a first pattern via a plurality of locking keyways according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the two first stamps and the two second stamps from FIG. 1 rearranged to form a second pattern via the plurality of locking keyways.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third stamp interlocked to a fourth stamp to form a third pattern via a plurality of locking keyways.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the third stamp and the fourth stamp from FIG. 3 rearranged to form a fourth pattern via the plurality of locking keyways.

FIG. 5 is a enlarged view of a portion of the second pattern taken from FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a enlarged view of a portion of the fourth pattern taken from FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In some instances, some devices are shown in block diagram form.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of two first stamps 10 interlocked to two second stamps 12. The two first stamps 10 and the two second stamps 12 comprise a plurality of locking keyways 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the two first stamps 10 and the two second stamps 12 form a first pattern 14 via the plurality of locking keyways 16 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the two first stamps 10 and the two second stamps 12 from FIG. 1 rearranged to form a second pattern 30 via the plurality of locking keyways 16.

In certain embodiments, each locking keyway 16 comprises a recess 40 on one stamp 10, 12 and a tab 42 on another stamp 10, 12. The recess 40 and the tab 42 are sized and shaped to engage together. When engaged, separation of the stamps 10, 12 is inhibited as compared to stamps that are placed adjacent to one another that do not have the locking keyway 16. In certain embodiments, the engagement inhibits relative rotation between adjacent stamps.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of the keyways 16 on one stamp 10, 12 are positioned so that one locking keyway 16 (e.g., recess 40 or tab 42) faces another locking keyway 16 (e.g., recess 40 or tab 42). This arrangement can create a localized narrow region therebetween. When the plurality of locking keyways 16 (e.g., recess 40 or tab 42) of another stamp 10, 12 are engaged with the locking keyway 16 (e.g., recess 40 or tab 42) of the first stamp 10, 12 in the localized narrow region, relative separation and/or rotation of the stamps 10, 12 is inhibited.

For example, in certain embodiments, the recess 40 and the tab 42 have complementary shapes. In certain embodiments, the recess 40 and the tab 42 have corresponding shapes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the recess 40 and the tab 42 are the shape of a polygon. For example, in certain embodiments, at least a portion of the recess 40 and the tab 42 have complementary rectangular shapes. For example, in certain embodiments, at least a portion of the recess 40 and the tab 42 have complementary square shapes. For example, in certain embodiments, at least a portion of the recess 40 and the tab 42 have complementary curved shapes (e.g., elliptical shapes, etc.). In certain embodiments, the corners of the recess 40 and the tab 42 connecting their sides have complementary shapes (e.g., sharp or rounded).

In the illustrated embodiment, a depth of the recess 40 in a direction parallel to a concrete contact surface 22 of the stamp 10, 12 is less than a width of the recess 40. For example, in certain embodiments, the width is at least twice the depth. Of course, the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiment in that the depth to width ratio can be any other value (e.g., 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1/1, etc.).

Of course, each of the first stamps 10 can comprise one or more recesses 40 and/or tabs 42. Similarly, each of the second stamps 12 can comprise one or more recesses 40 and/or tabs 42. The stamps 10, 12 can comprise one or more keyways 16 on a single surface or edge of the stamp 10, 12. Thus, in certain embodiments, the stamps 10, 12 can comprise not only a plurality of keyways 16 disposed around the perimeters or edges of the stamp 10, 112 but can also comprises a plurality of keyways 16 on a single edge or surface of the stamp 10, 12.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate combinations of multiple first stamps 10 with multiple second stamps 12 to form the tool which creates the first pattern 14 and the second pattern 30, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in certain embodiments, a different pattern can be created by combining together only first stamps 10. Similarly, in certain other embodiments, a different pattern can be created by combining together only second stamps 12. Further, a pattern can be created by combining different numbers of first stamps 10 with a different number of second stamps 12. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated patterns or by the illustrated combinations of first stamps 10 with second stamps 12. Nor is this disclosure limited to the specifically illustrated stamps.

Each of the first stamps 10 and the second stamps 12 comprises a three dimensional design/pattern 18 that includes surface features. In certain embodiments, the surface features are in the form of a protrusion extending from a surface of the stamp 10, 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the surface features are in the form of a depression extending into the surface of the stamp 10, 12.

The illustrated stamps 10, 12 form an exemplary ashlar mat for imprinting the three dimensional pattern into a surface such as cement or concrete. The shape of the stamp 10, 12 is not so limited and can have any shape including, for example, trapezoidal, square, rectangular, triangular, round, polygonal, or any other shape. Further, any side of the stamp 10, 12 need not be straight and can have an arcuate shape or other non-linear shape. Any side can include one or more locking keyways 16.

Each stamp 10, 12 may comprise a body 20 having one or more layers. In certain embodiments, the body 20 has a concrete contact surface 22 (as shown in FIG. 1) and a back surface 24. The body 20 may also include a center portion 26 and a border portion 28 (see FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, all edges of the stamp 10, 12 may be perpendicular to the top surface 22. In certain embodiments, the edges of the stamp 10, 12 are within the border portion 28. In certain embodiments, the plurality of the locking keyways 16 is within the border portion 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, the concrete contact surface 22 can include a stone design or pattern to be imprinted on the surface. The stone design or pattern encompasses the concrete contact surface 22, however some designs or patterns may not cover the entire concrete contact surface 22. In certain embodiments, the stone design or pattern encompasses a portion of the concrete contact surface 22. In certain embodiments, the three dimensional stone design or pattern comprises a plurality of surface features. While a three dimensional stone design or pattern is illustrated that includes the plurality of surface features in the form of a plurality of ridges, many other designs/patterns and three dimensional surface features are possible. For example, brick, tile, cobble stone, travertine, custom stamps, channels, grooves, recesses, dimples, protrusion, etc., could be formed.

The concrete contact surface 22 may also be referred to as a stencil. For example, the stencil may comprise a body which comprises only a stone design, a grout line (or other design) with or without a textured border region surrounding the design.

The plurality of locking keyways 16 lock or register the first stamp 10 to the second stamp 12. For example, the engagement inhibits relative rotation of the first stamp 10 relative to the second stamp 12. This physical engagement between the plurality of locking keyways 16 in the border portions 26 of the stamp 10 mechanically affixes multiple stamps 10, 12 relative to each other during installation.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of locking keyways 16 are disposed near the perimeter of the stamp 10, 12 for connecting and/or aligning multiple stamps 10, 12 on the concrete surface. In certain embodiments, the plurality of locking keyways 16 are disposed in the region of the border portion 28. Though the plurality of locking keyways 16 are shown to be rectangular, they may be of any other geometric shape. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, four pairs of locking keyways 16 are positioned about the border portion 28 of the stamp 10. The number and arrangement of the plurality of locking keyways 16 may be changed in any way which facilitates attachment between adjacent stamps 10, 12. In some embodiments, at least two locking keyways 16 are desirable in order to facilitate attachment between each pair of adjacent stamps 10, 12. The plurality of locking keyways 16 may be formed in the stamp 10 by various means known in the art. For example, the plurality of locking keyways 16 may be part of the mold used to manufacture the stamp 10, 12 or cut into the stamp 10, 12 after the stamp 10, 12 is formed.

Though locking keyways 16 are shown in the figures, in other embodiments, the locking keyways 16 may be substituted with any other structure for engaging adjacent stamps. Non-limiting examples of such structures include mechanical structures such as one or more holes, or recesses configured to receive protrusions, pins, Velcro, adhesives, or any combination of the above.

The stamp 10 may be formed from one or more layers. In certain embodiments, one or more of the layers may be made from a pliable and flexible material that is lightweight and easy to handle. For embodiments with multiple layers, the layers may be formed from the same or different materials. In some aspects, the different portions of the stamp 10 (e.g., center portion 26, border portion 28) may comprise different materials with varying durometers to create different degrees of flexibility. In an exemplary embodiment, the stamp 10 is formed at least in part of polyurethane and is approximately ¼ inch thick. The lightweight structure of the stamp 10 may be such that the stamp 10 may be easily lifted by a single person. For example, in certain embodiments, a single person can place the stamps in series on the concrete surface to create a pattern.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third stamp 32 interlocked to a fourth stamp 34 to form a third pattern 36 via the plurality of locking keyways 16. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the third stamp 32 and the fourth stamp 34 from FIG. 3 rearranged to form a fourth pattern 38 via the plurality of locking keyways 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, multiple stamps 30, 32 are layered on a surface (e.g., concrete or cement) and can be engaged with adjacent stamps 30, 32 to form the third pattern 36 or the fourth pattern 38. Adjacent stamps 32, 34, are aligned with adjacent stamps 32, 34 using at least in part the plurality of locking keyways 16.

While FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate combinations of the third stamp 32 with the fourth stamp 34 to form the tool which creates the third pattern 36 and the fourth pattern 38, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in certain embodiments, a different pattern can be created by combining together only third stamps 32. Similarly, in certain other embodiments, a different pattern can be created by combining together only fourth stamps 34. A pattern can be created by combining different numbers of third stamps 32 with fourth stamps 34. Further, a pattern can be created by combining any number of first stamps 10, second stamps 12, third stamps 32, and fourth stamps 34. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated patterns or by the illustrated combinations of first stamps 10, second stamps 12, third stamps 32, and fourth stamps 34. Nor is this disclosure limited to the specifically illustrated stamps.

FIG. 5 is a enlarged view of a portion of the second pattern 30 taken from FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a enlarged view of a portion of the fourth pattern 38 taken from FIG. 4. For example, stamp 10 and stamp 12 engage and connect at the plurality of locking keyways 16 (e.g., recess 40 and tab 42). Stamp 32 may engage and connect to stamp 34 by aligning and connecting the locking keyways 16 (e.g., recess 40 and tab 42) as shown in FIG. 6.

The stamp 10, as illustrated, includes a combination of eight recesses 40 or tabs 42. Similarly, the stamp 12 includes a combination of eight recesses 40 or tabs 42 with at least two of the recesses 40 or tabs 42 positioned to engage with a corresponding number of recesses 40 or tabs 42 of stamp 10. A tab 42 and a corresponding recess 40 on the stamps 10, 12 together form a single locking keyway 16.

In certain embodiments, the tabs 42 are sized and shaped relative to the one or more recesses 40 so that at least a portion of the tab 42 engages with at least a portion of the recess 40 when a second stamp 12 is placed on the surface adjacent to an already placed first stamp 10. In certain embodiments, the engagement between the tab 42 and recess 40 of the locking keyway 16 of the first stamp 10 and the tab 42 and recess 40 of the locking keyway 16 of the second stamp 12 locks or registers the second stamp 12 to the first stamp 10. For example, the engagement inhibits relative rotation of the first stamp 10 relative to the second stamp 12. This physical engagement via the locking keyway 16 mechanically affixes multiple stamps 10, 12 relative to each other during installation of the stamps 10, 12. While eight recesses 40 or tabs 42 are shown on different sides of the stamp 10, 12, more or fewer recesses 40 or tabs 42 at different locations are within the scope of the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the locking keyways 16 are disposed near the perimeter of the stamp 10, 12 for connecting and/or aligning multiple stamps 10, 12 on the concrete surface. In certain embodiments, the locking keyways 16 are disposed in the border portion 28. Though the locking keyways 16 are shown to have a certain shape, they may be of any other geometric shape that allows engagement between the one or more recesses 40 and/or the one or more tabs 42.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 2, a total of eight recesses 40 and/or tabs 42 are positioned relative to the stamp 12. The eight recesses 40 and/or tabs 42 on a single stamp 10, 12 are arranged in four pairs on the stamp 10, 12 to form eight locking keyways 16 (e.g., two locking keyways 16 for each adjacent stamp) with four adjacent stamps. The number and arrangement of the recesses 40 and/or tabs 42 may be changed in any way which facilitates attachment between adjacent stamps. In some embodiments, eight locking keyways 16 are desirable in order to facilitate attachment between a central stamp 10, 12 and four perimeter stamps 10, 12. In other embodiments, fewer locking keyways 16 may be employed.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein. It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term ‘including’ should be read to mean ‘including, without limitation,’ ‘including but not limited to,’ or the like; the term ‘comprising’ as used herein is synonymous with ‘including,’ ‘containing,’ or ‘characterized by,’ and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term ‘having’ should be interpreted as ‘having at least;’ the term ‘includes’ should be interpreted as ‘includes but is not limited to;’ the term ‘example’ is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as ‘known’, ‘normal’, ‘standard’, and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like ‘preferably,’ ‘preferred,’ ‘desired,’ or ‘desirable,’ and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘and’ should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘or’ should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper and lower limit, and each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of the range is encompassed within the embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. The indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term ‘about.’ Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of any claims in any application claiming priority to the present application, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail by way of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the description and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments and examples described herein, but rather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming with the true scope and spirit of the invention.