PACKAGING CONTAINER AND FOOTREST APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/624,952 filed on Jan. 25, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a packaging container and blank, and particularly to a combined packaging container and footrest apparatus, and a blank (e.g., die cut sheet) forming the combined container and footrest, and a method for forming the combined packaging container and footrest apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Packaging containers such as cardboard boxes are manufactured from a blank cut from a web of cardboard or a similar material. Typically, such blanks are preformed, then stored in a collapsed state, only being erected immediately prior to use. Such blanks are manufactured from a sheet of relevant material by cutting conventionally and creasing into a blank with the creases defined for folding the blank into a predetermined shape. In the following specification the term fold line will be used to encompass any line defined upon a blank of material along which the blank may be folded. With cardboard such line may be formed by scoring the material. If the web is of a thin plastics material other means may be used to define the fold line.

Examples of packaged products may range from edible substances including pre-packaged pouches, bottles, and foodstuff to consumer products such as electronics. Containers are commonly constructed from renewable or recycled material like, for example, corrugated cardboard, which is easy and relatively inexpensive to produce.

Conventional packaging containers are designed primarily to enclose and protect items during storage and transport. These containers, while sufficient for their primary function, lack the structural rigidity to withstand additional loads such as those applied when used as a footrest or temporary support. Consumers, particularly in office, home, or travel settings, often require compact, multi-purpose products that optimize functionality and reduce clutter. A packaging container that can also serve as a footrest would provide an efficient, space-saving solution, especially in scenarios where portability and durability are important.

Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging container that combines conventional packaging functionality with the added utility of being a stable and durable footrest.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.

According to a first aspect, a combined packaging container and footrest apparatus is disclosed. The combined packaging container and footrest includes a body comprising a plurality of fold lines defining a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom, and a top. The front panel and the rear panel may be permanently attached via one of the first side panel and the second side panel, and the bottom. The top is openable and includes a first top panel and a second top panel, the second top panel including a top attachment tab that engages into a top attachment slit in the first top panel to releasably close the top.

Pursuant to an implementation, the plurality of fold lines includes a first vertical fold line extending between the first side panel and the rear panel; a second vertical fold line extending between the rear panel and the second side panel; and a third vertical fold line extending between the second side panel and the front panel. The front panel and the rear panel are folded relative to the second side panel via the second and third vertical fold lines, and attached via the first side panel.

Pursuant to an implementation, the front panel includes a side attachment tab foldable along a fourth vertical fold line of the plurality of fold lines. The side attachment tab is permanently bonded via an adhesive attachment to the first side panel.

Additionally or alternatively, the bottom includes a first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, a first bottom corner, and a second bottom corner. Each of the first bottom panel, the second bottom panel, the first bottom corner, and the second bottom corner may be foldable along a common bottom fold line of the plurality of fold lines.

Pursuant to an implementation, the first bottom panel has a first bottom notch and a first bottom corner overlap foldable along a first corner fold line. The second bottom panel has a second bottom notch and a second bottom corner overlap foldable along a second corner fold line. The bottom is permanently attached via an adhesive attachment between the second bottom corner overlap and the second bottom corner, and another adhesive attachment between the first bottom corner overlap and the first bottom corner.

Pursuant to a refinement, the first bottom panel may be tucked underneath the second bottom notch, so that an exterior side of the first bottom panel lies on an interior side of the second bottom panel and a corner region of the first bottom panel on an exterior side lies on an interior side of the second bottom corner. The second bottom panel may be tucked underneath the first bottom notch, so that an exterior side of the second bottom panel lies on an interior side of the first bottom panel and a corner region of the second bottom panel on an exterior side lies on an interior side of the first bottom corner.

Pursuant to a further refinement, the first corner fold line and the second corner fold line each run diagonally relative to the common bottom fold line.

Pursuant to a refinement, the first bottom corner and the second bottom corner have a shorter height than the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel. Additionally or alternatively, the first bottom corner and the second bottom corner have a trapezoidal shape.

Pursuant to an implementation, a securement tab may be cut into the rear panel and the first top panel, and a securement slot disposed between the second top panel and the top attachment tab. The securement tab may lock into the securement slot to secure the top.

Pursuant to an implementation, the top further includes a first top corner and a second top corner. Each of the first top corner, the first top panel, the second top corner, and the second top panel are foldable along a common top fold line of the plurality of fold lines.

Pursuant to a refinement, the first top corner and the second top corner have a height shorter than the first top panel and the second top panel, respectively.

Pursuant to a refinement, the top attachment tab is foldable relative to the second top panel via a tab fold line, the tab fold line running parallel to the common top fold line.

Pursuant to an implementation, the body may be composed of a cardboard material, e.g., a corrugated cardboard material.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for forming a combined packaging container and footrest apparatus. The method includes: providing a body comprising a plurality of fold lines defining a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a first bottom panel extended from the rear panel, a second bottom panel extended from the front panel, a first bottom corner extended from the first side panel, a second bottom corner extended from the second side panel, and a top; forming a first adhesive attachment between a second bottom corner overlap of the second bottom panel and the second bottom corner after folding the second side panel relative to the front panel; forming a second adhesive attachment between a side attachment tab extended from the front panel and the second side panel after the rear panel is folded relative to the second side panel and the first side panel is folded relative to the rear panel; forming a third adhesive attachment between the first bottom corner overlap and the first bottom corner after the first bottom corner is folded relative to the first side panel to lie against the second bottom panel; and wherein the top is openable.

Pursuant to an implementation, the method further includes releasably closing the top by folding a first top panel relative to the rear panel, folding a second top panel relative to the front panel so that the second top panel overlays the first top panel, and inserting a top attachment tab extended from the second top panel into a top attachment slot disposed between the first top panel and the rear panel.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a cardboard die cut for assembly into a combined packaging container and footrest apparatus. The cardboard die cut includes a top fold line and a bottom fold line that run in parallel from a first longitudinal side to a second longitudinal side. A plurality of vertical fold lines extending parallel to one another and transversely to the top fold line and the bottom fold line. A first top panel is foldable relative to a rear panel via the top fold line. A second top panel is foldable relative to a front panel via the top fold line. A first bottom panel is foldable relative to the rear panel via the bottom fold line. A second bottom panel is foldable relative to the front panel via the bottom fold line. A first side panel is foldable relative to the rear panel via a first vertical fold line of the plurality of vertical fold lines. The rear panel is foldable relative to a second side panel via a second vertical fold line of the plurality of vertical fold lines. The second side panel is foldable relative to the front panel via a third vertical fold line of the plurality of vertical fold lines. A top attachment tab is extended from the second top panel and foldable along a tab fold line. A top attachment slot is disposed between the first top panel and the rear panel. The top attachment tab is structured and arranged to engage into the top attachment slot.

Pursuant to an implementation, the cardboard die cut further includes a first top corner and a first bottom corner extended from the first side panel, the first top corner foldable relative to the first side panel via the top fold line, and the first bottom corner foldable relative to the first side panel via the bottom fold line. Additionally or alternatively, the cardboard die cut includes a second top corner and a second bottom corner extended from the second side panel, the second top corner foldable relative to the second side panel via the top fold line, and the second bottom corner foldable relative to the second side panel via the bottom fold line.

Pursuant to an implementation, the cardboard die cut further includes a side attachment tab foldable relative to the front panel via a fourth vertical fold line of the plurality of vertical fold lines.

Pursuant to an implementation, the first bottom panel has a first bottom corner overlap that is foldable relative to the first bottom panel via a first corner fold line. The first corner fold line may extend diagonally relative to the bottom fold line. Additionally or alternatively, the second bottom panel has a second bottom corner overlap that is foldable relative to the second bottom panel via a second corner fold line. The second corner fold line may extend diagonally relative to the bottom fold line.

Pursuant to an implementation, the cardboard die cut includes a securement tab cut into the rear panel and the first top panel, and a securement slot disposed between the top attachment tab and the second top panel. The securement tab is configured to engage into the securement slot to lock the first top panel and the second top panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Although the drawings represent illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrates are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a planar view of a die cut that forms a packaging container and footrest when assembled, showing an outer side thereof;

FIG. 2 is a planer view of the die cut of FIG. 1, showing an inner side thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the packaging container and footrest in the assembled state;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the packaging container and footrest;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging container and footrest after a first assembly step or first attachment step;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the packaging container and footrest after a second assembly step or a second attachment step;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the packaging container and footrest, after a third assembly step or third attachment step;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an interior of the packaging container and footrest after the third attachment step with an opened top, where the first and second top panels and the first and second top corners are open;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the packaging container and footrest, showing a first step of closing the openable top, with the first top corner, the first top panel, and the second top corner folded along top fold line;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of the packaging container and footrest in a region of a top attachment tab, showing a second step of closing the openable top, with the top attachment tab being inserted into the top attachment slot so that the second top panel overlays the first top panel once the top attachment tab is fully inserted into the corresponding slot;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the packaging container and footrest in an assembled state, showing an optional third step of closing the openable top, with an optional securement tab received in an optional securement slot for locking the top;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the assembled packaging container and footrest; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the assembled packing container and footrest being used as a footrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, where like numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, exemplary illustrates are shown in detail. The various features of the exemplary approaches illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures, as it will be understood that alternative illustrations that may not be explicitly illustrated or described may be able to be produced. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative approaches for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a die cut 1 (e.g., a blank or sheet of cardboard cut to specifications) is shown, which upon assembly forms a combined packaging container and footrest 10, the combined container and footrest 10 as an assembled unit or box being shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 12-13. The die cut 1 or container/footrest 10 respectively may be comprise a body 11 composed of a cardboard material, including corrugated cardboard, providing further rigidity/strength to withstand shipping and support a person's foot as a footrest (see FIG. 13). The body 11 may comprise a plurality of fold lines forming panels, flaps, and tabs for assembly into the combined packaging container and footrest apparatus 10, also referred to throughout the disclosure as a container 10. The fold lines may be formed in any conventional manner, for example by using a conventional die cutting and scoring mechanism or a press mechanism. The fold lines are characterized by a discernible (e.g., crease) line in the body 11 that helps it fold neatly and precisely. In other words, the fold lines form linear material weakenings in the body, whereby bendability is increased along the fold lines.

A top fold line 12 runs longitudinally or horizontally from a (first) longitudinal end side 18a at a side of a front panel 16 to a second longitudinal end 18b at a side of a first side panel 20. Top fold line 12 extends between front panel 16 and a second top panel 22, a second top corner 24, second side panel 26, rear panel 28, first top panel 30, the first side panel 20 and a first top corner 32.

The bottom fold line 14 runs in parallel to the top fold line 12, and runs longitudinally from the first longitudinal end side 18a at a side of the front panel 16 to the second longitudinal end 18b at a side of the first side panel 20. The bottom fold line 14 extends between front panel 16, second bottom panel 34, second side panel 26, second bottom corner 36, rear panel 28, first bottom panel 38, first side panel 20, and first bottom corner 40.

The top and bottom fold lines 12, 14 may run generally parallel and linearly from the first longitudinal end side 18a to the second longitudinal end side 18b. However, the top and bottom fold lines 12, 14 may be placed slightly inwards (e.g., towards a centerline of the die cut 1) in a region of the first top corner 32, the second top corner 24, the first bottom corner 40, and the second bottom corner 36, to facilitate assembly and folding of the top and bottom of the container 10.

A first vertical fold line 42 extends between the first side panel 20 and the rear panel 28, transversely to a longitudinal extent of the body 11. A second vertical fold line 44 extends transversely between the rear panel 28 and the second side panel 26. A third vertical fold line 46 extends transversely between the second side panel 26 and the front panel 16. A fourth vertical fold 48 extends transversely between the front panel 16 and a side attachment tab 50. Vertical fold lines 42-48 may run parallel to one another and/or between the top fold line 12 and the bottom hold line 14. A tab fold line 52 is provided to extend between the second top panel 22 and a top attachment tab 54. A (first) corner fold line 56 may run diagonally along the first bottom panel 38, to enable folding of a first bottom corner overlap 58. A (second) corner fold line 60 may run diagonally along the second bottom panel 34, to enable folding of a second bottom corner overlap 62. The fold lines described herein may include any suitable line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided.

The first top corner 32 and the second top corner 24 may be approximately the same dimensions. Additionally, first top corner 32 and/or the second top corner 24 may have a height shorter (e.g., vertical extent or in direction of fold lines 42-48) than the first top panel 30 and the second top panel 22, respectively.

The first bottom corner 40 and the second bottom corner 36 may have an approximately trapezoidal shape, to facilitate folding and attachment while retaining rigidity/strength to help support a person's feet. Additionally, the first bottom corner 40 and/or the second bottom corner 36 may have a vertical extent (or height) shorter than that of the first bottom panel 38 and the second bottom panel 34, respectively, to facilitate folding and placement relative to an associated one of the first and second bottom corner overlaps 36, 40 of the respective first and second bottom panels 34, 38.

A first bottom notch 64 and a second bottom notch 66 may be provided in the first and second bottom panel 34, 38, respectively, which are adjacent to the first and second bottom corner overlap 58, 62, respectively.

First and second bottom corner overlaps 58, 62 provide an attachment point and flexibility (via fold lines 26, 28) to facilitate folding/assembling the bottom of the container.

FIGS. 1-2 show a top attachment slot or slit 68 in the first top panel 30, which receives the top attachment tab 54 extended from the second top panel 22. The top attachment slot 68 extends lengthwise (or longitudinally or horizontally) along the fold line 12 between the first top panel 30 and the rear panel 28. The top attachment tab 54 engages into the top attachment lot 68 to close the top of the container 10, and secure the first top panel 30 to the second top panel 22. A securement or locking tab 70 may optionally be provided at the top attachment slot 68, which is received in a corresponding securement or locking slot 72 provided along the fold line 24 between the top attachment tab 54 and the second top panel 22 (cf. FIG. 3). The securement tab 70 may be cut into the rear panel 28 and the first top panel 30 (e.g., via cut lines extending through the body 11), with an end of the securement tab 70 connected to the rear panel 28 along an associated fold line below the top fold line 12, and with the top fold line 12 running through the securement tab 70. The mating connection between the securement tab 70 and the securement slot 72 helps lock the top of the container and further secure the second top panel 22 in a closed position without the use of a separate fastener (e.g., tape or adhesive).

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the container 10 in an assembled state, with the top attachment tab 54 engaged into the top attachment slot 68 to close the top of the container 10, and the securement tab 70 engaged into the securement slot 72 to lock the top.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the container 10 in an assembled state, with the top closed via the second top panel 22 locked in place via connection between the securement tab 70 and securement slot 72.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the packaging container and footrest apparatus 10 may have only three (3) points of adhesive attachment for assembly, reducing assembly time and complexity as well as saving on materials. The adhesive may be a glue, cement, paste, or other like substance that bonds two materials together.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a first adhesive attachment 74 may be provided between the second bottom corner overlap 62 and the second bottom corner 36 (not shown in FIG. 5, as the second bottom corner overlap 62 overlays the second bottom corner 36 in the illustrated example). For example, an inner (interior) side or inner (interior) surface of the second bottom corner overlap 62 may be bonded to an outer (exterior) side or outer (exterior) surface of the second bottom corner 36, once/after the second side panel 26 is folded along fold line 46 relative to front panel 16, and the second bottom panel 34 and the second bottom corner 36 are folded along bottom fold line 14. FIG. 5 shows the container 10 after the first attachment 74 between the second bottom corner overlap 62 and the second bottom corner 36. At this stage, the second bottom panel 34 and the second bottom corner 36 are folded along the bottom fold line 14, and the front panel 16 is folded along the third vertical fold line 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, a second adhesive attachment 76 may be provided between the side attachment tab 50 and the first side panel 20. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, the side attachment tab 50 is disposed underneath and overlapped by the first side panel 20, and not shown. The adhesive attachment 76 may extend along all or part of the interface/connection between the side attachment tab 50 and the first side panel 20 For example, an outer (exterior) side or outer (exterior) surface of the side attachment tab 50 is adhesively bonded to an inner (interior) side or inner (interior) surface of the first side panel 20, such that the first side panel 20 at least partially overlaps the side attachment tab 50, once/after the rear panel 28 is folded along second vertical fold line 44 relative to the second side panel 26, and the first side panel 20 is folded along fold line 42 relative to the rear panel 28. When folding the rear panel 28 relative to the second side panel 26 along the second vertical fold line 44, the first bottom panel 38 is tucked into/underneath (e.g., inserted into) the second bottom notch 66, so that an outer or exterior side of the first bottom panel 38 lies on (and partially overlaps) an inner or interior side of the second bottom panel 34 and a corner region of the first bottom panel 38 (i.e., the corner opposite the first bottom corner overlap 58) on an outer or exterior side lies on the inner or interior side of the second bottom corner 36. Additionally, the second bottom panel 34 is tucked into/underneath (e.g., inserted into) the first bottom notch 64, so that an outer or exterior side of the second bottom panel 34 lies on (and partially overlaps) an inner or interior side of the first bottom panel 38. Further, the first bottom corner 40 is folded along bottom fold line 14 relative to the first side panel 20, so that a corner region of the second bottom panel 34 (i.e., the corner opposite the second bottom corner overlap 62) on an outer or exterior side lies on the inner or interior side of the first bottom corner 58. Accordingly, the second adhesive attachment 76 is formed after the first adhesive attachment 74, and thus after the second side panel 26 is folded along fold line 46 relative to front panel 16. FIG. 6 shows the container 10 after the second attachment 76, however without the first and second bottom panels 34, 38 being engaged into one another for the sake of clarity to show that the first bottom corner 40 and the first bottom corner overlap 58 are not attached at this stage.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, a third adhesive attachment 78 may be provided between the first bottom corner overlap 58 and the first bottom corner 40 (not shown in FIG. 7 since the first bottom corner 40 is disposed underneath the first bottom corner overlap 58). For example, an inner (interior) side or inner (interior) surface of the first bottom corner overlap 58 may be bonded to an outer (exterior) side or outer (exterior) surface of the first bottom corner 40, once/after the first bottom corner 40 is folded along fold line 14 to lay against outer side of the second bottom panel 34 and then the first bottom panel 38 is folded along fold line 14 to lie against the second bottom panel 34 and second bottom corner overlap 62 with the first bottom corner overlap 58 overlaying (and adhered to) the first bottom corner 40. FIG. 7 shows the bottom of the container 10 after the third attachment. At this stage, the bottom of the container 10 is adhesively (and permanently) bonded via the first, second, and third attachments.

As shown in FIG. 8, the top of the container 10 remains open without a permanent, adhesive bond or separate fastener, where the first top panel 30, the second top panel 22, the first top corner 32, and second top corner 24 are open and able to fold together to close a top of the container via a positive, non-permanent (i.e., releasable and reusable) connection. FIG. 8 also shows a view into the container 10, where it can be seen how the first and second bottom panels 34, 38 and the first and second bottom corners 36, 40 engage into one another after the adhesive attachments 74-78.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate the stages for closing the openable top of the container via a releasable and lockable connection.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first top corner 32 and the second top corner 24 are folded inwards along top fold line 12, and the first top panel 30 is folded inwards along top fold line 12 with the securement tab 70 flared outwards or upwards, leaving the top attachment slot 68 open.

Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second top panel 22 is folded inwards along the top fold line 12 and the top attachment tab 54 engages into the top attachment slot 68. The second top panel 22 is thereby releasably connected to the first top panel 30 via the tab 54, closing the top of the container 10.

As a final locking measure, optionally, the securement tab 70 may be inserted into the securement slot 72 to lock the first and second top panels 22, 30 in place, as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 shows the container fully assembled, with the securement tab 70 inserted into the securement slot 72. Now, the container 10 may be used as a footrest, as shown in FIG. 13.

The container 10 may be used to package pouches (e.g., that contain a beverage or food) as a non-limiting example. The container 10 can also be used as a footrest (see FIG. 13). The container 10 is dimensioned with a height (e.g., top to bottom) greater than its depth (e.g., from front to rear panel) to alleviate any feet aliments and improve blood flow to the feet while sitting for extended periods (e.g., during video gaming or working on a computer while sitting), where the width (e.g., from first to second side panels) is sized to accommodate a person's feet. The folded panels, together with the cardboard material, provide sufficient rigidity and strength to transform the container into a footrest (i.e., so that the assembled box functions as both a packaging container and a footrest) that can support the person's feet for prolonged periods.

As used herein, the outer or external side refers to a side of the container facing outwards, away from an interior, in the assembled state. The inner or internal side refers to a side of the container facing inwards, towards the interior, in the assembled state.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “first,” “second,” “third,” “horizontal”, “vertical”, and the like, relate to the illustrations shown in the figures and are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, ratios and the like, used in the specification and claims, are to be understood to encompass tolerances and other deviations as represented by the term “about” or “approximately.” Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

“One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the phrase at least one of successive elements separated by the word “and” (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) is to be interpreted the same as the term “and/or” and as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],”depending on the context.

All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.