HEAD AND NECK STABILIZING DEVICE AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63/632,053, filed on Apr. 10, 2024, and entitled “Head and Neck Stabilizing Device and Related Systems and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The various embodiments herein relate to head and neck stabilizing devices, including such devices used during sleep or rest in a non-horizontal position such as on a plane, train, bus, car or chair.

BACKGROUND

Sleep is an essential human function which is usually done lying on a flat or somewhat reclined surface which supports the head and neck. Without this external support from a horizontal or reclined sleeping surface, restful sleep is difficult or even impossible due to the inherent instability of the head and neck. Of course, sleeping must sometimes be done in a seated position such as when traveling on a plane, automobile, train or bus or when taking short naps while seated in between long periods of study or work. In these circumstances, the head and neck are not sufficiently supported and often flex into an uncomfortable position, disrupting restful sleep.

Other devices have been described or are currently available in the market to address some aspects of head and neck instability during sleep or rest while seated. A common device which is often used on planes and during travel is a horseshoe shaped pillow which is designed to wrap around the back and sides of the neck such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,349. One disadvantage of such pillows is that they are cumbersome due to their relatively large size, typically requiring users to carry such pillows outside of their luggage. Additionally, these types of neck pillows do not function well when used in low back seats/chairs, because the pillow is able to slide down on the shoulders, thereby allowing the head and neck to flex and extend uncomfortably. Further, these types of pillows also do not allow for individual body shape/size adjustments, thereby leading to possible further discomfort during use. Sometimes these horseshoe pillows are equipped with cords/straps which serve to secure the two ends of the pillow in front of the user's neck for further stability. However, one disadvantage of these straps is that the user must tighten the pillow around her/his neck, which can lead to additional discomfort. And while some of these pillows are inflatable (making them more portable), their use can be time consuming because the user is required to inflate and deflate them multiple times during travel.

Other types of stabilizing devices (such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,219) utilize straps that can attach to the head rest of a seat in order to increase stabilization. However, these devices require high backed seats/chairs to work properly and require time consuming installation and removal.

There is a need in the art for an improved device for stabilizing a person's head and neck during rest in a non-horizontal position.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Discussed herein are various systems, devices, and methods for stabilizing a user's head and neck during sleep or rest in a non-horizontal position such as on a plane, train, bus, car or chair. These stabilization devices use an arm that uses the user's own weight pressed against a back of a seat or chair to hold the device stabilized, while a strap operably attached to the user's head and the arm holds the user's head in an upright position.

In Example 1, a head and neck stabilizing device comprises an elongate manipulable arm configured to be disposed adjacent to and along a neck and back of a user, and a flexible strap operably coupled to one end of the manipulable arm. The flexible strap is configured to be removably positioned around a head of a user.

Example 2 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises at least one of cloth, fiber, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, and silicone.

Example 3 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises two ends, wherein the two ends are removably attachable to one of (i) each other; and (ii) or to another part of the flexible strap via an attachment mechanism.

Example 4 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 3, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises one of a hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, and buckles.

Example 5 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment, wherein the second arm segment is removably coupled to the first arm segment.

Example 6 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment, wherein the second arm segment is rotatably coupled to the first arm segment.

Example 7 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 6, wherein the second arm segment is rotatably coupled to the first arm segment via a hinge.

Example 8 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm is comprised of at least one of foam, neoprene, cloth, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, urethane, rubber, fiber, paper, and metal.

Example 9 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises a core structure comprising a malleable material, and an external cover comprising a pliable cushion material.

Example 10 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 9, wherein the malleable material comprises at least one of aluminum, steel, copper, metal alloy, and plastic.

Example 11 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 9, wherein the pliable cushion material comprises at least one of foam, neoprene, cloth, silicone, and a thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, urethane, and rubber.

Example 12 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm is configured to be disposed between the back of the user and a backrest of a seat during use.

Example 13 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 12, wherein the manipulable arm is maintained in stabilized position when the manipulable arm is disposed between and in contact with the back of the user and the backrest of the seat.

Example 14 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises an external surface comprising a sufficient coefficient of friction to be maintained in stabilized position by frictional contact between the manipulable arm, the back of the user, and the backrest of the seat.

Example 15 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the flexible strap comprises a mask attached thereto, wherein the mask can be disposed over eyes of the user during use.

Example 16 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, wherein the manipulable arm comprises cut out flaps which may be used to support a smartphone, a smart tablet, or a book.

Example 17 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including attaching the flexible strap to the head of the user by positioning the flexible strap around the head of the user such that the manipulable arm is disposed adjacent to and along the neck and back of the user, and positioning the back of the user against a backrest of a seat such that the manipulable arm is maintained in a stabilized position between the back of the user and the backrest of the seat, whereby the head of the user is maintained in a stabilized position by the flexible strap.

Example 18 relates to the method according to Example 17, further comprising reversibly shaping the manipulable arm to follow the contours of the neck and back of a user.

Example 19 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including folding the manipulable arm into an acute angle and folding out at least one cut out flap to support a smartphone, a tablet, or a book.

Example 20 relates to a method of using the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 1, the method including attaching the head strap around a neck of a user with the manipulable arm in a folded configuration such that a folded end of the manipulable arm may be reversibly attached to a flat semi-rigid surface and supporting arm to create a portable table surface.

In example 21 a head and neck stabilizing device comprises a manipulable arm having a usable configuration wherein the manipulable arm is in an elongate form and is configured to be disposed adjacent to and along a neck and back of a user, and a stowable configuration, wherein the manipulable arm is manipulated such that a length of the manipulable arm is reduced by at least half of an overall length in the usable configuration. The head and neck stabilizing device further includes a flexible strap operable and removably coupled to one end of the manipulable arm.

Example 22 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the manipulation of the manipulable arm comprises at least one of (i) folding the manipulable arm; and (ii) detaching an upper portion of the manipulable arm from a lower portion of the manipulable arm.

Example 23 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the manipulable arm comprises an upper arm and a lower arm.

Example 24 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 23, wherein the upper arm and lower arm are operably coupled by a tongue disposed on one of the upper arm and the lower arm, and wherein the tongue is configured to fit through a slot on the other of the upper arm and the lower arm.

Example 25 relates to the head and neck stabilizing device according to Example 21, wherein the tongue is configured to interact with the other of the upper arm and the lower arm to exert a force thereon to provide more stability to a user of the head and neck stabilizing device.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head and neck stabilizing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a head and neck stabilizing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a head and neck stabilizing device being used as a device or book holder according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another head and neck stabilizing device, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 4, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 4, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the elongate arm of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 4, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 4 with a flexible strap or cord attached to the two segments of the elongate arm, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user using a head and neck stabilizing device with a high backed seat, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a user using a head and neck stabilizing device with a low backed seat, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another head and neck stabilizing device, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 11, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the head and neck stabilizing device of FIG. 11 in the folded position, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another head and neck stabilizing device, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a user using another head and neck stabilizing device with a mask attached to the flexible strap, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a table platform which can optionally attach to the head and neck stabilizing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a table platform adjacent to the head and neck stabilizing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the table platform attached to the head and neck stabilizing device being utilized as a platform according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of yet another head and neck stabilizing device, according to yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various head and neck stabilizing device and system embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein include at least one flexible, malleable, and/or otherwise manipulable elongate arm with a flexible head strap removably attached thereto. In the various implementations disclosed or contemplated herein, the flexible head strap can be positioned around and attached to a user's head such that the elongate arm is disposed adjacent to and extending downward along the back of the user's head, neck, and back. In this position, when the user is resting against the back of a chair, the elongate arm is positioned between and held in place by the contact resulting from being positioned between the user's back and the back of the seat or chair.

An embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing device 130 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 depicts a device 130 with an elongate manipulable (i.e., able to be selectively taken apart, bent, flexed, folded, or otherwise manipulated to shorten for travel and/or other stowage purposes) arm (132/134) that is made up of two flexible and/or malleable segments (a first or upper segment 132 and a second or lower segment 134) that are selectively, removably coupled together via a tongue 136 and slot 138 attachment (as best shown in FIG. 2). Alternatively, the elongate arm 132/134 can be a single unitary component (rather than being made up of two segments). In a further alternative, the elongate arm can be made up of three or more selectively removable segments. Regardless of the specific type of elongate arm or the embodiment being discussed, any of the various elongate arm implementations herein can be reversibly bent, flexed or otherwise shaped to match the contours of the user's body during use.

In some embodiments, the device 130 includes a flexible and/or bendable head strap 150 that is coupled to the end of the first segment 132. More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 2, the upper arm segment 132 has two openings 133A and 133B defined in an upper portion of the arm segment 132 (opposite the end that is coupleable to the lower segment 134), through which the flexible head strap 150 can pass or otherwise be coupled thereto, thereby attaching the strap 150 to the upper arm segment 132. Alternatively, the head strap 150 can be coupleable to the upper arm segment 132 via any known feature or mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and elsewhere herein, the flexible head strap 150 used in any of the embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein may be comprised of cloth, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, silicone or any other known material used in such flexible and/or bendable fastening straps or belts. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 1-2, the two ends of the flexible strap 150 can be inserted into the openings 133A and 133B found on the upper arm segment 132 (with one end being inserted through the first opening 133A and the other end being inserted through the second opening 133B) and then each can be folded back into contact with the strap 150 such that each can be reversibly attached to the outer surface of the flexible strap 150 via hook and loop material (such as VELCRO®, for example), or any other known fastening mechanism or feature, such as snap(s), button(s), hook(s), magnet(s), buckle(s) or the like.

Returning to the two arm segments 132, 134, in some embodiments, the tongue 136 of the upper arm segment 132 includes notches 137A and 137B which prevent the tongue 136 from easily being pulled out from the slot 138 when inserted. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device 130, a rotation of the upper arm segment 132 in relation to the lower arm segment 134 is induced, which in turn urges the tongue 136 against the lower segment 134 which is braced between the user and the chair or seat that the user is sitting in, preventing further rotation. This allows the two segments 132, 134 of the elongate arm 132/134 to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

In certain of these embodiments, the lower arm segment 134 can also have specific flaps 140, 142 defined therein. When not being used for sleep, the device 130 may be folded at the connection between the upper and lower segments 132 and 134 and the strap 150 removed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 the flaps 140, 142 may be flexed outwards in order to create a shelf or other type of horizontal structure to support a smartphone 170, smart tablet 172, or book 174.

Another embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing device 10 is shown in FIGS. 4-8. As shown in FIG. 4, the device 10 may be similar to device 130 from FIGS. 1-3 as described above, including having an elongate arm 20/30 that is similar to FIGS. 1-2 above made up of arm segments 20, 30 (a first or upper segment 20 and a second or lower segment 30) removably coupled together, along with a flexible and/or bendable head strap 40 that is coupled to the end of the first segment 20. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, the upper segment 20 has two openings 29 defined in an upper portion of the segment 20 (opposite the end that is coupleable to the lower segment 30), through which the flexible head strap 40 can pass, thereby attaching the strap 40 thereto. Alternatively, the head strap 40 can be coupleable to the upper segment 20 via any known feature or mechanism.

Alternatively, the elongate arm 20/30 can be a single unitary component (rather than being made up of two segments). In a further alternative, the elongate arm can be made up of three or more segments. Regardless of the specific type of elongate arm or the embodiment being discussed, any of the various elongate arm implementations herein can be reversibly bent, flexed or otherwise shaped to match the contours of the user's body during use.

As best shown in FIG. 6, in one implementation, each of the two malleable segments 20, 30 can have three layers: a malleable core structure 22, 32 sandwiched between two cushioned flexible layers 24, 26, 34, 36. The malleable core structure 22, 32 can be comprised of malleable material such as aluminum, steel, copper, metal alloy, plastic, or any other known material that can be substantially rigid but deformable when sufficient force is applied. The cushioned layers 24, 26, 34, 36 can be constructed of foam, neoprene, cloth, or any other known material that can provide an outer cushioning layer around the core structure.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and elsewhere herein, the flexible head strap 40 (which may be similar to the flexible head strap 150 from FIGS. 1-2 above) used in any of the embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein may be comprised of cloth, nylon, plastic, metal, foam, neoprene, silicone or any other known material used in such flexible and/or manipulable fastening straps or belts. In the implementation shown in FIG. 4-5, the two ends 40A, 40B of the flexible strap 40 can be positioned around the head of the user, threaded through the openings 29 of the upper arm segment 20, and fastened to each other via hook and loop material (such as VELCRO®, for example), or any other known fastening mechanism or feature, such as snap(s), button(s), hook(s), magnet(s), buckle(s) or the like.

As best shown in FIG. 5-7, according to one implementation, the two malleable segments 20, 30 of the elongate arm 20/30 are attachable to each other in the following fashion. The first segment 20 can have a tongue 28 extending from the end of the segment 20 (opposite the end with the two openings 29) that can be inserted into an opening 38 in the second segment 30 such that the two segments 20, 30 can be removably coupled to each other as shown. In one specific embodiment, the tongue 28 is a part of and extends from the malleable core 22 of the first segment 20. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device 10, a rotation of the upper segment 20 about the lower segment 30 is induced which in turn urges the tongue 28 against the lower segment 30 which is braced between the user and the chair or seat that the user is sitting in, preventing further rotation. The allows the two segments 20, 30 of the elongate arm 20/30 to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

In certain implementations as shown in FIG. 8, a flexible cord or strap 42 can also be provided that is attached at one end to the first segment 20 and at the other end to the second segment 30 such that the two segments 20, 30 remain loosely attached even when pulled apart at the tongue 28 and folded together. Alternatively, any attachment mechanism or feature can be used to removably attach the first and second segments 20, 30.

In use, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the device 130 is attached to the user 50 by positioning the flexible strap 150 around the forehead of the user 50 such that the elongate arm 132/134 extends along the neck and back of the user 50 as shown. As such, when the user 50 positions their back against the backrest of a seat (such as a high-backed seat 60 in FIG. 9 or a low backed seat 70 in FIG. 10), the device 130 is maintained between and disposed in stabilized contact between the user's back and the seat back of the chair 60, 70. Thus, the various implementations of the device herein, including the device 130 and the other embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein, are designed to function with both low back seats (such as seat 70) and high back seats (such as seat 60) and chairs. As such, the various implementations herein can be utilized in more diverse areas in comparison to other known devices, such as subways, buses, libraries, offices, coffee shops, airport terminals, train terminals, and other diverse locations where most seating areas only have low back options. In other words, the ability to use the various embodiments herein in areas where no high-backed seats or chairs are available differentiates it from known head and neck stabilizing devices described in the past.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, an alternative embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing device 80 is depicted. The device 80 has substantially the same components and/or features that function in substantially the same way as the devices 10, 130 in FIG. 110 as described above, except as expressly stated below. In this implementation, the device 80 has a manipulable elongate arm 90/100 made up of two segments 90, 100 that are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge 110. According to one embodiment, the hinge 110 can be a living hinge 110.

For example, in one specific implementation as best shown in FIG. 12, the hinge 110 has two hinge bodies 111A, 111B that are rotatably coupled together via a flexible living hinge component 112. The two hinge bodies 111A, 111B having openings 114 (as shown in relation to body 111A in FIG. 12) that are sized and shaped to receive the tongues 92, 102 of the segments 90, 100 respectively, thereby allowing the segments 90, 100 to be coupled to the hinge 110. The living hinge component 112 can be made of polyurethane, plastic, rubber, silicone or any other known material having similar physical characteristics.

In this specific embodiment, the hinge 110 is configured to allow the segment 100 to rotate solely in one direction, as best shown in FIG. 13. In such embodiments, as the user leans backward while using the head stabilizing device 80, a rotation of the upper segment 90 about the lower segment 100 is induced which in turn urges corresponding ends of the hinge bodies 111A and 111B into contact against one another (e.g., the ends of each of bodies 111A and 111B nearest the hinge 112), preventing further rotation. This allows the two segments of the elongate arm 90/100 to act as a single supporting structure which provides the user a more stable experience.

Alternatively, any other known hinge 110 made of plastic, metal, or any other similar known material can be used to rotatably couple the two segments 90, 100 together. As such, the hinge 110 allows the malleable segment 100 to rotate in relation to the segment 90 such that the segment 100 can be folded up adjacent to segment 90 as shown in FIG. 13. In certain embodiments, the manipulability and/or foldability of the elongate arm 90/100 as shown can provide for increased portability of the device 80.

Yet another a head and neck stabilizing device 120 embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. The device 120 has substantially the same components and/or features that function in substantially the same way as the devices 10, 80, 130 as described above, except as expressly stated below. In this implementation, the device 120 has a single elongate am 44 that can be reversibly folded such that the lower portion 44B of the arm 44 can rotate in relation to upper portion 44A of the arm 44 such that the lower portion 44B can fold up adjacent to upper portion 44A as shown in order to allow for increased portability.

In a further implementation as shown in FIG. 15, any of the head and neck stabilizing devices 10, 80, 120, 130 a discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-19 has an additional component: a mask 46 that is attached to the flexible strap 40 such that the mask 46 can cover the eyes of the user such that the mask 46 can be used to block out light to make it easier for the user to sleep. In one embodiment, the mask 46 is removably attachable to the flexible strap 40 such that a user can opt to use the mask 46 or to not use it. Alternatively, the mask 46 is permanently attached to and/or integrally formed with the strap 40.

A further implementation as shown in FIGS. 16-18, the head and neck stabilizing device 10, 80, 120, 130 a discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-19 has an additional component: a portable table 160 consisting of flat semi rigid surface 162 and a supporting arm 164, both of which are reversibly attached to the head and neck stabilizing device to provide a portable table surface to support items such as food 176. As best shown in FIG. 18, when the head and neck stabilizing device 130 is not being used for sleep, the head strap 40 or 150 may be attached around the neck of the user 50 with the elongate arm 132, 134 of the head and neck stabilizing device 130 folded so that the end of the folded elongate arm 132, 134 may be inserted into slots 163, 165 or otherwise reversibly attached to the semi rigid surface 162 and supporting arm 164. In this configuration, the supporting arm 164 acts to keep the semi rigid surface 162 in a roughly horizontal position. As best shown in FIG. 16, the supporting arm 164 is reversibly attached to the semi rigid surface 162 by inserting a tongue 166 on the supporting arm into a slot 168 on the semi rigid surface 162. This tongue and slot attachment provides additional structural support to the semi rigid surface 162. This tongue is made up of notches 167A and 167B which prevent easy removal of the tongue 166 from the slot 168.

Yet another embodiment of a head and neck stabilizing device 180 is shown in FIG. 19. The device 180 has substantially the same components and/or features that function in substantially the same way as the devices 10, 80, 120, 130 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-18 except as expressly stated below. In this implementation, the device 180 has a single elongate arm 200 made of neoprene or similar foam material and a single flexible head strap 190 also made of neoprene or similar foam material, both of which are reversibly coupled together utilizing hook and loop type patches 210.

All of the various device embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein allow a user to maintain their head and neck in a more comfortable position while sleeping or resting in a non-horizontal position. As mentioned above, the various implementations herein are designed such that the elongate arm (such as any of arms 132/134, 20/30, 90/100, 44, 200) is positioned between the user's back and the back of a seat/chair so that the device is stabilized when the user leans into contact with the back of the seat/chair such that the device is held therebetween and thus the device is stabilized by the contact between the device, the user, and the back of the seat/chair. Further, the soft materials used to make up the various elongate arm and flexible strap embodiments as described above ensure that those components serve as soft and pliable interfaces between the components and user's body and head. In the various implementations herein, including those in which the elongate arm is foldable or separable into two or more pieces, the device is easily portable and can fit within a user's bag or backpack without time consuming assembly/disassembly (unlike the known devices).

While the various systems described above are separate implementations, any of the individual components, mechanisms, or devices, and related features and functionality, within the various system embodiments described in detail above can be incorporated into any of the other system embodiments herein.

The terms “about” and “substantially,” as used herein, refers to variation that can occur (including in numerical quantity or structure), for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, wave length, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Further, there is certain inadvertent error and variation in the real world that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or precision of the components used to make the various components or carry out the methods and the like. The terms “about” and “substantially” also encompass these variations. The term “about” and “substantially” can include any variation of 5% or 10%, or any amount-including any integer-between 0% and 10%. Further, whether or not modified by the term “about” or “substantially,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities or amounts.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and decimals and fractions, for example, 1.2, 3.8, 1½, and 4¾ This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Although the various embodiments may have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.