DRAIN STRAINER WITH SUPPORT RIBS

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/647,893, filed on May 15, 2024, entitled DRAIN STRAINER WITH SUPPORT RIBS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to the field of kitchenware and, more particularly, to sink accessories designed for debris management and water drainage.

BACKGROUND

Kitchen sinks serve an important role in food preparation and cleanup. They therefore require efficient water drainage and effective management of food debris. The introduction of debris into kitchen sinks is inevitable, and preventing such debris from clogging the drainage system is an important consideration.

Conventional drain strainers address this issue by capturing debris while allowing water to pass through. However, they are not designed to accommodate the simultaneous placement of dishes in the sink. This oversight leads to a common problem where dishes, utensils, or other kitchenware placed in the sink obstruct the drain strainer, thereby impeding water flow and limiting the strainer's effectiveness. The obstruction not only slows down kitchen activities due to the need for constant clearance of the waterway but also compromises the purposes of the strainer by trapping water and debris together, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and promote the growth of mold and bacteria in standing water. Additionally, existing strainers lack a structural design that can support the weight of dishes without significant deformation or displacement of the strainer, which further exacerbates the issue of water flow obstruction.

Conventional solutions do not integrate a debris management system with the capability to function effectively under the weight of kitchenware. This has created a demand for an improved strainer design that can accommodate dishes without compromising drainage, thereby enhancing the utility and hygiene of kitchen sinks.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a drain strainer for filtering debris from water as it enters a sink drain. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a strainer base. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a debris collection chamber connected to the inner perimeter of the strainer base, the chamber forming therethrough a plurality of drainage pores configured to allow water passage through the chamber. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a plurality of support ribs connected to and vertically extending from the strainer base, wherein the ribs are configured to elevate items placed directly on the strainer, thereby facilitating unobstructed water flow beneath such items and into the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the strainer base has a circular geometry defined by a perimeter edge designed to rest within a sink drain, the perimeter edge being angled downward to facilitate the direction of water flow over the strainer base and into the debris collection chamber, thereby enhancing the strainer's water filtration efficiency.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is invertible, facilitating the removal of accumulated debris by manually applying upward pressure to the chamber from below.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is hemispherical with a flat base, the hemispherical shape conducive to guiding debris towards the flat base for accumulation and subsequent disposal.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is integrally formed with the strainer base.

In some embodiments, the support ribs are arranged radially from a central point of the drain strainer. In some embodiments, the support ribs are uniformly spaced around the circumference of the strainer base, each rib positioned equidistant from adjacent ribs.

In some embodiments, the support ribs comprise a non-slip surface to prevent movement of items placed on the ribs.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support ribs comprises a base connected to the strainer base and a top opposite the base, wherein each of the support ribs is tapered with the base thicker than the top.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support ribs has an outer end proximate to the outer perimeter of the strainer base and an inner end proximate to the inner perimeter of the strainer base, wherein the inner end is taller than the outer end such that the top of the support rib angles inwardly, such than an item resting on the support rib is angled upwardly over the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the base of the support rib is substantially triangular having one side proximate to the inner perimeter of the strainer base and one vertex proximate to the outer perimeter of the strainer base. In some embodiments, the triangular base of each support rib is rounded at its vertices. In some embodiments, the support ribs have a rounded apex.

In some embodiments, the support ribs extend upward from the strainer base to a height sufficient to create a clearance between the bottom of a dish and the top surface of the strainer base, facilitating unobstructed water flow to the drainage pores.

In some embodiments, the support ribs are constructed of a rubberized material, thereby limiting the risk of damage to items placed on the ribs.

In some embodiments, the strainer base is constructed of a rubberized material, providing enhanced grip and resistance to movement when in contact with sink surfaces.

In some embodiments, the drainage pores are dimensioned to block debris particles exceeding a specific size threshold, enabling only water and smaller particles to pass through.

In some embodiments, the drain strainer is constructed from materials with antimicrobial properties.

In some embodiments, the drainage pores are positioned in concentric circles within the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a method of manufacturing a drain strainer. In some embodiments, the method comprises injection molding a material to form a strainer base with a plurality of support ribs and a debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the support ribs extend vertically from the strainer base at a specific height and contour for elevating items placed directly on the strainer, facilitating unobstructed water flow to the drainage pores. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is molded with plurality of drainage pores sized to allow water passage while preventing the passage of debris.

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 to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional features and advantages of the disclosed technology will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts another side view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B depict the drain strainer positioned within a sink, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure pertains to a drain strainer designed to improve water drainage and debris management in kitchen sinks.

In some embodiments, the drain strainer comprises a strainer base with an upper and a lower surface, support ribs, and a debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the strainer base is circular, configured to fit around the perimeter of a sink drain. However, the subject matter disclosed herein is not so limited. Instead, the strainer base can be any shape, including, for example, rectangular, and triangular. It possesses an upper surface from which support ribs extend and a lower surface to which the debris collection chamber is securely attached.

In some embodiments, support ribs 120, extending from the upper surface 111 of the strainer base 110, function to elevate kitchenware placed in the sink, thereby allowing water to pass unobstructed through the debris collection chamber 130 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B). These support ribs 120 extend vertically and can be uniformly distributed around the strainer base 110 to provide even support and weight distribution for objects resting on them.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is located beneath the strainer base and is characterized by a hemispherical shape with multiple drainage pores 140. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 8A, the debris collection chamber possesses curved sidewalls with a flat bottom, or a base platform, offering a different approach to debris collection and water drainage. These drainage pores are apertures in the debris collection chamber that allow water flow through the drain strainer. The chamber itself captures and retains debris that is not small enough to pass through the pores.

The debris collection chamber's shape and drainage pore arrangement contribute to the effective separation of debris from the water. The hemispherical shape of the debris collection chamber encourages debris to move towards the center and bottom of the chamber due to gravity. The uniform arrangement of the drainage pores encourages maximal water flow through the chamber, while the size of the pores prevents the passage of larger debris. In embodiments with a flat bottom, the debris is less likely to block all of the pores which are located at the bottom and center of the debris collection chamber, ensuring that water can still pass through the pores efficiently. In an exemplary embodiment, the pores are approximately 0.4 cm in diameter. In another embodiment, the pores may range from 0.1 cm to 2 cm in diameter.

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of the drain strainer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the strainer base 110 forms the periphery of the drain strainer 100. The strainer base 110 is a ring-like structure that fits around a sink drain opening. The strainer base 110 has an upper surface 111, which serves as the supporting structure for support ribs 120. Support ribs 120 extend from the upper surface 111 of the strainer base 110, and function to elevate dishes and utensils placed in the sink, ensuring a clearance above the strainer base 110 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B), thereby facilitating the passage of water into the sink drain. The strainer base 110 has a lower surface, which serves as the supporting structure for a debris collection chamber 130. The lower surface of the strainer base 110 forms a seal with the portion of the sink basin that sits above and surrounds the sink drain, thus preventing water from leaking under the strainer base 110.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, a perimeter edge 115 is present at the outermost circumference of the strainer base 110. The perimeter edge 115 slopes downward from the upper surface 111 of the strainer base 110, helping to direct water flow over the strainer base 110. This helps ensure that all, or almost all, water is processed by the debris collection chamber 130. Additionally, a central edge 116 delineates the interior zone of the strainer 100, sloping downward from the strainer base 110 towards the debris collection chamber 130.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, in the core of the drain strainer 100 is a debris collection chamber 130, characterized by a hemispherical shape. The debris collection chamber 130 has a plurality of drainage pores 140, or apertures, within the debris collection chamber 130. The drainage pores 140 filter out particles above a specific size threshold, effectively serving as a sieve. In some embodiments, these drainage pores 140 are uniformly distributed across the debris collection chamber 130, allowing for both uniform water flow and optimal debris retention.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber 130 exhibits a tapering, hemispherical contour, visible in FIG. 1, which narrows progressively towards its base. This design channels debris towards the central lowest point of the debris collection chamber 130. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber 130 features a base platform 160, which is a flat section at the bottom of the debris collection chamber 130. The base platform 160 may function to collect debris more efficiently in the lower central portion of the debris collection chamber 130 and may facilitate the cleaning process by providing a simple, flat surface for debris removal.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the drain strainer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 depicts the drain strainer's 100 underside. The lower surface 112 of the strainer base 110, serves as the support structure from which the debris collection chamber 130 is connected. The strainer base 110 is designed to mirror the shape of a typical sink drain to ensure a secure fit and stable positioning. The central edge 116, visible in FIG. 2 as a demarcating boundary within the strainer base's 110 inner circumference, indicates the transition point between the end of the strainer base 110 and the start of the debris collection chamber 130. The central edge 116 is angled downward from the strainer base 110 to direct water flow into the debris collection chamber 130.

The debris collection chamber 130, as previously discussed, is a recessed, hemispherical basin that functions as the primary receptacle for trapping debris. In some embodiments, drainage pores 140 line the debris collection chamber 130. These drainage pores 140 filter debris while allowing water passage, thus preventing blockages and promoting continuous drainage. In some embodiments, the base platform 160, is a planar surface situated at the bottom of the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber 130 is invertible. The inversion mechanism can be facilitated by a manual upward push applied to the base platform 160 or any part of the debris collection chamber 130, thereby allowing the debris collection chamber 130 to evert and expel any retained debris. Such an inversion enables the disposal of accumulated debris.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the drain strainer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support ribs 120 extend vertically from the strainer base 110 and function to elevate kitchenware, ensuring that the flow of water through the debris collection chamber 130 is unimpeded.

Directly below the strainer base 110, as depicted in FIG. 3, is the debris collection chamber 130, which exhibits a hemispherical form as previously discussed. FIG. 3 depicts the drainage pores 140 as small, circular apertures on the debris collection chamber 130. The arrangement of the drainage pores 130 is designed to maximize the surface area for filtration while minimizing the potential for clogging. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3, the base platform 160 is present as a flat surface at the bottom of the debris collection chamber 130. As previously discussed, the debris collection chamber 130 can be inverted for debris removal, a process that entails applying manual pressure to the base platform 160 or debris collection chamber 130.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the drain strainer 100, cutting through the support ribs 120 and showing the internal structure of the strainer base 110 and the debris collection chamber 130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This view is useful in understanding the internal configuration and the relational architecture of the drain strainer 100 components.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, the support ribs 120 extend from the strainer base 110. The support ribs 120 are shaped as elongated members extending vertically from the strainer base 110. The support ribs are contoured with a tapered design, thick at the strainer base attachment point and narrowing towards the top and with their apex 125 closer to the debris collection chamber 130. The ribs do not encroach over the central debris collection chamber 130. In some embodiments, the support ribs 120 have a rounded apex 125 to support kitchenware gently.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, the perimeter edge 115 enhances the functionality of the drain strainer 100 by its downward slope from the upper surface 111 to the outer perimeter of the strainer base 110. Similarly, the central edge 116 marks a transition from the strainer base 110 to the debris collection chamber 130 with its own downward slope, effectively channeling water and debris into the debris collection chamber 130 for easier collection.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, the strainer base 110, with its flat upper surface 111, is integrally attached to the support ribs 120 and the debris collection chamber 130. In some embodiments, the entire drain strainer 100 is formed from one material. This can be accomplished, for example and not limitation, by injection molding or additive manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber 130 can be fabricated from a flexible and or rubberized material. The material selection not only contributes to the debris collection chamber's 130 durability and longevity but also facilitates an easy inversion process for debris disposal. The inherent flexibility of the rubberized material allows the debris collection chamber 130 to be inverted with minimal effort.

In some embodiments, all components of the drain strainer 100 may be fabricated from the same flexible and/or rubberized material, where the elastic nature of the material provides a sealing effect against the sink surface, contributing to the effectiveness of the drain strainer's 100 filtration. Additionally, when incorporated into the support ribs, the flexible and/or rubberized material provides a gentle yet sturdy resting place for kitchenware.

In some embodiments, the material used for the drain strainer 100 is embedded with antimicrobial properties. This composition helps to maintain the hygienic standard of the kitchen environment where the drain strainer 100 operates. The antimicrobial attribute could be a result of an infused agent within the material matrix or a surface treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold.

FIG. 5 depicts another side view of the drain strainer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This angle offers another view of the drain strainer's 100 form factor.

The depiction in FIG. 5 further emphasizes the configuration of the support ribs 120 discussed previously. FIG. 5 reaffirms the support ribs' role in creating a buffer zone above the strainer base 110. Each support rib 120 is angled and spaced to evenly distribute the weight of dishes and utensils. Further, when compared against FIG. 3, FIG. 5 illustrates how the support ribs 120 emanates radially from the strainer base 110 and are evenly spaced to optimize the strainer's operational efficiency. This even spacing promotes unobstructed water flow while simultaneously serving as a platform for kitchenware.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the drain strainer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 depicts the circular geometry of the strainer base 110. The strainer base 110 features a perimeter edge 115, which is found at the outermost circumference of the strainer. The central edge 116 is depicted in FIG. 6 at the innermost circumference of the strainer base 110; the central edge 116 delineates the transition from the supporting structure of the strainer base 110 to the internal area of the debris collection chamber 130.

FIG. 6 depicts the debris collection chamber 130 as a circular structure within the strainer base 110 and with multiple drainage pores 140. In some embodiments, the drainage pores 140 within the debris collection chamber 130 are of uniform size, designed to prevent debris of a certain dimension from passing through, while allowing water to drain effectively. The drainage pores 140 are distributed throughout the surface of the debris collection chamber 130; FIG. 6 depicts the drainage pores 140 from a top-down view, revealing their pattern and density. In FIG. 6, these drainage pores 140 are arranged in concentric circles. This arrangement ensures equitable distribution of the filtration area and consistent water flow.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 6, the support ribs 120 are arranged radially around the strainer base 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, six support ribs 120 are radially positioned above the strainer base 110. The even distribution of these ribs ensures stability, distributing the load evenly when dishes or other items are placed on top. This configuration minimizes the potential for deformation under weight while maximizing the clearance for water passage. The choice of six ribs allows for sufficient space between each rib, preventing debris accumulation and facilitating easy maintenance. While the embodiment depicted features six radially positioned support ribs 120 on the strainer base 110, the invention is not limited to this number. The design contemplates various configurations, with the number of ribs being modifiable to accommodate different sink sizes, user preferences, or specific functional requirements.

From the top view as depicted in FIG. 6, the support ribs 120 are rounded triangular forms that taper from a wide base near the central part of the drain strainer 100 out to a round, pointed tip at the outer perimeter. The support ribs 120 have a broad area of contact near the strainer base's 110 center. As the support ribs 120 extend outward, they narrow to a rounded point, which aids in minimizing obstruction to the flow of water and facilitates easier passage of water and debris towards the debris collection chamber 130. The support ribs' 120 triangular shaping, rounded for safety and ergonomic considerations, also contributes to the overall structural integrity of the drain strainer 100, evenly distributing any weight placed on them.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the drain strainer 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. This view facilitates an understanding of the drain strainer's 100 understructure.

Like FIG. 6, the strainer base 110 is depicted in FIG. 7 as having a circular geometry. The central edge 116 is shown as a concentric circle within the strainer base 110, outlining the boundary between the upper strainer base 110 and the lower debris collection chamber 130.

In some embodiments, the drainage pores 140 are a set of apertures within the debris collection chamber 130. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, the drainage pores 140 are arranged in concentric circles, which decrease in diameter from the outer edge towards the center. The number of drainage pores 130 provides a balance between effective water drainage and debris retention. The base platform 160 is also visible in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 8A-8B depict the drain strainer 100 in use, positioned within a sink, with the support ribs 120 functioning to elevate a dish above the strainer such that water can freely flow through the drainage pores 140 beneath a dish, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The support ribs 120 are a focal point of FIG. 8A, where they are shown as elevating a dish above the plane of the strainer base 110. This elevation allows for water to freely flow beneath the dish, yet above the strainer base 110, ensuring that the drain is not obstructed and that the drain strainer 110 can perform its intended function of filtering debris from the water. The support ribs 120, as previously discussed, extend upward from the strainer base 110 and rise to a sufficient height to create a clearance between the bottom of the dish and the upper surface 111 of the strainer 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the support ribs extend at least 0.63 cm from the surface of the strainer base 110 to the tip of the support rib 120. In another embodiment, the ribs may range from 0.1 cm to 3 cm in height.

This clearance is essential for maintaining an uninterrupted pathway for water to reach the drainage pores 140, which are depicted beneath the elevated dish in FIG. 8A. For example, even if a plate is entirely covering the drain strainer, there will still be sufficient space for waterflow, because the support ribs 120 are sufficiently tall enough to elevate any extended feet of the plate above the strainer base 110, allowing water to pass into the strainer. Also, considering that the support ribs 120 are positioned in a circular pattern, there will always be at least one rib 120 in contact with a dish resting on the drain strainer, to assist in lifting the dish, thereby promoting water flow while ensuring minimal disruption during dishwashing.

The debris collection chamber 130 and drainage pores 140, are shown to be sitting within the sink drain in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8A also depicts the perimeter edge 115 as angled downward from the end of the strainer base 110.

FIG. 8B offers a complementary perspective of the drain strainer 100 by depicting how a dish, when placed upon some of the support ribs 120, is maintained at a height above the strainer base 110.

In practice, an exemplary use-case of the drain strainer 100 involves a user positioning the drain strainer 100 within the sink such that the bottom surface 112 of the strainer base 110 conforms to the sink surface around the sink drain, creating a watertight seal. As water runs into the sink, it is directed above the strainer base 110 and into the debris collection chamber 130; any debris larger than the drainage pores 140 is captured within the debris collection chamber 130, while water and smaller particles can pass through the drainage pores 140. The support ribs 120 serve to elevate dishes and prevent them from obstructing the water flow into the debris collection chamber 130. When the dishwashing is complete, the user can easily lift the drain strainer 100 from the sink by the support ribs 120 or the strainer base 110. To dispose of the collected debris, the user can invert the strainer by pushing up on the debris collection chamber 130, allowing for disposal without direct contact with the waste. After emptying, the drain strainer 100 can be rinsed clean and placed back into the sink, ready for its next use.

The elements of the figures are not exclusive. Other embodiments may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

While various illustrative embodiments incorporating the principles of the present teachings have been disclosed, the present teachings are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present teachings and use its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure that are within known or customary practice in the art to which these teachings pertain.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the present disclosure are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that various features of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various features. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

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.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

In addition, even if a specific number is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, 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, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “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, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “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, et cetera). 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, sample embodiments, 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.”

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed.