WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER BRACKET

Description

BACKGROUND

The embodiments described herein relate to brackets for air conditioning (“AC”) units, with particular embodiments shown for a window AC unit.

Typical window air conditioner (“AC”) brackets include a top portion that braces against the lower sash of a raised window and a bottom portion that slides into the channel at the bottom of the window at or in the window stool (the stool is the inside version of a window sill, which is technically found on the outside of the window). These standard brackets are not desirable for several reasons. It is difficult to install a window AC unit in such brackets because the AC units are typically rear-heavy, so the possibility of dropping the AC unit out the window is great. Dismounting the AC unit is also difficult as the AC unit must be supported from the back side with one hand while using the other hand to open the window. Such brackets are generally either a single bracket that must be shipped as a complete assembly, or are multiple disparate pieces that are not easily connected. Standard window AC unit brackets also typically include one or two accordion-style sealing elements that are installed on either side of the AC unit to seal the space between the bottom of the window sash and the window stool or channel. These typical sealing elements do not provide good sealing properties and are aesthetically displeasing.

What is needed is a window AC bracket that is easier to use and safer to install an AC unit in a window. Another desirable feature of such a bracket would be an improved sealing element between the bottom of the window sash and the window stool.

SUMMARY

The herein-described embodiments address these and other problems associated with the art by providing a window AC bracket that allows a user to mount the bracket first and then simply slide the window AC into the bracket. This reduces the likelihood of accidental drops, as the window AC unit is always supported from the rear by the pre-installed bracket. Such a bracket also enables the use of inflexible sealing elements designed to fit together, as opposed to flimsy accordion-style elements.

In some embodiments, a window air conditioner bracket is provided that includes a multi-piece separable bracket having a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is a U-shaped member having a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The second leg is coupled to the first leg and arranged substantially perpendicular to the first leg. The third leg is coupled to the second leg and arranged substantially perpendicular to the second leg and substantially parallel to the first leg. The second component is a U-shaped member having a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The second leg is coupled to the first leg and arranged substantially perpendicular to the first leg. The third leg is coupled to the second leg and arranged substantially perpendicular to the second leg and substantially parallel to the first leg. The bracket is configured to have a disassembled state and an assembled state. In the disassembled state, the first component and the second component are disengaged and separated. In in the assembled state, the bracket is configured to occupy a range of configurations between and including a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first component is engaged with the second component and the first leg of the first component receives the first leg of the second component, and wherein the third leg of the first component receives the third leg of the second component, and wherein the second leg of the first component is spaced apart from the second leg of the second component a first distance.

In some embodiments a method of installing an air conditioner in a window opening is provided that includes the step of providing a window air conditioner bracket having a first U-shaped component further comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, and a second complementary U-shaped component further comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, wherein the first U-shaped component and the second U-shaped component are separable pieces. Another step is assembling the bracket by inserting the first leg of the second U-shaped component into the first leg of the first U-shaped component and inserting the third leg of the second U-shaped component into the third leg of the first U-shaped component. Another step is translating the first U-shaped component with respect to the second U-shaped component until a desired distance is achieved between the second leg of the first U-shaped component and the second leg of the second U-shaped component. Another step is creating a window opening by moving a sash away from a stool. Another step is inserting the bracket into the window opening. Another step is moving the sash into contact with the second leg of the first U-shaped component to secure the bracket within the window opening. Another step is placing a window air conditioner on the second leg of the second component in between the first leg and the third leg. Another step is translating the window air conditioner outwardly through the window opening until a flange of the window air conditioner contacts the bracket.

In some embodiments a separable window air conditioner bracket is provided that includes a first U-shaped component having a base, a first leg depending from the base, and a second leg depending from the base. Also included is a second U-shaped component having a base, a first leg depending from the base, and a second leg depending from the base. The second U-shaped component is separable from the first U-shaped component, wherein the first U-shaped component and the second U-shaped component are configured to be removably coupled such that the second U-shaped component is translatable with respect to the first U-shaped component in a manner that alters a distance between the base of the first U-shaped component and the base of the second U-shaped component.

These and other advantages and features are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, reference should be made to the figures, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is described example embodiments of the invention. This summary is merely provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description, and is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an AC unit mounted in a window opening with a bracket according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1 prior to installation of the AC unit.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration.

FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 3A in a contracted configuration.

FIG. 4 is a section view of a first leg of a first component of the bracket taken at section line 4-4 of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first leg of a second component of the bracket taken at section line 5-5 of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the interaction between the first component and second component according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a close-up detail of a portion of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a section view of the interaction between the first component and the second component take at section line 6B-6B of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an AC unit oriented for insertion through an assembled bracket according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the AC unit of FIG. 7 after initial insertion through an assembled bracket according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an AC unit of FIG. 8 after final insertion through an assembled bracket according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sealing carrier according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sealing element according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sealing member, including a sealing carrier and a sealing element, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a panel before attachment to a sealing carrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 13A after attachment to a sealing carrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates one type of window air conditioner for use with the embodiments discussed herein. In FIG. 1, an embodiment of a bracket 100 is shown supporting a window air conditioner (AC unit) 1 in a window opening 6. The type of AC unit shown in FIG. 1 is a typical window AC unit having an indoor portion 2 and an outdoor portion 3. A window 4 through which the AC unit 1 is placed generally includes a sash 5 that can be brought downward to rest against a top surface of the window AC unit 1. When the sash 5 is moved upwardly, the window opening 6 is created between the bottom of the sash 5 and the window stool 7. In common vernacular, the stool 7 is referred to as the sill (though technically the sill is an exterior portion of the window). The farther the sash 5 is moved away from the stool 7, the larger the window opening 6 becomes. Obviously in this way, the window 4 can accommodate various sizes of AC units 1. The particular type of AC unit 1 depicted in the figures is not the only type that is usable with the embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, any common form of window AC unit can utilize the bracket 100 in its various embodiments. In a typical prior art installation, the window AC unit 1 resides in a window opening 6 by resting on the stool 7. The indoor portion 2 resides on the interior side of the window 4 and communicates with the outdoor portion 3 to provide conditioned air to a room 8 on an interior side of the window 4. The components of the AC unit 1 are relatively heavy and unwieldy, so it is desired to provide some type of bracket to assist in the installation of the AC unit 1. An exemplary inventive bracket 100 according to embodiments is depicted in the figures and described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the bracket 100 prior to installation of the AC unit 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a first component 110 and a second component 160 of the bracket 100. The first component 110 includes a first leg 120, a second leg 130 (or base), and a third leg 140. The bracket 100 and the legs can be formed from many types of rigid materials, including various metals, metal alloys, composites, high-strength plastics, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the first component 110 is made of galvanized or painted steel. The legs are arranged in a substantially U-shaped configuration. In this manner, first leg 120 and third leg 140 each are substantially perpendicular to second leg 130, which can be understood as the base of the U-shape. First leg 120 is substantially parallel to third leg 140. First leg 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122. Similarly, second leg 130 has a first end 131 and a second end 132, and third leg 140 has a first end 141 and a second end 142. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the second end 122 of first leg 120 is coupled to the first end 131 of the second leg 130. Similarly, the second end 142 of the third leg 140 is coupled to the second end 132 of the second leg 130. It should be understood that the designation of various legs herein of the first component 110 does not mandate that the legs be, in fact, separate structures. Indeed, for example, the first component 110 could be a U-shaped component comprising a single piece that is bent into a U-shape, as shown in the figures. Use of the term “legs” herein is made out of convenience and case of understanding the relative structural relationships among the component features.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a second component 160 of the bracket 100 is shown. The second component 160 includes a first leg 170, a second leg 180 (or base), and a third leg 190. The bracket 100 and the legs can be formed from many types of rigid materials, including various metals, metal alloys, composites, high-strength plastics, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the second component 160 is made of galvanized or painted steel. The legs are arranged in a substantially U-shaped configuration. In this manner, first leg 170 and third leg 190 each are substantially perpendicular to second leg 180, which can be understood as the base of the U-shape. First leg 170 is substantially parallel to third leg 190. First leg 170 has a first end 171 and a second end 172. Similarly, second leg 180 has a first end 181 and a second end 182, and third leg 190 has a first end 191 and a second end 192. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the second end 172 of first leg 170 is coupled to the first end 181 of the second leg 180. Similarly, the second end 192 of the third leg 190 is coupled to the second end 182 of the second leg 180. It should be understood that the designation of various legs herein of the second component 160 does not mandate that the legs be, in fact, separate structures. Indeed, for example, the second component 160 could be a U-shaped component comprising a single piece that is bent into a U-shape, as shown in the figures. Use of the term “legs” herein is made out of convenience and case of understanding the relative structural relationships among the component features.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, 6A, and 6B, each leg 120, 130, 140, 170, 180, and 190 can itself be formed of various structural cross sections, including, but not limited to, angle, C-channel, box, tube, plate, and the like. It is desirable, though not required, that the first component 110 slidingly receive the second component 160 so that the two components can slide together with respect to each other. As such, it is desirable that the cross sectional shape of the first end 121 of first leg 120 of the first component 110 receive the first end 171 of the first leg 170 of the second component 160. Similarly, it is desirable that the cross sectional shape of the first end 141 of third leg 140 of the first component 110 receive the first end 191 of the third leg 190 of the second component 160. In this manner, the second component 160 can slide relative to the first component 110 and, as such, alter the distance between the second leg 130 (base) of the first component 110 and the second leg 180 (base) of the second component 160.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, 6A, and 6B, an embodiment is shown of the structural relationship between various legs, as one example. In the embodiment depicted, first component 110 is formed by bending a single piece of material to form first leg 120, second leg 130, and third leg 140, as shown in FIG. 4. First leg 120 is a modified angle shape having a first face 123 formed at a right angle to a second face 124. The second face 124 includes a return lip 125 that creates a space 126 between the return lip 125 and the second face 124. The space 126 is configured to receive and retain a portion of the first leg 170 of the second component 160, as will be shown below.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B, the third leg 140 of the first component 110 is also a modified angle shape having a first face 143 formed at a right angle to a second face 144. The second face 144 includes a return lip 145 that creates a space 146 between the return lip 145 and the second face 144. With reference to FIG. 6B, the space 146 is configured to receive and retain a portion of the third leg 190 of the second component 160, as will be shown below.

The second leg 130 of the first component 110 is a modified angle shape having a first face 133 formed at a right angle to a second face 134. The first face 133 includes a return lip 135 that creates a space 136 between the return lip 135 and the first face 133. The second face includes a return lip 137 that creates a space 138 between the return lip 137 and the second face 134. The space 136 and space 138 are configured to receive portions of a sealing member 200, as will be explained below.

Similarly, in the embodiment depicted, second component 160 is formed by bending a single piece of material to form first leg 170, second leg 180, and third leg 190. First leg 170 is an angle shape having a first face 173 formed at a right angle to a second face 174. The third leg 190 of the second component 160 is also an angle shape having a first face 193 formed at a right angle to a second face 194. The second leg 180 of the second component 160 is a modified channel shape having a first face 183 formed at a right angle to a second face 184 formed at a right angle to a third face 185 formed at a right angle to a fourth face 186. In the embodiment depicted, a gap 187 separates the first face 183 from the fourth face 186. The space created internally to the first face 183, second face 184, third face 185, and fourth face 186 are configured to receive portions of a sealing member 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-12, a sealing member 200 can be included and can cooperate with portions of the bracket 100 to provide thermal and environmental sealing for the room 8 on the sides of the AC unit 1. Such a sealing member 200 can be added to one or both sides of the AC unit 1. In the embodiment of the sealing member 200 shown in the figures, the sealing member 200 includes a sideways U-shaped sealing carrier 210. The sealing carrier 210 includes a first leg 220, second leg 230, and third leg 240.

The first leg 220 is configured for sliding reception with the second leg 130 of the first component 110. The first leg 220 can assume various section shapes that are in some way complementary to the shape of the second leg 130 of the first component 110. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first leg 220 has a modified H-shape section, having a first flange 221, a web 222, and a second flange 223. The first flange 221 is configured to be received within the space 136 of the return lip 135 of the second leg 130. The second flange 223 is configured to be received within the space 138 of the return lip 137 of the second leg 130.

The third leg 240 is configured for sliding reception with the second leg 180 of the second component 160. The third leg 240 can assume various section shapes that are in some way complementary to the shape of the second leg 180 of the second component 160. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the third leg 240 has a modified channel section, having a first flange 241, a web 242, and a second flange 243. The third leg 240 is configured to be received within the internal space created by first face 183, second face 184, third face 185, and fourth face 186 of the second leg 180 of the second component 160.

The second leg 230 includes a modified channel section having a first flange 231, a web 232, and a second flange 233. The webs 222, 232, and 242 are surrounded by the first flanges 221, 231, and 241, respectively, and by the second flanges 223, 233, and 243, respectively, such that a space is created therewithin to receive a sealing element 250.

Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary sealing element 250 is depicted. In this embodiment, the sealing element 250 is configured to be telescoping and has three members. First member 260 includes planar body 261 having first capture edge 262 on one edge and second capture edge 263 on the opposite edge. Similarly, third member 280 includes planar body 281 having first capture edge 282 on one edge and second capture edge 283 on the opposite edge. Second member 270 also includes planar body 271, but this planar body 271 has hollow spaces 274 separating opposite faces of planar body 271. The hollow spaces 274 receive the various capture edges (e.g., 262, 263, 282, 283) of the first member 260 and third member, respectively. In the manner shown in the figures, the sealing element 250 is capable of telescoping from a first width to a second, larger width by sliding the first member and/or third member more toward the center or more away from the center of the hollow spaces 274. This enables the sealing element 250 to accommodate various widths of window opening 6. Similarly, the either the sealing element 250 itself or the second leg 230 can be capable of telescoping from a first height to a second, greater height by sliding the second leg 230 from a first length to a second length. This enables the sealing element 250 to accommodate various heights of window opening 6.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sealing element 250 is placed within the spaces created by the flanges and webs of the first leg 220, second leg 230, and third leg 240. The scaling element 250 is thus retained within the sealing carrier 210 such that it cannot fall out of the sealing carrier 210. The sealing element 250 can be of any of a variety of materials, including metal, alloys, wood, composite, plastic, rigid foam, and/or combinations of such materials. If desired, the sealing element 250 can also be of the traditional accordion-style seal. If desired, a panel 251 can be added to provide additional thermal insulation and/or improved aesthetics. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, once the sealing member 200 has been fitted to the AC unit 1 within the window opening 6, the panel 251 can be cut to appropriate size and shape and then coupled to the sealing carrier 210 or to the sealing element 250. The panel 251 can be of a variety of materials, including foam, plastic, composite, rubber, and the like. The panel 251 can be coupled to the sealing carrier 210 in numerous ways, including but not limited to, adhesives, clips, fasteners, and the like.

The sealing member 200 can be coupled to the bracket 100 in various customary ways. As an example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, the sealing carrier 210 (with the sealing element 250 therein) is slidingly coupled to the second leg 130 of the first component 110 and to the second leg 180 of the second component 160. In this configuration, the scaling carrier 210 is pushed toward the AC unit 1 until first member 260 abuts the first legs 120, 170 and third legs 140, 190 of the first component 110 and second component 160, respectively. The second leg 230 of the sealing carrier 210 can then be coupled to a portion of the window, frame, or wall. In alternative embodiments, the bracket 100 can also feature an additional upper rail and/or lower rail (not shown) that extends across the window opening 6 to join the sides of the window opening 6.

As stated, a benefit of the embodiments is that the first component 110 and the second component 160 are completely separable. This enables more efficient packaging because the two components can nest together for a smaller footprint. With reference again to FIGS. 4,-6, 6A, and 6B, the first component 110 and second component 160 are configured for sliding, separable engagement. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first leg 120 and the third leg 140 of the first component 110 are configured to receive the first leg 170 and the third leg 190, respectively, of the second component 160. In particular, the first end 171 of the first leg 170 of the second component 160 engages the first end 121 of the first leg 120 of the first component 110. In this embodiment, the angle member of the first leg 170 has first face 173 and a second face 174 that engage first face 123 and second face 124, respectively, of the first leg 120 of the first component 110. The second face 174 resides in the space 126 between the second face 124 and the return lip 125. The return lip 125 maintains the first leg 170 in communication with the first leg 120.

Similarly, the first end 191 of the third leg 190 of the second component 160 engages the first end 141 of the third leg 140 of the first component 110. The angle member of the third leg 190 has first face 193 and a second face 194 that engage first face 143 and second face 144, respectively, of the third leg 140 of the first component 110. The second face 194 resides in the space 146 between the second face 144 and the return lip 145. The return lip 145 maintains the third leg 190 in communication with the third leg 140.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, once the first legs and third legs, respectively, are assembled by being engaged as described, the first component 110 and the second component 160 can slide relative to one another. As they slide relative to each other, the second leg 130 of the first component 110 and the second leg 180 of the second component 160 move closer or farther apart from one another. This means that the first component 110 and the second component 160 can translate with respect to one another to occupy a range of infinite configurations from a maximum open configuration (where a distance between the second leg 130 and the second leg 180 is at a maximum) to a minimum open configuration (where a distance between the second leg 130 and the second leg 180 is at a minimum). This range of movement enables the bracket 100 to be suitable for AC units of varying height dimensions. Alternatively, if desired, the first component 110 and second component 160 can be coupled together via fasteners once the desired size is achieved. As but one example, FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of the first component 110 and second component 160 with various fastener openings 101 therein. The first component 110 can be coupled to the second component 160 via fastener openings 101. Additionally, the bracket 100 can be coupled to the AC unit 1 itself via the fastener openings 101.

With continuing reference to the figures, various methods of installing the bracket 100 are possible. The various steps described herein are not required to be followed in the specific order discussed or claimed. For ease of understanding, however, a particular order is described herein.

One step involves obtaining a bracket 100 comprising first component 110 and second component 160. If purchased as part of an AC unit package, or even if purchased separately, the bracket 100 advantageously can be packaged and shipped with the components 110, 160 completely separated. A user then connects the two components 110, 160 by inserting the first end 171 of the first leg 170 of the second component 160 into the first end 121 of the first leg 120 of the first component 110, and inserting the first end 191 of the third leg 190 of the second component 160 into the first end 141 of the third leg 140 of the first component 110.

An alternative step involves the user coupling one or more sealing members 200 to the bracket 100. The user installs the sealing element 250 into the sealing carrier 210. The user then inserts the first leg 220 of the sealing carrier 210 into the second leg 130 of the first component 110, and inserts the third leg 240 of the sealing carrier 210 into the second leg 180 of the second component 160.

Another step involves the user opening the window 4 to the desired height to accommodate the AC unit 1. Typically this is achieved by raising a sash 5 vertically. However, other types of windows might open in different ways, it being important simply to achieve the desired size of window opening 6.

The user installs the assembled bracket 100 into window opening 6. If needed in order to fit within the window opening 6, the user can expand or contract the size of the bracket 100 by sliding the first component 110 and the second component 160 toward each other until the bracket 100 fits into the window opening 6. Similarly, the user can expand or contract the size of the sealing member 200 by sliding the first leg 220 and third leg 240 into or out of the second leg 130 and second leg 180, respectively. Then, the user can expand the bracket 100 to assume a configuration (i.e., a distance between the second leg 130 and the second leg 180) that is appropriate for the desired AC unit 1. Once the appropriate distance between the second leg 130 and the second leg 180 is achieved, the user can, if desired, fasten the bracket 100 to the window 4. Numerous options exist for such fastening, including but not limited to, inserting fasteners through one or more portions of the bracket 100 into one or more locations on or at the window 4, such as, but not limited to, the sash 5 and/or the stool 7.

Once the desired opening size of the bracket 100 has been achieved, the user then inserts the AC unit 1 from within the room 8 by resting a back end of the AC unit I onto the second leg 180 of the second component 160. The user then pushes the AC unit 1 outwardly on the second leg 180 until a flange 9 of the AC unit 1 contacts the bracket 100. Once the flange 9 contacts the bracket 100, the AC unit 1 is located at its desired position inside the bracket 100 inside the window opening 6.

The bracket 100 provides a secure structure in the window opening 6 on which the AC unit 1 safely rests. By installing the bracket 100 first, the user can more easily place the AC unit 1 in the window opening 6 and have confidence it will not fall out. The second leg 180 of the second component 160 provides a solid surface on which the AC unit 1 slides and rests.

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

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

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

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

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

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

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

It is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The foregoing description of several embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.