YARD GAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/710,426, filed Oct. 22, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to structures for facilitating physical activities, and more particularly to a yard game.

BACKGROUND

Some yard games can only be played indoors, or outdoors with an acceptable level of external artificial light. Without external artificial light, many yard games cannot be played outside at night. However, external artificial lights can be expensive, difficult to set up, and cumbersome to transport. Moreover, limiting play areas to only those with external artificial lights significantly reduces the number and types of areas in which a yard game can be played at night.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of yard games, that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques.

Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a yard game that overcomes at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter, disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a yard game that includes upright supports, connectors, and frame members connected to and supported by the upright supports via the connectors. The frame members define a perimeter of an elevated playing area. The yard game additionally includes a first boundary strap extending across the elevated playing area in a first direction from a first one of the frame members to a second one of the frame members opposite the first one of the frame members, the first one and the second one of the frame members being substantially parallel to each other. The yard game also includes a second boundary strap extending across the elevated playing area in a second direction from a third one of the frame members to a fourth one of the frame members opposite the third one of the frame members. The third one and the fourth one of the frame members are substantially parallel to each other. The first direction is substantially transverse to the second direction. The first boundary strap and the second boundary strap divide the elevated playing area into multiple open spaces. Each one of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap includes a strip and a light array coupled to the strip and including a plurality of lights spaced apart along a length of the strip. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

The first boundary strap and the second boundary strap are more flexible than the frame members. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.

The light array further includes an elongated flexible circuit extending along the length of the strip. The elongated flexible circuit is configured to transmit electrical power signals to the plurality of lights. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above.

The elongated flexible circuit is fixed to the strip via an adhesive. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to example 3, above.

The elongated flexible circuit is fixed to an outer surface of the strip such that the light array of each one of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap is uncovered by any other portion of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap, respectively. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to example 4, above.

The strip is a first strip. Each one of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap further includes a second strip fixed to and overlapping the first strip such that a pocket is defined between the first strip and the second strip. The light array is located within the pocket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 3-5, above.

Each one of opposing edge portions of the first strip are permanently coupled to a corresponding one of opposing edge portions of the second strip via a corresponding one of two couplings. The pocket is defined between the two couplings. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to example 6, above.

Each one of the two couplings includes stitching. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to example 7, above.

The light array is movably coupled to the first strip and the second strip such that the light array is movable within the pocket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 7-8, above.

The light array is slidably removable from and slidably insertable into the pocket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to example 9, above.

The plurality of lights of the light array are between the elongated flexible circuit and the second strip. The second strip is translucent to light generated by the plurality of lights. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 7-10, above.

The elongated flexible circuit is fixed to the first strip via an adhesive so that the light array does not move within the pocket. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 7-11, above.

Each one of the first strip and the second strip includes a woven fabric. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 6-12, above.

The strip includes a woven fabric. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-13, above.

Each one of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap is more flexible than the frame members and the upright supports. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-14, above.

The yard game includes two first boundary straps spaced apart and parallel to each other. The yard game also includes two second boundary straps spaced apart and parallel to each other. The two first boundary straps and the two second boundary straps divide the elevated playing area into nine open spaces. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-15, above.

The yard game further includes an electronic control system including an electronic controller configured to selectively adjust at least one of an intensity, a color, or a pattern of the plurality of lights of the light array of each one of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any of examples 1-16, above.

The electronic controller is further configured to control the light arrays of the first boundary strap and the second boundary strap such that at least one of the intensity, the color, or the pattern of the plurality of lights of the light array of the first boundary strap is different than the corresponding one of the intensity, the color, or the pattern of the plurality of lights of the light array of the second boundary strap. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to example 17, above.

Further disclosed herein is a yard game that includes upright supports, connectors, and frame members connected to and supported by the upright supports via the connectors. The frame members define a perimeter of an elevated playing area. The yard game additionally includes first boundary straps spaced apart from each other and extending across the elevated playing area in a first direction from a first one of the frame members to a second one of the frame members opposite the first one of the frame members. The first one and the second one of the frame members are substantially parallel to each other. The yard game also includes second boundary straps spaced apart from each other and extending across the elevated playing area in a second direction from a third one of the frame members to a fourth one of the frame members opposite the third one of the frame members. The third one and the fourth one of the frame members are substantially parallel to each other. The first direction is substantially transverse to the second direction. The first boundary straps and the second boundary straps divide the elevated playing area into multiple open spaces. The yard game further includes an electronic control system including an electronic controller. Each one of the first boundary straps and the second boundary straps is more flexible than the frame members and includes a first strip, a second strip fixed to and overlapping the first strip such that a pocket is defined between the first strip and the second strip, and a light array within the pocket and including a plurality of lights spaced apart along a length of the first strip and the second strip. The light array is slidably removable from and slidably insertable into the pocket. The electronic control system is configured to selectively adjust at least one of an intensity, a color, or a pattern of the plurality of lights of the light array of each one of the first boundary straps and the second boundary straps. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure.

Additionally disclosed herein is a yard game. The yard game includes at least one boundary strap defining a playing area. The at least one boundary strap includes a first strip including a first woven fabric, a second strip including a second woven fabric. The second strip is fixed to and overlaps the first strip such that a pocket is defined between the first strip and the second strip. The yard game also includes a light array within the pocket. The light array includes a plurality of lights spaced apart along a length of the first strip and the second strip. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular example or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples and/or implementations that may not be present in all examples or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict only certain examples of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a yard game, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a yard game, in a first lighting mode, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the yard game of FIG. 2, in a second lighting mode, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the yard game of FIG. 2, detailing a boundary strap of the yard game, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the yard game of FIG. 2, detailing an end portion of a boundary strap of the yard game, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the boundary strap of FIG. 5, taken along the plane 6-6 of FIG. 5, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a boundary strap of a yard game, taken along a plane similar to the plane 6-6 of FIG. 5, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a portion of the yard game of FIG. 2, detailing an electronic control system of the yard game, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 perspective view of a portable power source of the electronic control system of the yard game of FIG. 2, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to one example, a yard game 100 includes upright supports 102, frame members 104, and boundary straps 108. The frame members 104 are connected to the upright supports 102 via connectors 106. When the yard game 100 is supported on a horizontal surface, the upright supports 102 are vertical, and the frame members 104 and the boundary straps 108 are horizontal.

In some examples, the yard game 100 can be similar to the yard game described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,878,224, issued Jan. 23, 2024, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/414,247, filed Nov. 16, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. More specifically, in one example, the yard game 100 includes four frame members 104, which are interconnected via the connectors 106 to form a square-shaped frame within which a circumferentially-enclosed playing area is defined, and four upright supports 102, which are connected to corresponding corners of the square-shaped frame via the connectors 106. The upright supports 102 support the frame members 104, and thus the frame defined by the frame members 104, in an elevated position so that the playing area is an elevated playing area. For additional support along the frame members 104, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some examples, the yard game 100 has additional upright supports 102 along the frame members 104 between the corners of the square-shaped frame and coupled to the frame members 104 via additional connectors 106.

The boundary straps 108 are fixed to corresponding frame members 104 such that each one of the boundary straps 108 spans from one frame member 104 to an opposite frame member 104. Although any of various attachment methods can be employed (e.g., magnet, button, snap, etc.), in some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, each one of the boundary straps 108 include end portions 172 that wrap around a corresponding one of the frame members 104 and attach to itself to secure the boundary straps 108 to the frame members 104. The end portions 172 can include a selectively releasable fastener 170, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, to facilitate selective attachment and release of the boundary straps 108 to the frame members 104. Each one of the upright supports 102 can be a single continuous support or multiple segments interconnected together. Similarly, each one of the frame members 104 can be a single continuous member or multiple segments interconnected together. The frame members 104 can be more rigid or less flexible than the boundary straps 108.

In the illustrated example, the yard game 100 includes four boundary straps 108, where two of the boundary straps 108 extend parallel to each other between a first pair of opposing ones of the frame members 104, and the other two of the boundary straps 108 extend parallel to each other between a second pair of opposing ones of the frame members 104. Two parallel ones of the boundary straps 108 cross over, cross under, and/or attach to the other two parallel ones of the boundary straps 108 so that a grid of open spaces is formed within the elevated playing area by the frame members 104 and the boundary straps 108. In other words, the frame members (104) defines a perimeter of the elevated playing area and the boundary straps 108 divide the elevated playing area into multiple open spaces. Thus, in the illustrated example, the grid includes nine square-shaped open spaces. The parallel ones of the boundary straps 108 can be evenly spaced apart from each other and evenly spaced away from the nearest upright supports 102. In this manner, the open spaces of the grid can be evenly shaped and sized. In some examples, the yard game 100 includes fewer or greater than four boundary straps 108, such that the grid can include fewer than nine (e.g., four) or more than nine (e.g., sixteen) square-shaped open spaces. According to certain examples, each one of the upright supports 102 is adjustable in length to adjust a height of the frame members 104, and thus the height of the grid.

The frame members 104 are connected to the upright supports 102 at a location or height, such that, when the yard game 100 is supported on a horizontal surface, the frame members 104, and thus the boundary straps 108 and the grid of open spaces, are elevated above the horizontal surface. During game play, according to one example, participants push or hit a ball up through one of the open spaces so that it falls downward through another one of the open spaces. This action is repeated by participants until the ball is pushed or hit outside of the frame or falls onto the horizontal surface after passing downwardly through an open space of the grid. Accordingly, for proper game play, participants must be able to see the boundary straps 108 to know the location of the open spaces of the grid and where to push or hit the ball. However, at night or in low-light environments, seeing the boundary straps 108 can be difficult, which hampers game play.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some examples, the boundary straps 108 are selectively illuminated to enable participants to easily locate the boundary straps 108 and determine the locations of the open spaces during game play in dark or low-light environments. In addition to helping locate the boundary straps 108, illumination of the boundary straps can add an aesthetically-pleasing look to the yard game 100. Each one of the boundary straps 108 includes one or more lights that are selectively operable to emit light when needed to locate the boundary straps 108 during game play. In one example, the lights of the boundary straps 108 are manually activated by a user, such as via a manually-operable switch or via a smart device. However, in other examples, the lights are electrically coupled with one or more optical sensors (e.g., light sensors) and are automatically activated when light detected by the optical sensor(s) drops below a predetermined threshold (e.g., when it becomes dark).

In some examples, the color, pattern, and/or the intensity of the lights of the boundary straps 108 are adjustable, such as manually or automatically (e.g., based on sensed changes in the lighting conditions). In one example, such as shown in FIG. 3 and represented by light emission markings of the same type, the color, pattern, and intensity of the lights of all the boundary straps 108 are the same (e.g., adjusted to be the same color and intensity). According to another example, such as shown in FIG. 2 and represented by light emission markings of different types, the color, pattern, and/or intensity of the lights of one or more of the boundary straps 108 can be different (e.g., adjusted to be different) than the color, pattern, and/or intensity of the lights of another one or more of the boundary straps 108.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, according to certain examples, each one of the boundary straps 108 includes a light array 122 or light strand having multiple lights 120 interconnected together. Each one of the lights 120 can be one or more light-emitting diodes (LED). In some examples, the lights 120 of the light array 122 are powered and controllable by an electronic control system 176 that includes an electronic controller, such as the electronic controller 130 of FIG. 8. The electronic controller 130 includes circuitry that controls the activation, intensity, color, or pattern of the lights 120 of the light array 122. The activation and characteristics of the light generated by the lights 120 can be selectively controlled by a user via the electronic controller 130 directly by selectively engaging buttons or switches on the electronic controller 130. Alternatively, the electronic controller 130 is communicatively coupleable with an external computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, and the like, via a wired or wireless connection and selectively controllable via the external computing device. For example, a user can connect his/her smartphone with the electronic controller 130 via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, and, via a downloaded software application, control operation of the light array 122 from the smartphone.

The electronic controller 130 and the light array 122 can be powered by any of various electrical power sources of the electronic control system 176. As shown in FIG. 9, in one example, the electrical power source of the electronic control system 176 includes one or more portable battery packs 140, which can be solar-powered battery packs in some examples. In other examples, the electrical power source is a wall outlet or generator.

The boundary strap 108 includes one or more strips of material, such as strips of woven fabric (e.g., woven polypropylene, woven polyester, woven nylon, woven aramids, and the like), strips of non-woven fibrous materials (e.g., fibers bonded together mechanically, chemically, or thermally), or strips of other flexible materials (e.g., solid polymers, elastomers, and the like). According to some examples, the boundary straps 108 are configured to or made of materials that promote at least a resistance to the degrading effects of weather (e.g., rain, sun, wind, and temperature). In certain examples, the boundary straps are weather-resistant, water-resistant, or waterproof.

The light array 122 is coupled to (e.g., attached to, fixed to, embedded within, etc.) the one or more strips of the boundary strap 108. In the illustrative examples, the light array 122 includes an elongated flexible circuit 152 to which the lights 120 are attached and along which the lights 120 are spaced. The lights 120 can be uniformly spaced along the flexible circuit 152. Electrical power signals are transmitted to the lights 120 via the flexible circuit 152, which receives the electrical power signals from a cable 160. The cable 160 is electrically coupled to and receives the electrical power signals from the electronic controller 130. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic control system 176 includes at least one cable 160 for every light array 122 of the boundary straps 108. For organization and storage, the yard game 100 can include a storage bag 162 that is removably attachable to a component of the yard game, such as one of the frame members 104. One or more components of the electronic control system 176, such as the electronic controller 130 and the portable battery packs 140, can be stored in the storage bag 162 during gameplay or when the yard game 100 is not in use.

In some examples, the light array 122 is attached to an outer or external side (e.g., surface) of a strip of the boundary strap 108 such that the light array 122 is uncovered. According to one example, as shown in FIG. 7, the boundary strap 108 is a single-layer strap made of only one strip 124. In the illustrative example, the light array 122 is attached to the outer side of the strip 124, such as with an adhesive 156, between the flexible circuit 152 and the outer side. However, as recognized below, other methods for attaching the light array 122 can be used. In other examples, the boundary strap 108 has multiple layers or multiple overlapping strips where the light array 122 is attached to an outer or external side of an outermost or external one of the multiple layers or strips. Accordingly, in such examples, even though the boundary strap 108 has multiple layers, the light array 122 is still uncovered.

To help protect the light array 122 from damage and environmental elements, in some examples, such as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the boundary strap 108 is a multi-layer strap having two overlapping strips of fabric (e.g., first strip 124A and second strip 124B), and the light array 122 is sandwiched between first strip 124A and the second strip 124B. In other words, the light array 122 is located within a pocket 168 defined between the first strip 124A and the second strip 124B. In this manner, the light array 122 is covered on both sides by a strip or layer of the boundary strap 108. In examples where the boundary strap 108 is made of weather-resistant, water-resistant, or waterproof, the strips or layers of the boundary strap 108, by covering the light array 122, help protect the light array 122 from the weather and the potential negative effects of outdoor use. The light array 122 can be affixed to an inner or interior side of one of the first strip 124A or the second strip 124B, such as via an adhesive, so that the light array 122 does not move within the pocket 168 (i.e., does not move relative to the pocket), or can be allowed to float and/or freely move within (e.g., slide along) the pocket 168.

The multi-layer strap 108 of FIG. 6 can be formed from a single strip of flexible material that is folded over and secured to itself, such as along edges of the overlapping portions of the strip. In this manner, the overlapping portions of the same strip effectively define the first strip 124A and the second strip 124B. However, in other examples, the multi-layer strap 108 can be formed from two separate and overlapping strips of flexible material that are attached to each other along edges. In either configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the light array 122 is located within the pocket 168 formed between strips of the boundary strap 108. In the example of FIG. 6, at least the strip covering the light array 122 is thin enough or translucent enough to enable light emitted from the lights 120 to pass through the layer and be visible by the participants. Alternatively, in some examples, the boundary strap 108 can include multiple windows spaced apart along the strip that covers the light array 122. The windows can be sized and spatially arranged so that each one of the lights 120 of the light array 122 is aligned with a corresponding one of the windows, thus enabling light from the lights 120 to pass through the windows and be visible by participants. The windows can be made of a material that is more translucent than the material of the strip covering the light array 122. In this manner, the lights 120 can be seen to help participants locate the boundary straps 108 while providing protection for the light array 122 in potentially harsh environments. In certain examples, edge portions of the first strip 124A and the second strip 124B are secured together via a coupling 150, which can be any of various permanent couplings, such as stitching, adhesives, fasteners, etc. In the illustrative examples, the coupling 150 is shown as stitching.

The light array 122 is permanently coupled to the boundary strap 108 in some examples, such as via an adhesive, stitching, non-removable fasteners (e.g., rivets, zip ties, etc.), or other permanent coupling techniques. But in other examples, the light array 122 is merely selectively removably coupled to the boundary strap 108 to enable removal and/or replacement of the light array 122 if needed or desired. In examples where the boundary strap 108 is a multi-layer strap, the light array 122 is retained within the pocket between the layers, but can be slid out of the pocket if needed or desired, and the same or another light array can be slid into the pocket if needed or desired.

Alternatively, such as examples where the boundary strap 108 is a single-layer strap, the light array 122 is selectively removably coupled to the boundary strap 108 via one or more selectively releasable fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners).

It is recognized that additional illumination may be desired in some circumstances or according to certain preferences. Accordingly, in some examples, each boundary strap 108 can include at least two light arrays 122. In one example, such as with a single-layer boundary strap 108, at least one light array 122 can be secured to both of opposite sides of the boundary strap 108. In another example, such as with a multi-layer boundary strap 108, at least two light arrays 122, in a back-to-back configuration, can be positioned between two overlapping layers of the boundary strap 108. Additionally, or alternatively, in certain examples, one or more light arrays 122 can be attached to components of the yard game 100, other than the boundary straps 108, such as the frame members 104 and/or the uprights supports 102.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”“left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” Moreover, unless otherwise noted, as defined herein a plurality of particular features does not necessarily mean every particular feature of an entire set or class of the particular features.

The term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” in some embodiments, is defined to mean within +/−5% of a given value, however in additional embodiments any disclosure of “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” may be further narrowed and claimed to mean within +/−4% of a given value, within +/−3% of a given value, within +/−2% of a given value, within +/−1% of a given value, or the exact given value. Further, when at least two values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between the two values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the smaller of the two values and/or no more than the larger of the two values. Additionally, when at least three values of a variable are disclosed, such disclosure is specifically intended to include the range between any two of the values regardless of whether they are disclosed with respect to separate embodiments or examples, and specifically intended to include the range of at least the A value and/or no more than the B value, where A may be any of the disclosed values other than the largest disclosed value, and B may be any of the disclosed values other than the smallest disclosed value.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to or with another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one example of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.